Click it and Unblock the Notifications
When a place is blessed with a coastal belt as well as lush green hilly regions, it becomes a hotspot. Both trekking and sunbathing is possible in Maharashtra, you'll find many options for travelling here.
In recent times, Maharashtra tourism has become popular and many love going on tours in the state. The Western Ghats and the age old forts have become major hubs for treks.
Usually, it is known as a monsoon destination but the winter season is also a great time for visiting the state. Right after the rainy months, the hill stations are covered with greenery. The ideal time to go for treks in Maharashtra is from October to February.
The pleasant climate in this season makes the places more scenic.
Let us have a look at the some best trekking spots!
Lohagad Fort
Trek Difficulty Level: Easy
Lohagad Fort is located near Lonavala hill station (12km). The Western Ghats provides a green blanket around the twin forts of Lohagad and Visapur.
Lohagad fort is known as a monsoon destination. Many tourists love trekking during the rainy season, however the trails will be slippery and precautions are much needed in this time.
Photo Courtesy: vivek Joshi
Lohagad Fort Trek
At a height of 3,389 ft, Lohagad Fort is considered as a beginners' trek.Lohagad is accessible by Mumbai-Pune Highway and the nearest railway station is Malavli. One can also visit Bhaja Caves which is around 4km from the fort.
Photo Courtesy: Ramji R
Shivneri Fort
Trek Difficulty Level: Medium
Shivneri Fort is the birth place of Chatrapati Shivaji. Shivneri Fort is a heritage site which is managed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).It is one of the popular hill forts in Maharashtra. Shivneri Fort is located near Junnar, around 100km from Pune.
Photo Courtesy: Ramveeturi
Shivneri Fort Trek
There are many things to see in Shivneri Fort. Rock-cut caves, temples, water tanks, etc. indicating to the Buddhist settlements before Maratha empire.
Shivaji Maharaj was named after the Goddess Shivai Devi, whose temple is in the fort. The statues of Jijabai (Shivaji's mother) and Shivaji are also found here.
Photo Courtesy: Ramveeturi
Sinhagad Fort
Trek Difficulty Level: Medium
Sinhagad Fort is one the famous tourist places near Pune. It is situated at a distance of 35km from the city. This hill fort is said to be 2000 years old.
Sinhagad means Lion's Fort, it got this name because of Tanaji Malusare who fought like a lion against Mughals and gave his life in the battle.
Photo Courtesy: Dmpendse
Sinhagad Fort Trek
Sinhagad Fort has two entrances: Kalyan Gate and Pune Gate. Trekking is not a difficult one, however during monsoon the trails become slippery.
It takes around 2-3 hours to reach the summit of the fort. Tourists can either trek from the base or reach the main entrance in vehicles and climb up from there. Inside the fort, a memorial is built for Tanaji Malusare and Chatrapati Rajaram (Shivaji's son).
Photo Courtesy: Rait
Torna Fort Trek
Trek Difficulty Level: Medium - Difficult
Torna Fort, at a height of 4,603 ft, is the highest hill forts in Pune. It is historically important as it is the first fort which was acquired by Shivaji Maharaj. It is also known as Prachandagad and is located around 60km from the city of Pune.
Photo Courtesy: Rhushiraj Patil
Torna Fort Trek
Torna Trek is difficult during the monsoons. Even though the route is straight, the slopes are steep. Tourists have to cross 3 different levels of hike.
Velhe is the base village from the where the trek starts. The Velhe village can be reached in bus.The place gets South-West Monsoon from September to December and the climate will be wonderful for trekking after this time till March.
Photo Courtesy: Amogh Sarpotdar
Matheran
Trek Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate
Matheran is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. Matheran is 2,625 ft above the sea level and is situated in the Western Ghats of Raigad district.
Matheran has several trekking routes and it can be chosen according to the preferences.
Photo Courtesy: Magiceye
Matheran Trek
Matheran is a big hill station, one needs atleast 2-3 days to cover all the attractions here.
There are 2 main trekking trails: Neral - Matheran and Dhudani - Matheran. Neral trail is an easyone and Dudhani trail is difficult.
It is also a eco-sensitive zone and has various attractions. Panorama Point, Porcupine Point, etc. are some of the hill view points here.
Photo Courtesy: Omkar A Kamale
Tikona Hill Fort
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate
Tikona Peth or Tikona Fort is called so because it looks like a triangle. The fort is located on the top of the hill and is one of the famous tourist places near Pune (60km).
Not much is known about the history of the fort. It gained importance after siege of Maratha rulers. Tikona Hill fort is located in Maval.
Photo Courtesy: Rushil Fernandes
Tikona Hill Fort
Tourists can visit Tuljadevi Mandir and a Hanuman Temple on the way to the summit of Tikona Peth.
Triambakeshwar Temple, Caves of Satavahana period and ponds are the attractions inside the fort. One can also see Pawna Dam, Tung Fort and Jambuli Hill from this fort.
The trek is not difficult and it is better to carry food and water.
Photo Courtesy: Cherishsantosh
Kalsubai
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate - Difficult
Kalsubai peak gets its name from the local deity called Kalsubai. There is a temple on top of the hill dedicated to the goddess.
Kalsubai is the highest peak in the Sahyadri ranges and hence called as the 'Everest of Maharashtra'. It is a place for adventure and nature lovers.
Photo Courtesy: Mvkulkarni23
Kalsubai Trek
The trek starts from the base village of Bari. Trekking is very popular here and iron ladders are placed for the convenience of people.
There are several trails and one of the difficult ones crosses through Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary area.Bhandardhara Dam, Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Temple are some of the main attractions of this trek.
Photo Courtesy: Ankur P
