Mountains are the most exciting and beautiful places to visit, and trekking allows you to explore them from close-up. Trekking is a form of walking undertaken to explore and enjoy the scenery especially in hilly areas. In the last decade, trekking has emerged as a popular adventure sports activity, and Maharashtra is the capital for all trekkers.
Maharashtra's geographical location makes it a hub for enthusiasts to embark on many adventure sports. There are umpteen daredevil and adrenaline-thumping sports here, from river rafting to trekking to satiate the cravings of all adventure enthusiasts. Moreover, trekking near Mumbai is an unmissable experience because of challenging trails like the Salher Fort trail, among others, and the scenic views these trekking places near Mumbai offer.
So, if you are a keen trekker who is on a search for your next escapade, here is a list that entails all the best trekking places in Maharashtra.
15 best trekking routes in Maharashtra:
1. Kanheri Caves trail
Kanheri caves are located inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. They are one of the easiest trails for trekking near Mumbai. You can climb or walk to the Kanheri Peak which also houses some ancient Buddhist shrines. The caves are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, which ensures a clean and safe trekking trail for all visitors.
- Location: Kanheri Caves are located on the outskirts of Mumbai. The caves are in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, so they are easily accessible by road.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit the caves is during the monsoon. Mumbai rains enhance the beauty of these caves.
2. Shilonda trail
Shilonda trail is interestingly Sanjay Gandhi National Park's most popular trek. The trail is quiet, peaceful, and attracts many first-time hikers. It also allows the trekkers to encounter the amazing flora and fauna of the forest reserve of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. So, go for this trek near Mumbai to experience a pleasurable and serene hike under the shade of local trees. It is ideal for people who want to trek with their family and friends.
- Location: Shilonda Trail is located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali. It is easily accessible by road and rail.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon season is the best time to visit Shilonda trail.
3. Peb Fort trek
The Peb Fort trek offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Mountain range. The trek passes through many waterfalls, and you also get to visit a local village rich in history and culture. The trekking trail also allows trekkers to visit Matheran, a popular hill station near Mumbai. Peb Fort trail is perfect for those who are first-time trekkers or want to indulge in a short trekking experience.
- Location: The fort is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, which is well connected by road and railways.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to enjoy the Peb trek, as it allows you experience the magnanimity of the fort and its surroundings.
4. Korigad Fort trail
Korigad Fort showcases the grandeur of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy. The fort is located near Lonavala, Pune, and was built in the 15th century. There are three temples near the fort that enhance the beauty of the place. The planned city of Aamby Valley is located in the fort’s southern and eastern foothills.
- Location: The trail is located 20 kms from Lonavala. Therefore, it is easy to reach by road and railway.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Korigad trail is during the summer season. The temperature ranges between 19-25 degrees, making it a pleasant experience.
5. Sudhagad Fort trail
Sudhagad Fort trail is yet another scenic trekking trail from Thakurwadi village in Karjat. During the trek, you can pass through some ancient temples and monuments of historical importance. If you plan to trek to the fort, do not miss out on visiting the Chor Darwaza.
- Location: The trail is located in Raigad district, which is easily accessible by road and railways.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Sudhagad Fort trail is during the summer season.
6. Purandar Fort trail
Situated near Pune, Purandar Fort, is also referred to as the replica of Vajragad Fort. The trail is popular among adventure enthusiasts and historians who want to explore Maharashtrian history and culture. Since it is near Pune, the trail attracts many youngsters every weekend.
The trek starts from Narayanpur village in the Pune district and ends at the Purandar Fort. The trail is not ideal for first-time trekkers because it has no natural water source along the way. Moreover, the wobbly topography makes it hard for new trekkers to climb.
- Location: The trail is located near Pune and is easily accessible from roads and railways.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to go on a trek to Purandar Fort.
7. Ratnagad Fort trail
Situated amid the wilderness, the Ratnagad Fort trail is ideal for experienced trekkers because the hiking trail is a mix of forest lands and iron ladders. Someone with high endurance, good grip, and trekking experience can successfully make it through this trail. It starts from the Pravara River and ends at the Ratnagad Fort, which is surrounded by wilderness on one side and Bhandardara Lake on the other.
- Location: The trail is accessible by road and railway. You can reach Ratnagad from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Igatpuri through public transport like bus and train.
- Best time to visit: October to February are the best months to visit the Ratnagad trek because the climate is pleasant, offering beautiful views of flora and fauna.
8. Rajmachi Fort trail
A popular trekking trail near Mumbai, Rajmachi trek starts from Udhewadi village. There are two trails that lead to the fort. Choose one, depending on your trekking experience. The most accessible trail starts from Udhewali village and ends at the fort, while the more challenging one begins at Kondana caves.
- Location: Rajmachi Fort is situated on the outskirts of Mumbai. It has excellent road and railway connectivity.
- Best time to visit: June to September is the best time to visit the Rajmachi trekking trail.
9. Raigad Fort trail
Raigad Fort has a rich history and serene surroundings that need to be explored, and this trekking trail helps you witness all that and more. Situated a few kilometres away from Mumbai and Pune, the Raigad Fort trail is a popular trekking place near Mumbai.
During the Maratha rule, the fort served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, the fort is mere ruins consisting of structures like the queen’s quarter, public durbar, watch towers, and others. The Raigad Fort trek starts from Pachad and ends at the entrance of the fort. The trail’s route is wobbly and is not recommended for first-time trekkers.
- Location: Raigad Fort is located a few kilometres from Mumbai and Pune. The place has excellent transport connectivity.
- Best time to visit: November to March is the best time to visit Raigad Fort.
10. Tungareshwar trail
The Tungareshwar trail offers adventure enthusiasts a peek into the expansive Arabian sea and the famous Tungareshwar National Park. The difficulty of the trek depends on the route you choose. If you are looking for an easy trek, then walk four kilometres up to the Shiva Temple and end your trek. You can head to Balayogi Ashram and Vajreshwari Springs for a longer trail.
- Location: The Tungareshwar Trail is in Kaman, which is located on the outskirts of Mumbai. The trekking place is near Virar and has great connectivity by road and railway.
- Best time to visit: December to February is the best time to visit the Tungareshwar Trail.
11. Jungli Jaigad
Jungli Jaigad trek offers you a peek into the vastness and beauty of Mother Nature. This trek that explores the flora and fauna of Jaigad passes through the Koyna Dam Kumbharli Ghat, among others. The trek is ideal for experienced trekkers because of its route that encompasses dense forests and wobbly terrain. The trek requires endurance and confidence that comes with experience.
- Location: Jungli Jaigad is located near Ratnagiri. Therefore, has great connectivity by road and railway.
- Best time to visit: Winter is the best time to go for this trek.
12. Salher Fort trail
Salher Fort trail is an extremely difficult and enduring trekking journey that only experienced trekkers can traverse. The trek consists of climbing the second highest peak of Maharashtra, the Salher peak, which is not a child's play. The trail has slippery terrain, rock-cut steps, and an exposed and rockfall situation that makes it difficult to complete the trek.
The Salher Trek trail passes through some of the most beautiful and dense mountains to reach the top of the peak which offers a bird's eye view of the vast landscape of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Location: Salher Fort is located a few kilometres from Mumbai and Pune. The place has excellent transport connectivity.
- Best time to visit: October to February is the best time to visit Salher Fort.
13. Sandhan Valley trail
Sandhan Valley is also known as Valley of Suspense or Valley of Shadow. The trek is one of the hardest treks in Maharashtra after the Salher Fort trek. The famous trek offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri Western Ghats and Maharashtra's mesmerisingBhandardara region. The valley is 200 feet deep, and sometimes even the sun's rays cannot pass through the valley.
- Location: Sandhan Valley is located a few kilometres from Mumbai and Pune. The place has excellent transport connectivity.
- Best time to visit: Sandhan Valley’s climate is pleasant throughout the year, so you can go on trekking anytime.
14. Kune Waterfalls trail
Kune Waterfalls, located in Khandala, attracts tourists in large numbers throughout the year. Similarly, the Kune Waterfalls trail is a popular choice for experienced trekkers. First because of its close proximity to Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik; second because of its challenging topography. The trail that ends at Kune Waterfalls provides a breath-taking view of the Sahyadri Mountain range.
- Location: The waterfalls are located two kilometres away from Khandala station.
- Best time to visit: Rainy season is the best time to visit the waterfalls to enjoy the best views.
15. Garbett Point Trail
A trek to the Garbett Plateau will offer you breathtaking views of the Diksal and Ashane Waterfalls and more. However, the trail has a steep ascent and a slippery, wobbly topography—making it hard for first-time trekkers to tackle.
- Location: Garbett Point is located in Matheran and is accessible from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik.
- Best time to visit: July to February is the best time to go on the trekking trail.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.