Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

Top 5 treks in Maharashtra (Sahyadri Range)

Sahyadri Range is also known as the Western Ghats, stretches from Gujrat to Tamilnadu, covering an area of 160,000 km². It runs through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Western Ghats house many enormous and beautiful mountains and are also known as natural wonders of India. It has one of the world’s favorable biodiversity that supports the natural vegetation, flora, and fauna. It houses many mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and bird species, along with breath-taking landscapes and views. The atmosphere here makes trekking even more pleasant. The best time to visit is during monsoon and post-monsoon. One can experience a valley of flowers post-winter. These mountain ranges have easy to moderate difficulty levels of trails. Let’s look at these Top 5 treks in Maharashtra: Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, Rajmachi fort, Vikatgad/peb fort, Prabalgad. And we will checkout Itinerary for every trek. Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

Image source: Sahyadri Range

Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

1. Kalsubai  

Image source: Kalsubai trek

Kalsubai Mountain is the highest point in Maharashtra, situated at an elevation of 1,646 meters. Kalsubai is also known as Everest of Maharashtra is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Maharashtra. Kalsubai is a great place for campers and stargazers. But it is advisable to be careful while camping because it has suitable habitation for wild animals.   

  Itinerary

     How to reach: Take a train to the nearest railway station i.e., Igatpuri, approximately 30 km away from the Bari village (Base village) and take a cab to Bari village you will start your trekking from here.

Where to stay: Various homestays and campsites are available in the base village.

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty level: medium to moderate 

What you will see: Spectacular view, sunset/ sunrise, Kalsubai temple

Image source: Kalsubai temple

2. Harishchandragad fort  

Image source: Trek to Harishchandragad

Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

Harishchandragad fort is in the Ahmednagar district and is one of the ancient forts in the Western Ghats. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation and scenic view that will leave you astonished. You will get to see small water bodies and steep trails on the go. Camping is safe in this area, but it is advisable to stay aware. You can also stay in abandoned caves at the top. Harishchandragad fort is one of the nearest treks from kalsubai. If you love trekking and want to cover a large number of areas, you can trek these mountain ranges located close to each other. Don’t forget to witness the beautiful sunrise from Konkan Kada and breathtaking landscapes from Taramati point.

Itinerary

How to reach: Take a train to the nearest railway station i.e., Igatpuri, 41 km away from Harishchandragad Fort. Reach Pachnai base village to start your trek.

Where to stay: Various homestays and campsites are available in the base village.

Trek duration: 2 days if camping

Difficulty level: medium to moderate

What you will see: Spectacular view, sunset/ sunrise, Harishchandragad temple, forts, and caves   

Image source: Harishchandragad temple

 Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

3.  Rajmachi fort

Image source: Rajmachi fort

Rajmachi fort is perhaps the most sizzling destination for the Mumbai and Pune trekkers group. Rajmachi is a small village in the mountains of Sahyadri. Rajmachi fort is consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide machi (plateau) surrounding the two Balekillas. You will get to see lush green treks and beautiful sparkling waterfalls.

Itinerary

How to reach: Take a train to the nearest railway station i.e. Karjat Railway station. Take a cab or auto to Reach Kondana village (Base village).

Where to stay: This is a one-day trek so you can return on the same day.

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty level: Easy

What you will see: It offers lots of adventurous activities and a picturesque view.

Image source: Shiv temple

 Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

4. Vikatgad/peb fort

Image source: Vikatgad trek

Vikatgad or peb fort is located, in the Raigad district, of Maharashtra. It is 19 km from karjat and 3.5 km from neral. It is close to Matheran and Neral attract many trekkers on weekends. Vikatgad lies at an altitude of 2100 feet above mean sea level. It is named Vikatgad for its supposed shape of the Elephant Headed God, Ganesh. Peb Fort is mainly known for its caves and meditation chambers which chiseled in the rocks. These meditation chambers and maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha. Peb Fort is the best place for those who want to spend some time alone meditating and exploring.

Itinerary

How to reach: Take a train to the nearest railway station, i.e., Neral Railway station. It is 3.5 km away from vikatgad. Take a cab or auto to reach the starting point.

Where to stay: This is a one-day trek so you can return on the same day.

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty level: Easy

What you will see: You can witness picturesque views, caves, meditation chambers, and The Prati Girnar temple at the top.                                

 Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

Image source: Temple

5.  Prabalgad

Image source: Prabalgad

Prabalgad Fort is another fort located in the Raigad district between Matheran and Panvel. Prabalgad is a ways off of 46 km from Matheran and16 km from Panvel. It lies at an altitude of 2300 feet. It is known for its historical resemblance and can be reached via a steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort were cut into the rocks. You will get to witness the spectacular view of Matheran. The trail of this trek will pass through misty hills and green patches that will offer the trekkers a moderate terrain. And if you are still hungry for some greater challenge, head towards Kalavantin Durg. Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

Itinerary

How to reach: Take a train to the nearest railway station i.e., Panvel Railway station. Take a cab or Bus to base village Thakurwadi (one-hour ride)

Where to stay: Many Villagers offer homestay and camping options at Prabalmachi Village.

Trek duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty level: medium

What you will see: You can witness lush green treks and breathtaking views.

These are the list of Top 5 treks in Maharashtra and are must-visit mountain ranges for every hiker in Maharashtra. Top 5 treks in Maharashtra

 Thanks for reading :) 

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