The Sahyadri mountain ranges in Maharashtra provide a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts during the monsoon season. Nature hikes and walks are rejuvenating during this time as they involve thick forest cover, picturesque waterfalls, and heighten mists. Unlike the common city experiences during monsoon, these treks around the Sahyadri highlands offer quiet lovely retreats from city chaos close to Mumbai and Pune. They also feature lush surroundings with dense woodlands, gushing springs, sparkling waterfalls, and bubbling springs along with vibrant river valleys. They transform into must-visit places when sought to relax away from busy life for a while.
Best monsoon trek near Pune and Mumbai
1. Andharban Trek in the Monsoon
- This controlled descent hike, which gets its name from a dense forest, provides breathtaking views of the Tamhini Ghat mountain ridges, Bhira dam, Devkund Waterfall, and Kundalika Valley.
- The hike commences in Mulshi, Pune, and ends at Tamhini, a base village. It is a valley/jungle drop track.
- There are captivating waterfalls and thick trees on the medium-grade landscape.
- The trip is around 130 kilometres from Mumbai and 70 kilometres from Pune.
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2. Aadrai Jungle Trek: An Unexplored Rainforest Experience
- The Aadrai Jungle Trek is located at Malshej Ghat in Sahyadri which is one of their mid-level adventures exposing off seasional untouched hidden beauty and offers rich variety.
- As it’s said to be stumbled upon a local villager who lost his way while hunting, we can find its start point within Junnar city of Pune.
- Most people lookout for fresh air when stepping out of their shady routine town lives looking for greener grass somewhere out there somewhere out there. This trek provides just that by serving as a retreat from unhealthy suffocating urban atmosphere.
- Other than ancient temples like Nageshwar or old caves waiting to tell tales long forgotten alongside Kalu waterfall, there are numerous pieces of enchanting natural splendor breaching vision behind every corner showcasing India’s exquisite diversity through plants and animals.
- Alongside wonders mentioned earlier found hidden after steep climbs revealing stunning viewpoints atop peak spots lies around 1200ft enveloping the plunging cascades drip dancing together creating view riveting waters encompassing resonate all sprinkled immers desiring head endlessly indulged countless wildlife beckoning wider spanning excuse restrain sight.
- The trek is challenging but rewarding, with the main interest being the stunning splendour of the forest.
- The travel to Aadrai is about 180 kilometres from Mumbai and 130 kilometres from Pune, making it an ideal weekend escape.
3.Kalsubai Peak Trek
- At 5,400 feet (1646 meters) above sea level, this is Maharashtra’s tallest peak.
- Beautiful views of Bhandardara are available, and it’s reachable from Pune.
- At the top sits the Kalsubai Temple, which is said to have been gifted by a local girl.
- Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad Fort, Ajoba Parvat, Bhandardara Lake, and Wilson Dam are among the forts that can be seen throughout the travel.
- Fireflies and a cloud carpet that extends for kilometres may be seen during the pre-monsoon season.
- The hot, muggy air and captivating daybreak vistas make post-monsoon night walks a favourite activity.
4. Harishchandragad Trek
- A high fort with several doors close to Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Temple carvings reveal a medieval society with Shaiva, Shakta, or Naath.
- Later under Moghul’s rule, the Marathas took it in 1747.
- Sapta Tirta Pushkarini, Kedareshwar Cave, Konkan Kada, Konkan Cliff, Taramati Peak, and the Temple of Harishchandreshwar are among the main attractions.
- Details of the trek: Igatpuri, Ahmednagar, Junnar, 4650 feet above sea level, medium difficulty, medium persistence.
- Three hours were spent hiking upward one way.
- Trek distance: 170 miles via car from Pune, 5 km uphill.
5. Rajmachi Fort Lonavala
- Manaranjan and Shrivardhan are the two defences of this historic fort.
- Viewable from Mumbai on the right side of Borghat is the Pune Expressway.
- Lonavala Hill Stations is a well-liked location for hiking.
- Trek 16 kilometres from Lonavala using several ways.
- Only in the winter and summer is it likely to stay at Udhewadi Village.
- You may see the breathtaking Kataldhar falls during the monsoon season.
- Provides a large number of caverns for overnight stops.
- Strategically overlooks the Sahyadri Mountains’ old trading route, Borghat.
- One of the top hiking goals in Maharashtra, it is well-liked by Indian hikers.
6. Korigad Trek
- Korigad, also known as Koraigad, Koarigad, or Kumwarigad, is a hill fort in Pune district, Maharashtra, India.
- Located about 20 km south of Lonavla, it is about 929 meters above sea level.
- The fort is characteristic of the Aamby Valley project, with two artificial lakes to the east.
- The fort is accessible year-round, with camping sites and three temples, including the Korai Devi temple, accommodating up to 25 people.
- In 1657, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Korigad, along with other forts, after the treaty of Purander.
- The fort was lost to the British on March 14th, 1818, after Col Prothar shot it.
- The Korigad Trek is an easy, 1-1.5 hour one-way climb, with the nearest railway station standing Lonavala.
- The trek is a Fort Trail, with a distance of 107 km from Mumbai and 91 km from Pune.
7. Lohagad Fort Trek
- Lohagad Fort, an Iron fort in Marathi, is located 52 km northwest of Pune.
- The fort is linked to Visapur Fort via a small range, dividing the bays of the Indrayani River and Pavana River rivers.
- The fort has four large gates, declared a covered monument by the Archaeology Survey of India.
- The top of the fort features four doors: ‘Ganesh Darwaaja’, ‘Narayan Darwaaja’, ‘Hanuman Darwaaja’, and ‘Maha Darwaaja’.
- The Maha Darwaaja houses an old ‘Dargah’, remnants of the court, and ‘Laxmi Kothi’, the treasury of Nana Phadnis.
- Vinchu Kata, a 1500-meter-long & 30 meters wide part of the mountain, was used to monitor the surrounding area.
- The Lohagad Monsoon Trek is easy, with a test level of 3400 feet, a base village of Lohagad Wadi, and a moderate persistence level.
- The trek requires 2 hours from Malavali and 40 minutes from Lohagad Wadi, with a total climbing distance of 5 kilometres.
- The trek is a Fort Trail, with the nearest railway station being Lonavala.
Explore the Best Monsoon Treks
How do you get ready to go trekking?
- To develop muscle power, begin with short walks and jogging.
- Testing before and after a trek to promote quicker recovery.
- To increase energy, incorporate cardio into your regular workouts.
- For a speedier recovery, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein.
- Keep snacks on hand to keep your energy levels.
- To prevent water-borne illnesses during the monsoon, drink lots of water.
- To improve fit, ready your legs and rear.
Things to avoid on your first trekking trip
- For your health and endurance, refrain from smoking and drinking before and during hikes.
- Keep necessities in a backpack that has been wet.
- Steer clear of sandals, sports shoes, and gym shoes.
- To prevent fouling slopes and destroying vistas, bring rubbish home.
- Share information about your experience with your loved ones.
- If you are confident, avoid walking alone.
As the weather plays host and allows you to see the most breathtaking sights, prepare yourself for an incredible trek close to Mumbai and Pune this monsoon.