Here are some of the top 10 must do treks around Mumbai.
Please consider difficulty levels as in order of Easy, Medium, Hard, challenge. Few are not really around Mumbai but still can be considered as "Must Do"
01. KALSUBAI PEAK :
Highest Peak in Maharashtra
LOCATION: Igatapuri Taluka
HEIGHT: 5400 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium / Challenge
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
The Everest of the Sahyadris, Kalasubai stands 5400 ft. is the highest peak of the mountain range of Sahyadri. Kalsubai is part of the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary which spreads from Kalasubai to Harischandragad. It is one of the most enjoyable trek in rainy season which offers view of Breathtaking lush green valleys, walk through clouds, roaring winds, Series of waterfalls it’s all packed into one. On the top sits a small temple of Kalsubai. Ratangad, AMK (Alang-Madan-Kulang), Harishchandragad, Ahivant, Saptashrungigad, Markindya, Dhodap, etc can be spoted from the Kalsubai Peak but not during monsoon. It’s a dream trek of every passionate trekker in Maharashtra to climb it at least once.
ROUTES :
To Reach the Bari village from Mumbai - Nashik Express way (AH47):
Mumbai >> Igatpuri >> Ghoti >> Bari
Mumbai >> Shahapur >> Bhandardhara >> Shendi >> Bari
01. Ghoti village Exit - Common route direct to Bari.
02. Shahapur Exit - Through Bhandardara and then, Shendi village and then Bari.
There are entry two entry gates before the trek.
First - From Yellow Gate, that is from Bari Village. Here, you will find vehicle parking and normal trekkers, pilgrims climbing Kalsubai. The most common path. From the village, you cross a small stream and start the climb. 3 hours without bags and 5 hours with bags (camping stuffs). There are local villagers that guide trekkes.
Second - From Green Gate, that's something you should thing about as that is not for entry level trekkers. You need to be highly skilled to trek that route as there are steep climbs bearing a difference of 10 feet horizontal plain you will face another 10 feet verticle climb. Villagers are few in that area so you cannot expect any help. Trekking this route during monsoon can be risky.
02. KORIGAD FORT :
Bastion of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Lonavala
HEIGHT: 3050 feet above sea level
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
Korigad fort is located about 20 Kms away from Lonavla, in Pune district. There are two routes to reach to the top of Korigad, one from village Peth Shahpur and other one is from Ambavne village. Route from Pethshahpur is easier than the route from Ambavne village. We have to climb nearly 510 steps while going from Pethshahpur route. The route starting from the Bhairavnath Temple at Pethshahpur takes us to the top within 45-50 minutes and which enters through the Ganesh gate.
ROUTES:
From Pune, one has to head towards Lonvala via the Old Pune-Mumbai highway. Do not take the expressway as you will have to pay a heavy toll on that road. Once you get to Lonavala, you have to take a left from Purohit Chikki centre and take the Amby valley road. If you are referring to GPS on the way, google maps will show you a road through Amby valley. Do not take that road as the security guys will not let you in if you tell them that you are heading to Korigad.
Ask the locals for Peth Shahpur village or set the end point as "Peth Shahpur" itself on your GPS, which is the base village for the fort. You can park your vehicles at this village.
03. LOHAGAD FORT :
Strong Iron Fort of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Near Lonavala
HEIGHT: 3390 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
Lohagad “Iron fort” is one of the many hill forts of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. The Visapur fort is located on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort. This fort is also connected to Visapur which is also a good trekking place if you have the time to cover both the forts in one day. There are stalls at the foot of the fort where you can refill water and food stuffs.
ROUTE :
Mumbai >> Lonavala >> Malavli >> Bhaje village >> Lohagad
Mumbai >> Lonavala >> Pawna lake ghats >> Lohagad
First - You can take a private car from Lonavala to the foot of the Fort. You have to take the route to pawana lake, in the middle of the ghats there is a left turn. That is the only way to the fort.
Second - From Malavli station, you can walk directly to the Fort if you have lot of time. You can also take a local transport to Bhaje village. On the way you can visit Bhaje caves from this route. There is one just one way to reach Lohagad. If your travelling with derict vehicle from Mumbai, Exit from Lonavala and follow the path : Valvan Exit >> Kinara >> Karla >> Malavali station >> Bhaje village.
04. TORNA FORT :
The Eagle’s Nest
LOCATION: Pune
HEIGHT: 4600 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
Torna was the first fort won by Shivaji at the tender age of 16. Seeing this huge fort must have prompted Shivaji to name it Prachandgad. Another very noteworthy thing about this fort is that it is one of the highest forts (4610 ft) in Pune District. Legend has it that when Shivaji started restoration work of the fort, he came across a hidden treasure which financed the cost of rebuilding the fort of Rajgard which stands on the hill opposite Murumbdev.
Torna fort is amongst the tallest forts around Pune. A difficult trek the trek to Torna however is one of the most satisfying treks for a nature lover. A huge fort, Torna has seen many a war and has been in control of many rulers at different times. Though most parts of the Torna fort is in ruins the panoramic view the fort offers is well worth the climb up.
ROUTE :
To get to the Torna, one has to first reach the base village called Velhe. From Swargate bus station in Pune, take a state transport bus with route 'Swargate - Velhe - Ghisar'. This bus will drop you at Velhe in around 1hr 45mins. It will be good to start in early morning for the fort. 6.30am bus will be very good option to reach early to the fort.
Once you reach the Velhe, ask for Torna fort way. Once you start climbing the fort, you should reach the fort within 2hr 30mins with an easy pace.
You have to climb the fort by yourself. Climb is of medium difficulty. Be careful if you attempt the climb during the rains, since the slope is a mixture of rocks and earth, and it can end up getting dangerously slippery. In such situations, climbing rope should be brought along, and at least one member of the climbing party should have basic knowledge of how to use ropes to climb safely.
05. RAJMACHI TREK:
Twin Forts of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Near Lonavala
HEIGHT: 2710 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy / Hard
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
Rajmachi is one of the famous trek in shayadri mountains and one of the favourite destination for every trekker and beginners . The height of this fort 2710 Feet .this fort built by Shivaji in 17th century. You can spend lots time over the fort by exploring “ Manranjan “ , “ Shrivardhan “ forts. Shriwardhan is about 910 meters and Manoranjan is about 900 meters tall. There are 2 main routes, first from Karjat and from lonavala. Karjat route is comparatively difficult than Lonavala. Trek route for both side surrounded by dense forest so you can get opportunity to see different species of birds and animals and definately a lot of big ass mosquitoes.
ROUTES :
Mumbai >> Lonavala >> Karjat >> Udeywadi village >> Rajmachi
First (Easy) - From Lonavala station get a sharing rick or a car which is litle more expensive. They will take you to tungarali village. In 30 minutes and from there you start the walk. There is only one diversion you have to take care else you will reach valvend village and no more diversion till the village. Just one way. During monsoon this route gets filed with dripling water from the clifs. On the way you can have fun crossing a small stream which usually gets flooded during the rains.
Second (Hard) - Kondivade is small village that can be reached from Karjat (not far away from Mumbai). From Karjat station take a TumTum to Kondivade village. From Kondivade go to Kondhane caves. These are ancient Hindu and Buddhist caves; and these lie at the bottom of the Rajmachi. There are many ways to reach to top. Make sure you reach the top befor it gets dark as things get worst at night. See that you are in a big group and this is a tough climb.
Third (Hard) - The third way is from the Ulhas valley. First go to Thakurwadi railway station (that is reachable from Pune/Mumbai); from here you can proceed to famous valley of Ulhas River . This valley provides a fantastic experience of trekking and it is also associated by the naural beauty like waterfalls and wildflowers. A road to left from Ulhas river goes straight to Kondhane caves.
06. HARISHCHANDRAGAD TREK:
A Trekkers Paradise
LOCATION: Malshej Ghat
HEIGHT: 4710 feet above sea level
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy / Hard / Challenge
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
Harischandragad is one of the most visited forts in Western Ghats. If you are trekking in Sahyadri for several years and you haven’t visited Harishchandragad then you haven’t trekked enough. This enormous fort has 7 routes and during this trek we will be doing most difficult route which is Makad Naal route or Nali chi waat. Its the most difficult way to reach Harishchandragad top. It take approx. 8-9 Hrs just to reach Kokan Kada top from the base. 6 hours to reach to the top of Harischandragad where you'd find the Harishchandrareshwar temple. There are many rocky patches and steep climbs enroute. Carry plenty of water, the water tanks on the fort do not offer potable water except monsoons.Take enough care through the forest and rocky climbs.
Taramati: This is the topmost point on the fort. It is the second highest peak in Maharashtra after kalsubai. Leopards are seen in the forests beyond this peak. From here we can have a glimpse of the whole range of Naneghat and the forts near Murbad (This will be visited only if time permits.)
ROUTE :
Pachnai Village (Easy) : Mumbai >> Igatpuri >> Ghoti >> Bari >> Rajur >> Pachnai
Pachnai is the base village where you can park your vehicles and start the trek. We would recommend that if you have novice trekkers in your group, then you should go via the Pachnai Village. This route is the easiest one and even beginner trekkers should not have any issues. Also you can hire a guide from the village.
Khireshwar Route (Hard) North Ascend: Mumbai >> Kalyan >> Malshej Ghat >> khireshwar village.
From Mumbai reach Kalyan, From KALYAN head on NH 222 towards MALSHEJ GHAT. After ascending MALSHEJ GHAT there is a diversion for the village KHIRESHWAR. After reaching the village KHIRESHWAR you can start your trek through TOLAR KHIND. There are 2 more alternate routes to Harishchandragad from here point, but we would recommend you go via Khireshwar 'coz this is the best route and offers good view while trekking and is a bit tough. The Khireshwar village route is the one that most people prefer as it offers a lot of scenic beauty while trekking. But this route is also a bit time consuming.
Naali chi Vaat (Challenge) : Mumbai >> Kalyan >> Sawarne >> Walhivale (Bailpada)
This is tough. 90 degree climb and definately not for rookie climbers. You will go through 4 rock patches before you reach the top.
Junnar Darwaja (Challenge) West Ascent from Khireshwar :
Another tough and confusing route, from the villege we have to proceed towards west, cross the flields and climb from the east facing mountain. you walk through the borders of the mountain and reach the foot of Junnar Darwaja.
07. RATANGAD TREK :
Jewel of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Ratan Wadi, Ahmednagar
HEIGHT: 4255 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
Ratangad a 400 year old fortress at a height of 4250 ft. according to old stories additionally one of the most loved fortresses of Shivaji Maharaj. Ratangad was caught by Chatrapati Shivaji and was one of his top choices. The Wilson dam and Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, The Amruteshwar sanctuary and the Randha Falls - the district in the Sahyadris encompassing Ratangad is genuinely a little heaven, a mystery well kept, and Ratangad valid to its name is similar to a gem in its superb crown.
Ratangad has a characteristic rock crest with a depression in it at the top which is called "Nedhe" or 'Opening of the Needle'. The fort has four entryways Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak. It additionally has numerous wells on the top. The base town Ratanwadi has an Amruteshwar sanctuary which is well known for its carvings.
The military building made strong against attack is starting point for the small river Pravara/Amrutvahini. The Bhandardara dam (Arthur dam) is based on this waterway. The first attraction at Ratanwadi is the Amruteshwar sanctuary going once again to the Hemadpanti Era - generally from the eighth hundred. The base town Ratanwadi is approached by watercraft from Bhandardara.
Randha falls is before the deviation that you take to Bhandardara. The tranquility of Bhandardara is shattered only by the roar of Randha falls. The Pravavra river plunges 170ft into a gorge creating a breathtaking sight and the third largest waterfall in India. There is a temple on the banks of the river.
ROUTE:
Ratanwadi: Kasara / Shahapur >> Ratanwadi >> Ratangad Fort (East)
If departure is from Mumbai and you are on AH47 expressway, you can reach Ratanwadi village from Shahapur Exit (short route) or Ghoti village then shendi villege and then Ratanwadi (long route). The trek from the base village Ratanwadi to Ratangad Fort would take approx. 3 to 4 hours. It's a plain and easy journey and the moving (in a wavy pattern) trail will take you through little fields and thick forests by the Pravara stream.
You may need to cross the river more than once relying upon the trail taken. Towards the end of the journey there are two stepping stools one after the other. Incase if you take the road, beware as you might encounter lepords.
This is a passage that leads you to Harishchandragad, careful before you take the roote as it is a very long route.
Samrad: Shahapur >> Bhandardara >> Samrad >> Ratangad Fort (North)
Exit from Shahapur and reach Bhandardara. Another simple but confusing way. Ensure you take a correct turn from this village else you will end up reaching Sandan Valley.
08. KALAVANTIN DURG & PRABAGALGAD TREK :
A Dangerous fortress
LOCATION: Karjat Range
HEIGHT: 2300 / 2600 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
Kalavantin Pinnacle is situated on northeast side of Panvel at a height of 2330 ft , on Mumbai-Pune road. Can see it from express highway a V-Shaped one. The Left one is Kalavantin Durg & right side is Prabalgad. The fort top commands an excellent view of the surroundings with Prabalgad in the front. Matheran, Chanderi, Shrimallang, Irshal Karnala, Manikgad can be easily identified. It is believed that the Fort was built around the time of Buddha or around or before 500 BCE. The fort is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. It lays just opposite of Prabalgad and is visible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. According to legend it was built for a queen named Kalavantin but that really seems to be all that anybody knows. The steps leading up to the fort were cut into the rock of the hill, a very impressive feat. At the top of Kalavantin Durg you can see the Peb, Chanderi, Matheran, Karnala, and Ershal forts. The city of Mumbai itself can also be seen. In the Machi-Prabal village, the Adivasi People dance on top of the Kalavantin Fort on every Shimga Festival of Holi. The fort is a part of their custom and heritage. Technically this fascinating place is abandoned in the sense that it is not used for its original purpose, but it gets visits from tourist and locals often and is easily accessible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
ROUTE :
Panvel station >> Thakurwadi Village >> Prabalmachi Village
Kalavantin Durg - Form panvel station you directly get a "Force - Rickshaws" transport to "Thakurwadi" village about 14 Km. There are even Buses available from Panvel station that will take you to Thakurwadi village. From there you start the trek to "prabalmachi village" and follow the climb to Kalavantin Durg. The topography and elevation of Prabalgad is similar to Mumbai's most famous hill-station Matheran, most notably the weather. The rocks during the rains are very slippery and incase you plan to do the trek at night, mind the turns.
Prabalgad Fort - There are not many routes to this fort. The route from Thakurwadi village and is called the 'Step route'. North Ascend - To reach here one has to trek through the hamlet, then through the forest, then turn left at a point and climb the steep rock-cut steps. Incase you get lost, what ever you do, just "FOLOW THE ROCKS". This route is marked with white painted arrows in the reverse direction. The caves hold potable water but it is very difficult to reach them. A rope is required to reach the potable water. The climb after the hemlet is a bit steep. The route are sometimes not noticeable as the rocky walls are almost straight and between the valley. The view is Awsome. South Ascend - Route Rarely used, from Irshalgad you can trek to prabalgad using this route. You will find many spiders around the place.
09. RAJGAD FORT TREK :
King of forts of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Gunjavane, Pune District
HEIGHT: 4250 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
BRIEF DISCRIPTION :
This is definately not around mumbai but one must not miss this trek. Rajgad was the first capital of Hindavi Swaraja and literary means the ‘King of the Forts’. It is amongst the most popular trekking destinations near Pune and is one of the grand forts of the Sahaydris. It was Shivaji Maharaj’s capital for over 25 years before moving the capital to the Raigad fort. A trekkers delight the fortifications of Rajgad fort built with the treasure found on the adjacent Torna fort is for most parts still in tact. Rajgad fort is a must visit for a trekking enthusiast. The fort is located 60 km to the south west of Pune, about 15–16 km west of Nasrapur, in the Sahyadris range. The highest part of the fort has remains of palaces, water cisterns and caves. The main entrance door is known as the Mahadarwaja.
Rajgad has three machi or viewpoints exploring them all in one day will be difficult it also has a " Bale Killa " a small fort in a fort. Rajgad is like an ceiling fan, motor being " Bale Killa " from where the instructions come and three machi like fan blades that put many words into action.
Three Machi:
01. Padmavati Machi - There is an Mandir / Lake / Accomodation / Pali Darwaja / Chor Darwaja on this Machi. It gets very cold here please carry proper stuff for night trek. Water is good for portable use only. Carry drinking water or purify lake water.
02. Sanjivani Machi - From here one can head towards Torna it also has secret escape routes.
03. Suvela Machi - Gunjavne Darwaja is here. Longest arm of Rajgad and Gunjavne Darwaja its shoulder.
ROUTE:
To reach the Village:
Mumbai >> Pune >> Nazrapur >> Gunjawane >> Rajgad
There are four routes to the fort:
Via Bhor: This route takes you to the Alu Darwaja of Rajgad and is one of the most frequent routes taken by the trekkers and tourists. To reach Alu Darwaja one needs to heed toward Bhor and from Bhor to Bhutonde, a small village at the foothills of Rajgad. From here a 3 hours of climb can take you to the Alu Darwaja.
Via Gunjavane: Another route is via Gunjavane, a small village on the foothills of Rajgad. To reach this village, you need to take the Pune-Velha route. On this route you come across a village named Margasani from where you reach Gunjavane via Sakhargaon. A climb from this village takes you to the Gunjavane Darwaja.
Via Vazeghar: This is one of the easiest routes and takes you to the well-known Pali Darwaja. To reach this village you need to take the Pune-Pali road.
Via Vinzar: To reach to Vinzar village you need to take the Pune-Velha route and cross the Kanandi River and climb up via Sakhargaon. This route takes you to the Chor Darwaja of Rajgad. This is the most difficult climb.
10. RAIGAD FORT TREK :
The Pride of Maharashtra
LOCATION: Raigad, Mahad
HEIGHT: 2700 feet above MSL
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium
Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city. The fort once served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha king, in the 1674. It was around this time only that Shivaji was crowned the King of a Marathi kingdom. Raigarh fort falls under the Sahyadri Mountain range of India. The main structures inside the Raigad Fort, which today stands mostly in ruins, comprise of the Queen's Quarters, Public Durbar, Watch Towers, Darwazas (gateways), etc. The Queen's Quarters consist of six chambers in toto, meant for the queen and her attendants. The main place situated inside the fort was largely constructed out of wood. However, apart from its base, made up of pillars, hardly anything else remains. One can also be witness to the ruins of the three watch towers, which were once used to spot any threat from a distance. The main entrance of the Raigarh Fort comprises of the Maha Darwaja, which is colossal and provided protection from the enemies. However, the king as well as his convoy used to move through the Palkhi Darwaja. The three dark and deep chambers, situated to right of the Palkhi Darwaja, are believed to have served as the granaries of the fort. One of the main attractions of theRaigad Fort is a magnificent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, sited opposite the ruins of the main market avenue. The samadhi (tomb) of Shivaji and his dog Waghya is situated near the avenue only.
ROUTE :
Raigad being situated 30km to the north of Mahad, ST buses ply regularly from Mahad. There are buses from Mumbai Central and Pune which ply to Mahad or Raigad via Mahad. We can ascend Raigad either by walk or by ropeway. If we want to ascend the fort by walk, we can go from Chitta Darwaja or Nana Darwaja and we reach MahaDarwaja. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top. If we reach the top of the fort by ropeway, it takes only 15-20 minutes. However, wait time for ropeway depends on the crowd.
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