Trekking near Mumbai - A Detailed Guide

About the Destination: 

Breathe in fresh air as you trek to Harishchandragad and stand at the top of the famous Fort to witness the beauty of the great lands ofMaharashtra! The historical fort is located at a staggering height of about 4,671ft and holds an amazing view of the thick vegetation that blankets the rich Indian soil. The Sahyadri range is well known for its tourist attractions, Harishchandragad trek and for its natural scenic beauty, making it a haven for adventurers!

There are seven routes leading to this fort, but the most popular and challenging route is the Khireshwar route due to the beautiful scenery that you pass through during the Harishchandragad trek in monsoon. Located at about 126km from Pune and over 100km from Mumbai, the Harishchandragad fort is a treat for the nature lover’s eyes! 

About the Activity:

The Harishchandragad trek exposes you to boasts of raw, rustic Indian design; one that only nature could upgrade over the years with thick, luscious forests and green hills everywhere.

Escape city life and don the trekkers gear; it’s time to get your nature therapy with Harishchandragad trek! The trek via the Khireshwar route is moderately challenging but offers several scenic sights; especially for nature lovers and photographers with a keen eye.  While here, you can explore history with a touch of nature and revel in the majesty of the Ganesh caves and stand transfixed at the depth of the valleys of Konkan Kada! Feel mesmerised as you in the comforting wisps of the fog and the soothing weather during your trek to Harishchandragad. 

About the Activity:

Enthrall in an amazing trek to Kamalgad, Satara along with your friends and family for a truly blissful experience. Delight in the stunning beauty of this place close to the well-famed hill station Mahabaleshwar in the Satara district.

This stunning fort located on the pinnacle can be easily seen from the Pasarani Ghat providing it a certain mystical aura. Owing to its quaint beauty and green landscapes surrounding it, this fort has also been featured in famous Bollywood movies like ‘Swades’ and ‘Being Cyrus’.

Untouched by overwhelming tourists this remote fort is surrounded by the waters of Dhom Dam from three sides, a picturesque old beauty, the entire fort seems to be singing the tale of its old glorious days. Unravel the picturesque landscapes and amphitheater beauty of the surrounding hills from the top. Make some wonderful memories with rest of the group members by embarking on this delightful trek to Kamalgad, Satara.

Located at about 110km from Pune, Ghangad is quite a sight for the nature lover’s eyes. The fort has seen scant expeditions over the past few years and remains still untouched by mans concrete fingers. The Mulshi River flows beneath the fort and gives the place the feel of a historical movie shoot. If loneliness had a royal ambience, it would be here at Ghangad.

The fort is surrounded by Korigad, Telbaila and Sudhgad, yet it stands out from all the surrounding places as the ‘fortress of solitude’. Few have dared to explore this mysterious area, and Ghangad to Korigad Trek is one of the most exciting things to do after a hectic week.  Korigad, located about 20km away from Lonavala, Pune also holds great historic value as India’s formidable forts. 

About the Activity with Details:

Explore the rugged terrains of Maharashtra’s historic forts with Korigad trek and your adventure loving family and friends. The forts are surrounded by thick, deciduous forests and the tough stone pathways, making way for a challenging and exciting climb. 

Once you have exhausted your brains at work for the entire week, get home, pack your trekking gear and prepare yourselves for an amazing Korigad trek for the weekend! Depart from Fergusson College at the early hours, around 06:15AM and fuel your stomach with amazing breakfast at Mulshi before you proceed for the trek. Explore the raw beauty of rural nature around you as you pass through the base village and trek towards Ghangad.

Whip out your notepads and cameras as the wild, forested nature around you is worth a million photographs and poems, as you reach the top of the fort.  Indulge in a packed lunch as you breathe in the clean and fresh air before making your descent towards the base village. 

Get your gear together as you begin your Ghangad to Korigad Trek. Once you reach the base village, rest a while before heading up towards Korigad Fort. Experience the raw historic significance of India’s great kings gone by while exploring the fort and once you have revelled in the beauty, make your descent towards the base village.

Replenish yourself with a hot cup of tea and snacks and make your departure back to Pune around nightfall after this exciting Korigad trek experience.

About the Destination:

Pune, with plenitude of historic forts, hills and cliffs, has become a sought after destination for the avid trekkers. However, if you are looking for a trekking experience that will challenge your senses while also taking you away from the crowd, the Konkan Diva Fort is the place for you.

The Raigad region has a rich history as it was the chosen capital of the Maratha dynasty many years ago. While the Raigad fort is the primary attraction, there were many secondary forts set up in the region to provide protection to the royal families. The Konkan Fort was built to guard any invasion through the Ghol village along the Mutha River.

About the Departure with Details:

The Konkan Diva Fort was built as a watch tower for the capital city of Raigad. It is located at the edge of the Kawlya ghat from where you can see the lit villages of Konkan. The two popular routes to the fort are a walk from the village of Ghol and a climb up the Kawlya ghat from the nearby Bawlya-Kawlya villages.

The trip starts at 06:00AM from Pune and offers you a three hour long Konkan Diva trek to the summit of the fort. The Konkan Diva Fort trek is a challenging trek near Pune that takes you through a dense forest. The most exciting part of the trek is crossing a Devrai (which is a forest dedicated to the Gods). The steep climb up to the base of the fort seems worth it when you see the panoramic view around. The Raigad fort is easily visible from here; you can also spot the Kaal River flowing in the distance. Packed lunch at the summit of the fort will keep you energised.

Post lunch; by around 02:30PM, start descending from the summit and after arriving in Ghol by 05:30PM, start your return journey to Pune; expect to reach Pune by 09:30PM. 

About the activity: 

• Journey through the village of Shringarpur to reach the ancient Prachitgad fort in the Sahyadris mountain range. 
• Located on the western end of Chandoli Wild Life Sanctuary this fort had become inaccessible due to the original forest being part of Forest Reserve. Reopened to trekkers through the Shringarpur route, a trek to this fort promises an enigmatic journey for all trekkers. 
• Trek through the Konkan side, through thick forest, Karvy Thickets and experience an unusual Prachitgad trek jam-packed with adventure and thrill. 
• Maximum Altitude: 3842 ft.
• Temperature Range: 17–34 °C

About the Activity:

• Also known locally as Nagphani, the cliff is named after a certain Duke's pointed nose by the British.
• The breathtaking views from atop the cliff draws trekkers from across the country.
• A visit to the Mahadeva temple at the summit is simply unmissable.
• Arriving at the summit, rappelling and valley-crossing are bound to enthrall trekkers looking for an added adrenaline blitz

Length of Rappelling: 300 feet

Distance for Trekking: 250 feet

About the Activity:

Situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and covering an area of about 120km, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is fast emerging as a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. Home to the endangered giant squirrels, this wildlife protected are boasts of rich flora and fauna and offers spectacular views of its lush green forests and the Sahyadri mountain range that surrounds the sanctuary.

The place is yet to be fully discovered by the tourists and therefore still exudes a serene and rustic charm. Bhimashankar also attracts pilgrims and devotees to the sacred Jyotiralinga Temple located amidst the wilderness. Its nature trail is an easy short trek near Pune where you can soak in the natural wild beauty of the forest.

About the Destination:

Most popular among trekking enthusiasts both young and old, the Rohida- Vichitragad is located amongst the beautiful forests of the Sahyadris and is one of the most exciting trekking trails. Located at about 70km from the nearest city of Pune, it is a fort that is rich with history of the Yadava, Maratha and the Moghul empires who all tried to capture the fort at some point in history.
Verdant greens and thickets of forests with pretty hamlets dotting the way is what you can hope to experience on this one of a kind trekking experience!

About the Activity with Details: 

Your adventurous Trekking Expedition to Rohida begins with your arrival at Bhor at 09.15AM (Approx.) strengthen yourself for the expedition ahead with some breakfast at a local eatery. Thereafter, post a short travel to the base camp of the fort which is at Bajarwadi, you can commence on the trek at 10.30AM. Pass through various stunning pathways through the thick monsoon vegetation that is at its prime during this time. Behold the wonderful valleys that surround you during the Trekking Expedition to Rohida and let nature enchant you with its charms.
Explore the ruins of structures while trekking in Sahyadris, including a beautiful Rohideshwar temple and differently shaped bastions that are a relic of history and congratulate yourself on finally summiting the fort.

After taking in the beauty around you while trekking in Sahyadris, embark on the trail downwards at around 02.00PM and reach the base camp at Bajarwadi. Embark on a return journey from Trekking Expedition to Rohida to Pune taking back the memories of this wonderful trekking expedition.

Highest Altitude: 3660ft

About the Activity:

• Get on board with your friends and family for an exciting and historic trek to Kalavantin Pinnacle.
• The fort on top commands picturesque panoramas, with the adjoining hill of Prabalgad adding to the stunning vistas.
• Matheran, Chanderi, Shrimallang, Irshal, Karnala, and Manikgad are other notweorthy places offering picture-postcard landscapes at a distance.
• An easy climb till Prabalmachi, it gets challenging while attempting the 500-metre Kalavantin Durg pinnacle.
• Come monsoon, the thrilling experience of scaling the peak gets only more enthralling!

About the Activity:

• The pristine Sagargad is actually a quaint fort from Shivaji's era, situated at a soaring altitude of 1357 feet.
• Begin this virgin trek at Khandala, even as the muddy terrains which are unknown to many, take you through Siddheshwar Temple and a stunning Ashram on the way.
• Trekkers will find many challenges en route to the magical ruins of the fort.
• Once at the summit, explore the glorious past, with a water tank known as Pandava Kund and numerous tombs in the vicinity.
• Be exhilarated on this thrilling trek to the uninhabited Sagargad

About the Activity: 

This weekend, plan an exciting trek to Irshalgad in Panvel with your family and friends and have the time of your life! Get enthralled and revel in the wonders of all that this fort is well known and visited for! ‘Irshal’ means a pinnacle and ‘gad’ means a fort. Hardly found anywhere in History, Irshalgad may have been under the Maratha rule when Shivaji Maharaj captured the regions of Kalyan and Bhiwandi.

 The Fort has been visited by very few history lovers and is a favourite for trekkers, adventurers and nature photographers as well. The Fort is intimidating and takes a brave adventurer to scour its heights.  Join the different trekking enthusiasts on the Irshalgad trek to revel in the glory of the challenging and massive fort that has spiked the interest of several mountaineers and rock climbers for quite a few years.

About the activity :

Adventure is out there and you need to explore every inch of it with an exciting Sudhagad trek in Pali! Located in the vicinity of Pali and endowed with about 50 acres of rich, green and brown sprinkled plateau atop, Sudhagad trek offers a wonderful and a easy trek for all those who love to strap on their shoes and head to the beautiful western Ghats for a good and eventful weekend with nature!

Sudhagad, situated at the height of about 600 meters is well surrounded by steep cliffs. A place that was once visited and ruled by the heroes and kings of the colonial times, Sudhagad is a must see for all those who love nature with just a tinge of history dabbled over it! 

The central place of Sudhagad taluka is Pali, well known for its Ganpati Mandir which is one of the eight Ganpati Mandirs popularly known as Astavinayak.

About the Activity:

• Fort Mahuli in Thane is a mystical Mughal fort that makes for an intriguing trekking experience!
• The perfect retreat on a short weekend, it is also the highest point in Thane district.
• Forests surrounding Mahuli has been declared as a sanctuary.
• A paradise for rock climbers, due to the several challenges the pinnacles of Vazir and Vishnu, among others.
• Grab gear and head out with friends and family to the erstwhile fort.
• Meeting Point: Asangaon Station at 7.20 am.

About the Activity:

• Delight in the stunning beauty of Western Ghats, unravel the monsoon beauty of this region by undertaking a monsoon trek to Kohoj fort. This ancient masterpiece can be reached from the Vaghote village on Palghar. Get ready to delight in the stunning natural beauty of this slice of paradise on earth!
• At the base of the fort is a lake which gives you a beautiful reflection of the fort. Spend some amazing time with rest of the group members while exploring the silence prevailing the entire lake and this tiny hamlet surrounding this serene water body. Enthrall in a delightful 2 Hour trek to the plateau. Once you reach the plateau begin exploring the fort. Mesmerize in the spell-bounding beauty of the temple of Lord Shankar and 3 groups of water cisterns from the top.
• Enjoy the striking beauty of various natural pinnacles formed due to wind-erosion, two of them bear a close resemblance to a human figure which is one of the greatest wonders of nature’s creation. Get ready to make some pleasant memories while you trek to Kohoj Fort.

About the Activity:

• Also known as Vyaghragad, Vasota Fort is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Your trekking excursion begins from the base village of Bamnoli.
• After a quick briefing session and breakfast, begin trekking till Met Indavali via delightful boat ride through Koyna backwaters.
• Begin your trek to Vasota Fort, explore this beautiful quaint. Post lunch start descending – reach Bamnoli, you can either camp here or alongside Kaas lake.
• Wake up early the next day, after a satiating breakfast get ready to bid farewell to this amazing place.
• Hop on to your vehicle, you will be provided lunch and refreshments on way. Reach Dadar by 11:00 PM
• The minimum age to participate in the trek is 13 and requires a minimum of 6 individuals to initiate this trek.

About the activity:

Andhar means Darkness and Ban stands for dense jungle, so the word Andharban literally means The Dense Dark Forest. The intimidating factor of this 13km long trek has to be the hardcore jungle cover over your head. A major portion of this trek route involves walking through this denseness. The start point of this trek ie Pimpri dam begins in bright daylight which keeps on fluctuating as we keep entering the dense part of the forest and out, this only adds up to the magic that this place has to offer. 

With the onset of monsoons, this trail becomes a denser and greener, with waterfalls all along. Best suited during monsoons and winters, this trek can also be done in summer. The trek concludes at yet another dam called the Bhira dam which is also the source of the Kundalika river which is famous for its White Water Rafting. 30% of the trek is all descend and remaining is normal walking. While on the route we can see the beauty of places like Ghangad, Tailbaila, Sarasgad, Plus valley, Tamhini ghat, Kundalika valley. If time permits after the trek we will be also visiting the famous Ganesh Temple at Pali.

About the Activity:

• The Alang and Madan trek is one of the toughest treks in the Mumbai region but is equally rewarding because of the views it offers.
• Rising to a height of 4852 ft, Alang Fort is in the Nashik region and is summited by a vast plateau. It also has caves and cisterns on the top.
• Madan Fort lies elevated at a height of 4.841 ft and is amongst the most challenging forts in the Sahyadris. The view from the top is especially scenic.
• The trek lasts for three days and begins at the village of Ambewadi.
• The first day you will be summiting the Alang Fort, on the second the Madan Fort and on the third the Kulang Fort.

About the activity / tour with details: 

If basking around in nature is something you love to do, then Amboli is the place you need to see! The sights around are a treat for the eyes, and those with a keen sense of photography can click away to their heart delight! The places around are a marvel and the different sightseeing points have left trekkers lost in paradise! This hill station is located in the Sahyadri Ranges and during your trek here, you will get to witness the beauty of nature unfold!

Witness the amazing sights of the 8 points around such as the Shirgaonkar Point, Parikshit point, Hiranyakeshi River Origin, MahadevGad, Kawlesaad Point, Nangartas WaterFall, Sunset Point, The Great Amboli Waterfall! 

About the Activity:

• Located in Malshej Ghat, Bhairavgad is one of the most thrilling adventure treks in Maharashtra. It is well defined by a rock face called dyke.
• The fort towers at a height of 1145m and is a spectacular façade of immense beauty. 
• As one travels along the Malshej Ghat road, one notices sharp pinnacle of Bhairavgad, separated from the main range. It raises steeply from the Kankan plains and is rather tricky to climb A prominent and unique fort.The initial hike is through loose soil Followed by rock cut steps. The walls overhang a little, and above, the steps are blown off .One will have to rock climb carefully above the overhang.More crumbling steps and plenty of scree before reaching the top make the trek more exciting.The top offers a great view of Malshej Ghats, NaneGhat, Jivdhan and many prominent peaks like Ajoba and Harishchandragad.
• Difficulty Level: Medium (Technical)
• Endurance Level: Medium

About the Activity:

• Situated about 20 kms from Panvel, Karnala fort is surrounded by the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and is truly an adventure to embark upon.
• On this trek you will be scaling 1,440 ft over a span of 15 hours.
• Depart from Pune early in the morning at 06:30 AM and arrive at the base to start the trek.
• With a few rest stops in between, the trek is relatively easy and passes through the village of Shirdhon which has high historical significance.
• The trek ends as you arrive back at Pune by around 09:30 PM

About the Activity:

• Located amidst the cliff of Dhak Fort, Dhak Bahire trek can be accessed through three routes – Jambhiwali, Rajmachi and Sandshi.
• You will be trekking through Jambhivali village – ascend through dense thickets up to a steep gully.
• This challenging trek then transforms into a 70 degree rock patch. Post this, the trek gets all the more tricky as now you will be climbing using a swaying wooden log.
• Indulge in an exciting rappelling session through an 80ft height once you reach the top of the cliff.

Rich with history and lore the tale of the capture of Panhalagad is famous throughout the pages of history. Located in the towering ranges of Sahyadri Ranges near the city of Kolhapur, Trek to Panhalgad is one of the most strategic vantage offering views of the Bijapur trade route, an important route in the times of Maratha and Mughal empires.

The fort itself is an awe inspiring structure built in the 12th Century. With various historical monuments gracing its top, Panhalgad trek is a treat for all the history buffs. The monsoons lend their special caress to the beauty of the fort to transform it into a green and serene paradise. Embark on this offbeat Monsoon trek and let history come alive!

About the Activity with Details:

Relive the inspiring history of the Panhalgad Fort and a pay your homage to the brave souls who laid down their lives for its capture by the Maratha Empire as you Trek to Panhalgad. The expedition and adventure starts as you depart Pune with your group to reach Panhala Fort early in the morning. Thereafter, as you arrive at the fort next morning, take in the serene natural beauty and embark on the trail as you continue the Panhalgad trek. Observe and admire the pretty hamlets that dot your way and pay your respects at the Veer Baaji Prabhu Deshpande Tomb, in honour of the martyr who laid down his life fighting.

Your memorable excursion of Trek to Panhalgad comes to an end as you depart for Pune early next evening, carrying with you the warm feeling of having witnessed a moment in history.

Kothaligad, also known as the fort of Peths is a popular climbing spot close to Karjat in the city of Mumbai. An engineering marvel, the fort was in fact used as a watchtower to keep an eye on the advancements of the army in the surrounding areas. The mysterious cave paintings on the summit date back to the 13th century, but not much was known about them until the 18th Century.

The easy climb at Kothaligad Trekking alongside beautiful environs make it a favoured destination for enthusiastic trekkers. The unique architecture and engineering is a proof of the talent of the Maratha warriors. The chimney like structure on top resembles a lighthouse and was a major advantage for all those who captured the fort at various times, including the British and Maratha empires!

About the Activity with Details:

Embark on an unforgettable Kothaligad Trekking that will engulf you in its stunning architectural prowess. Your expedition begins as you embark on a drive to the base of the fort. Meet your trek mates at the pre-decided location of Fergusson College main gate. Munch on a fortifying breakfast and refreshing tea and start making your way towards the top of the fort. The easy inclines will eventually bring you to the mysterious summit where you can explore and discover the lighthouse like structure that is carved with staircases from the inside. Let a delicious lunch calm your muscles and explore the area around.

Relax for a while and start descending back to the base village, eventually reaching the Aambivali caves that are rich with carvings and paintings dating back to the 13th Century. Watch ancient stories unfold in front of your eyes as you make way through the pathways lush with greenery of the approaching monsoons.