The Sayadris:
India's Western Ghats, a significant mountain region, are well recognized for their vegetation, fauna, and mountain peaks. This lengthy range forms a long wall that attracts monsoon clouds to itself and has a substantial amount of dense vegetation. It extends parallel to the Arabian Sea. The range extends almost to the point of Kanya Kumari from the Narmada River in the north. The Sahyadri mountain range extends from Surat to Goa in its northernmost portion. Due to its accessibility to residents of Mumbai, Pune, and other cities, this range is the area of the country that trekkers frequent the most.
Trekking in the Sahyadris has its appeal; there are a variety of enjoyable paths, both easy and tough, that offer infinite opportunities to hikers of all skill levels.
The cherry on top is the fantastic opportunity to learn about India's rich cultural legacy since most of the locations have both cultural and mythical backgrounds and well-known stories of valor attached to them. And last but certainly not least, there is the chance to get closer to nature and see firsthand the abundance of flora and variety of animal species that are inherent in any trekking or hiking adventure.
This vast range contains a world of scenic splendor and recreational opportunities. Experience the adventure of trekking and the magnificence of the Sahyadris.
Trekking in Maharashtra:
When we hear the term Maharashtra, our minds immediately conjure up an array of countless connotations, prompting us to seek further information in books and manuscripts.
In Maharashtra, many treks provide you with an amazing experience. These hikes are what give already-existing natural treasures additional dimensions. Trekking to Torna Fort on a full moon night is sure to capture your attention. Additionally, a fascinating hike to the Zunjar and Budhla Maachi cliffs surrounding the fort offers a wonderful weekend hike from Pune. One of the greatest things to do in Maharashtra is the astronomical night hike to the ancient Lohagad. The opportunity to participate in an astronomical session during this hike allows one to follow the motion of the sky and the celestial bodies. Another activity that is unavoidable throughout this walk is stargazing at this location.
A walk to Konkan Kada in Harischandragad is yet another fantastic thing to do in Maharashtra. It offers the perfect balance of adventure and exhilaration. During this trek, adventure seekers can go hiking and enjoy rappelling against a surreal landscape. A one-day Harihar Fort Trek in Nashik is a fantastic way to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the babbling streams and the alpine environment. On the other hand, a day hike to Kalsubai in Igatpuri would provide you with a fantastic opportunity to see breathtaking vistas of the Sahyadri Range.
Trekking up Kalsubai, which is the highest peak, will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
In Maharashtra, a trek can be taken to discover a historical site, a natural beauty, or a tourism destination with a variety of wildlife. History buffs can explore the grounds of Hadsar, Shivneri, Lohagad, Raigad, or Ratangad forts. These hikes, a pleasure for curious spirits, provide access to stunning architecture, historic sites, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, you can embark on the Andharban Trek, Anjaneri Trek, Dhak Baheri, and Kohoj treks if you're eager to discover Mother Nature's undiscovered gems.
These treks may be less well-known, but they are the most exciting since they put you in the middle of nature and offer breathtaking views. In addition, those who enjoy nature can embark on hikes to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Amboli Jungle Trek, or the Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
The famous excursions that we have listed for you are undoubtedly surprising and mind-blowing.
Every location has a wealth of ancient, timeless tales that are incredibly thrilling and energizing.
Here are the 10 Best Trekking Places in Maharashtra:
1.) Sandhan Valley:
Imagine yourself strolling through a 200-foot-deep gorge that water has sculpted out over a million years as sunshine flickers through the moss-covered cracks and the sound of your breath reverberates against the slender walls. This spellbinding experience is what visitors may expect at the mysterious Sandhan Valley, sometimes known as Maharashtra's very own Grand Canyon. Sandhan's breathtakingly stunning beauty is the ideal combination of a rugged canyon and a verdant valley. The picturesque Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra's Sandhan Valley are a deep natural crack rising 3000 feet above sea level. The breathtaking valley, which is 180 kilometers from Mumbai and is close to the lovely Bhandardara district, is nearly 2.5 kilometers long and up to 500 feet deep in certain places.
Nothing compares to the sight of a pool of azure water hidden inside a canyon. Tiny streams' waters cascade over cliffs to form beautiful waterfalls and pools covered with ferns. Follow the stream to get to this magnificent plunge pool that appears to be right out of a movie if you are tired of climbing over stones.
2.) Harishchandragad Trek:
The Harishchandragad fort is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks in the state of Maharashtra, taking in the grandeur at a height of 4668 feet. The trekker must carry 3 liters of water because the grade is steep and there isn't enough water up top.
Reclaiming the Past:
The fort is mentioned in the descriptions of ancient writings like Matsyapurana, Agni Purana, and Skanda Purana. The fort was built in the sixth century when the Kalchuri dynasty governed the area. The main feature, the Citadel, was created in the sixth century, and numerous smaller caverns followed in the latter half of the eleventh century.
According to legend, the Sage Changdev pondered in the caverns in the fourteenth century. In 1747 AD, the Mughals and Marathas fought bitterly for control of this fort. In the excavations, prehistoric human remains have also been discovered.
3.) Kalsubai Trek:
The Kalsubai Trek is the most sought-after and is regarded as the highest peak of Maharashtra to trek upon. Considered a moderate-level trek it's situated at 5400 feet above sea level.
If luck favors you, can witness the other intimidating landscapes of Maharashtra on a vibrant and pleasant day and they all can be seen from Kalsubai’s Peak.
This is the mythical connotation of the Kalsubai trek. Kalsubai temple was established eons back following folklore being propagated by the locals. Despite being an avid trekking trail, the trekkers here are also fascinated to visit this temple due to its unique structure and the heart space it holds among the locals. The locals think that Kalsubai is named after a small woman named Kalsu who worked as a housemaid in a nearby village. She was known for her healing abilities and generosity. She helped many villagers in her short lifespan.
Villagers narrate that she disappeared into the meadows one day and never returned to the village. It is believed that Kalsubai breathed her last at the summit hence it became a place of worship for the locals.
4.) Andharban Trek:
The term "Andharban trek" refers to traveling through gray, opaque areas to view forested areas and mountain ranges. It can be extremely unlikely to witness a single sunbeam on the way. The walk is especially overwhelming due to the profusion of vegetation, the cascading waterfalls, and the extraordinary varieties of flowers and wildlife.
The journey grade is low to moderate, and it is perched at a height of 2,160 feet. It is wise to take 3 liters of water because there is a lack of water on the path.
5.) Harihar Fort:
The Maharashtra district of Nashik is home to the Harihar fort. It is located 3,676 feet above sea level.
From the base town, the fort's hill appears to have a rectangular shape. However, it is based on a triangular prism of granite that dates back to the Yadava dynasty. The Harihar fort's exterior walls are nearly vertical.
The recognizable steps leading up to the pinnacle of Harihar Fort are its main draw. The final submit is believed to be tilted vertically at about 80 degrees.
At the fort, there are statues of various Hindu Deities and a small pond.
Beautiful views may be seen from the fort. From the top, you can see numerous peaks and forts too.
Climbing the nearly vertical stairway that climbs to the top of the fort is the most exciting aspect of the Harihar fort. Last but not least, the view behind you is breathtaking!
6.) Devkund Waterfall Trek:
A small, protected, and fortified area called Devkund waterfall is located close to Bhira dam. It is a short hike that is situated at a 2000-foot elevation. It is advised to carry at least 2 liters of water because there isn't any water nearby at this extraordinary height.
Devkund is often known as the "pond of divinity". It is said to be formed out of three waterfalls and is the origin of the Kundalika river. It is revered and regarded as holy by the locals, who like to think of it as "the bathing ponds of Gods."
7.) Rajmachi Trek:
Rajmachi is the ideal trek that offers the most beautiful vistas of the Sahyadri Hills and its flora and fauna. You will enjoy lush green valleys, waterfalls, stunning forts, and the most incredible exhilarating paths. Watching fireflies from the campsite at night will be another marvel of this adventure. Fireflies can easily live and thrive in this habitat of the Sahyadri Hills. These are unique since they are members of the insect family and have bioluminescence. You can easily see them at night from the campsite, which will enthrall you. You will have a lovely lifelong memory of it.
It is positioned at a height of 2710 meters above sea level. You will have the opportunity to see Western Ghats' flora & fauna along the Rajmachi trek's path. This region is unique in that it stays evergreen and transforms into a verdant paradise throughout the monsoon season.
The Rajmachi Fort Trek offers everything a person interested in archaeology, history, and/or nature might yearn for.
Since you can see the Sahyadri range's rich green hills and forest from there, the surroundings make it especially lovely. Shutterbugs can feed their hunger for shooting in this ideal location.
The trip is mild to moderately strenuous. It is suggested that you begin your walk from the base village of Udhevadi if you are a beginner-level hiker. If you are an experienced hiker, the trek route from Kondane caves will be the most fantastic alternative for you. The trek gets a little slick during the monsoon, so take caution and move slowly.
8.) Rajgad Trek:
The most picturesque hike in Maharashtra is the Rajgad trek. The Fort is a center of attraction for eons due to its fascinating history and stunning construction. It’s one of a kind fort in the Western Ghats.
It is located at a height of 4,514 feet above sea level. The fort was constructed on a hill named Murumb Devacha Dongar and has a 40 km diameter when measured. The fort's enormous size made it difficult to lay siege to it, which allowed the Marathas to plan their strategy.
The Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj resided in Rajgad for 26 years before relocating to Raigad. This is one of the factors that contributed to the fort's exquisite construction.
It has important historical occurrences since Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remained in this fort for such a long time. Rajgad has witnessed numerous such occasions, from the birth of his son Rajaram-I until the passing of his queen Saibai. In addition, it was one of the 17 forts that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had under his control when he sealed the Purandar Treaty in 1665.
The three fortifications are known as the Machis—Padmavati, Suvela, and Sanjivani—define the period's inventiveness in terms of architecture. Architecture-wise, there are a lot of temples, water cisterns, and ashrams.
9.) Vasota Fort Trek:
A hill fort called Vasota can be seen in Satara close to Bamnoli. This fort rises around 3842 feet above sea level. As one would be going through a thick jungle the entire way, the climb to the peak provides an exciting experience. This walk is a hiker's dream because of the breathtaking views it affords.
The Vasota Trek is a jungle trek, hence there are rules in place there to prevent human-animal confrontations. To get to Vasota, one must obtain a permit from the Forest Department in Bamnoli. Bring some official identification with you because you'll need it to receive the permit.
The level of difficulty is Hard. The fort's peak can be reached after three hours of walking and needs a lot of walking.
Attractions of this trek are- NAGESHWAR TEMPLE and BABU KADA.
10.) Bhimashankar Trek :
A lover of nature will adore the Bhimashankar trip. As you follow the trail through the dense forests, it opens its heart and welcomes you with open arms into the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. With stream crossings, ladders, and rock climbing all rolled into one hike, the Bhimashankar trek provides you with a full dose of adventure.
This trek can be done in other seasons, but the monsoon is the ideal time to undertake it. The path is exciting and picturesque. Trekking enthusiasts can summit the Bhimashankar by taking the Shidi Ghat route. While the Ganesh Ghat route, which has beautiful vistas and is simpler, is advised for novices.
You'll have a variety of flora and fauna for company while in the jungle. You could even be fortunate enough to see a "Shekar," or Malabar Giant Squirrel.
The route to Gupt Bhimashankar, which passes by a rock in the middle of a stream, is the most enjoyable portion of the hike.
So we conclude our journey of the 1o best treks that Maharashtra offers with a cliche. It is said when we realize that we don't require a purpose to travel or explore, half of our life is sorted. So what are you waiting for, Maharashtra awaits you with open arms to embrace your presence on its land! Let's Go!
