Maharashtra is home to numerous trekking trails that traverse diverse landscapes of the majestic Western Ghats. Exploring these treks requires less time than heading to the mountains for Himalayan treks. However, the thrill of navigating the treks in Maharashtra offers an equally breathtaking experience.
Western Ghats, also known as Shahyadri is a mountain range that stretches across six states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A large chunk of Western Ghat lies in Maharashtra, creating innumerable opportunities to explore the best treks in Maharashtra. The state harbours the hidden gem of Shayadri ranges, inviting trekkers to explore its diverse landscapes, and offering a plethora of trekking option
From traversing lush green grasslands to encountering sprouting waterfalls, from exploring mystic dense forests to wandering enchanting forest trails. Add the charm of intriguing tales of ancient forts. Trekking in Maharashtra takes you on a rejuvenating escapade, offering the best of nature and the rich history of the Maratha empire.
Here is a list of the 10 best treks in Maharashtra to explore over the weekend. These treks are suitable for beginners.
- Harishchandragad Trek
- Torna Fort Trek
- Kalsubai Peak Trek
- Peb Fort Trek
- Rajmachi Fort Trek
- Dhodap Fort Trek
- Irshalgad Fort Trek
- Lohagad Fort Trek
- Pratapgad Trek
- Devkund Waterfall Trek
1. Harishchandragad Trek
Trek Distance – 5km ( From Pichnai Village)
Trek Duration – 2hr (One Way)
Starting Point – Khireshwar, Pachnai and Walhivale/Belpada village
Best Time – Post-Monsoon Months
Harishchandragad Trek near Pune is one of the most diverse trekking destinations in the Western Ghats. The trek takes you to an ancient fort offering a perfect blend of adventurous trails and historic landmarks.
On this trek, you pass through a dense forest cover, waterfalls along the trail, and a vibrant flower bed. Many ancient temples at the top exhibit the diverse culture this place has witnessed. Harishchandreshwar temple, Kedareshwar cave temple, and Tirta Pushkarini showcase the fine art of stone sculptures. Besides, the trek is known for its spellbinding view of Naneghat from Taramti Peak, the fourth highest in Maharashtra.
Harishchandragad trek has three starting points – Pachnai village, Khireshwar and Wahivale. The trail is challenging as it has some steep and tricky sections. Therefore, traverse these sections carefully, especially during monsoon since the route becomes slippery. Start your trek from Pachnai if you are an absolute beginner. It is the easiest and quickest route.
2. Torna Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 11km
Trek Duration – 3 to 4 hrs (From Base to the Top)
Starting Point – Velhe Village
Best Time – Post-Monsoon Months
Torna Fort Trek is one of the best treks in Maharashtra. The trek glides you on a picturesque trail. Starting from Velhe village, the trail takes you to the top where Torna Fort stands tall in all its glory. A paradise for nature lovers, Torna Fort traverses a lush green forest trail. Come monsoon, the grassland along the route remains abloomed with vibrant wildflowers. You will be enchanted to walk on a flowerbed.
The highlight of this trek is the ruins of the Torna Fort, also called Prachandgad owing to its mega-sized structure. Prachanda in Marathi means massive and Gad translates to fort. Famed to be the highest hill fort in Pune, Torn holds many historic significance. It was the first fort captured by Chattrapati Shivaji at the young age of 16. The fort has witnessed a series of landmark battles, a prominent one being between the Marathas and Mughals.
The ruins of the fort attract hundreds of trekkers from around the city, especially in post-monsoon months. As a result, monsoon witnesses a flock of adventurers who climb to the fort for verdant trails and scenic views of the hills around. Moreover, the trek is known for spectacular views from the top. Torna lets you catch glimpses of the nearby forts such as – Raigad, Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Pratapgad among others. There are specific viewpoints of attractions within the fort, Balekilla, Zunjar Machi, and Budhla Machi.
It is categorised as an easy-to-moderate trek, and trekkers hike on tricky patches to reach the summit. If you have enough time extend your hike to Rajgad Fort. Follow the ridge from Budhla Machi in Torna Fort that connects to Rajgad Fort.
3. Kalsubai Peak
Trek Distance – 5.6km
Trek Duration – 4hrs (One way)
Starting Point – Bari Village
Best Time – Monsoon and Post-Monsoon Months
Kalsubai Trek, located near Pune City, is one of the most picturesque treks. On this trek, you wander the lush green fields, enchanting forests, gushing waterfalls and scenic rural villages.
Kalsubai Peak is frequented by locals from nearby villagers who climb to visit the revered Kalsubai temple and seek blessings from Kalsubai devi.
The trek is located inside Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary and the highest peak in Maharashtra. Located in Ahmednagar district, the peak commands panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The trail has ladders installed by locals for the convenience of the trekkers. Traversing these narrow iron ladders is challenging, especially during the monsoon, but it adds a thrill to your trek.
Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra commands spectacular views of the famous peaks of the Sahyadris. Trekkers can spot Harihargad, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad forts from the summit on a clear day. Additionally, the peak provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding peaks of the Western Ghats.
The trek is renowned among trekkers for its magical sunsets and sunrises and is one of the best treks in Maharashtra. Reach the top and camp overnight to bask in the surreal beauty of the landscapes.
4. Peb Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 4 km (One Way)
Trek Duration – 6 hrs
Starting Point – Anandwadi
Best Time – Post-Monsoon Months
Peb Fort Trek is located near Mumbai and is a picturesque trekking trail that takes you to a hill fort. Peb Fort Trek is renowned for exhilarating summit views and thrilling climbs, making it a perfect weekend getaway for trekkers from Pune and Mumbai. The trek features as one of the best treks in Maharashtra for beginners.
The trail begins with a lush green forest lands. As you advance on the route, you will traverse fairly tricky patches. Some section requires you to navigate steep ascents and challenging sections. You will climb an iron ladder to enter the Peb Fort. The fort sits at a commanding position. Once you navigate the ladder to climb to the fort, you will open your eyes to panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the Matheran plateau, Chanderi Fort, Nakhind Hill, and Prabalgad among others.
Embark on the Peb Fort trek in the post-monsoon season to witness grasslands dotted with vibrant wildflowers. An entire section of the grasslands is covered in bright yellow flowers with surrounding hills looming in the distance making it a perfect sight to capture. Since the trek is close to Matheran, you will experience an abundance of flora and fauna.
You will climb to a maximum altitude of 2050 on the Peb Fort trek. Located less than 100 km from Mumbai and approximately 120 km from Pune, Peb Fort is a one-day trek. You can also opt to camp for a night.
5. Rajmachi Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 13 km
Trek Duration – 7 hrs
Starting Point – Udewadi
Best Time – Post-Monsoon Months
Touted as one of the most picturesque trekking trails near Pune, the Rajmachi Fort trek boasts lush green forests, rich fauna, gushing waterfalls, and breath-taking landscapes of Shahyadris. Rajmachi Fort Trek is one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra.
Nestled amid two popular hill stations, the trek takes to the twin forts of Manaranjan Fort (2510 feet) and Shriwardhan (2750. ft). As it is centrally located, you can approach the trek from both Lonavala and Karjat. The starting point of the trek is Udhewadi village, around km from Lonavala.
As monsoon arrives, the trail is engulfed in vibrant green while the floating clouds keep you company. During the peak monsoon season, the trail will be filled with waterfalls. The vantage point at the top is perfect to witness the panoramic views of the hills around.
The magical sight of gleaming fireflies enhances the trek experience, particularly if you plan this trek during the pre-monsoon season. Camp overnight to witness magical sunsets from the top. If you are seeking an adventurous escape amidst serene nature, the Rajmachi Fort Trek is a perfect destination.
6. Dhodap Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 6 km (One Way)
Trek Duration – 4 to 5 hrs
Starting Point – Hatti Village
Best Time – August to February
Dhodap Fort Trek in Nashik provides a thrilling trekking experience, inviting adventure seekers to witness the majestic Western Ghats. The trek climbs to the second-highest hill fort in Maharashtra and is one of the best treks in Maharashtra. Exploring the fort takes you back in time, unravelling the landmark events the fort has witnessed.
Dhodap Fort harbours a rich history that spreads over three levels of plateau. Each level unravels the remains of ancient times. There are a few caves along the route, used by trekkers as rest points. As you reach the top, the eastern side of the fort flanks a dominating view of Ikhara cliff. Additionally, you will witness surrounding forts looming in the distance, offering a perfect summit view.
The Fort is frequented by trekkers who come here to immerse themselves in adventurous landscapes. Your journey to the fort traverses lush green farms during monsoon season. In winter, the hues along the trail transform into shades of golden and brown.
7. Irshalgad Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 3.5 km (One Way)
Trek Duration – 2 to 3 hrs
Starting Point – Nanavali Village
Best Time – August to February
Irshalgad trek near Panvel is a perfect weekend getaway to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. The trek takes you through three sections of the fort – the base, needle hole, and the Irshalgad pinnacle. Trekkers are required to traverse the final leg to the pinnacle with utmost care. Although it is a thrilling climb to the top, it is tricky to navigate this section. There have been few cases of casualties reported.
Come monsoon, and the trail embraces the vibrant shades of green, turning the entire route into a rejuvenating affair. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Additionally, you will be captivated by clear views of majestic forts like Prabalgad, Manikgad and Matheran.
Irshalgad trek starts from Nainwali Village. Plan this as a weekend trek to witness the diverse sceneries the trek offers.
8. Lohagad Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 5 km
Trek Duration – 1 to 2.5 hrs
Starting Point – Malawali/ Lohagad Wadi
Best Time – August to February
Lohagad Fort Trek is a famous fort trek located near Lonavala. Lush green trails, refreshing waterfalls, and thrilling climb takes you to the top of the Fort. When you reach the top, a breathtaking view of Pavna Lake awaits you. Additionally, the fort provides a beautiful view of sprawling valleys from the top. As monsoon arrives, the trail embraces vibrant green hues and acts as a paradise for nature lovers.
The fort sits at an altitude of 3,389ft and is connected to the neighbouring Visapur Fort. As you traverse a meandering trail and a few stairs to the fort, four giant fort gates welcome you. You will be amazed to see the grandeur of these doors. Exploring the fort takes you back in time as you witness the architectural marvel of this fort.
Lohagad Fort is a beginner-friendly trek and can be completed in a day. Moreover, many trekking enthusiasts combine Lohagad with the Visapur Fort trek for a thrilling experience. It takes roughly 2 hours to climb the fort.
9. Pratapgad Fort Trek
Trek Distance – 2 to 3 km
Trek Duration – 5 hrs
Starting Point – Pratapgad Parking
Best Time – August to February
Pratapgad Fort trek takes to a historical landmark located 25 km from the popular hill station of Maharashtra. It has witnessed many historical events, the prominent one was the battle of Pratpgad between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan. Its proximity to the bustling hill station attracts many explorers throughout the year. The trek can done as a day trip from Mahabaleshwar. As the fort is located a few km from the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar, many combine the trek with the Mahabaleshwar trip.
The trail traverses lush green farms, rural villages and gushing waterfalls, especially during the monsoon period. Moreover, the trail is laden with rich flora and fauna, providing an opportunity to immerse in nature’s delight.
Categorised as an easy trek, Pratapgad Trek is ideal for beginners. You just climb a few steps from the parking lot to the top. Many trekkers combine Bhimachi Kathi with Pratapgad for a thrilling experience. Opting for this route requires you to hike roughly 5 hrs from Paratapgad via Bhimachi Kathi which culminates at Kudpan village.
10. Devkund Waterfall
Trek Distance – 6 km( From Base to the Top)
Trek Duration – 2hr (One Way)
Starting Point – Bhira
Best Time – August to February
Devkund Waterfall Trek near Pune is a hidden treasure and has gained popularity as one of the best treks in Maharashtra in recent times. Nestled deep inside the forest, the waterfall springs to life with the onset of monsoon season. The waterfall volume increases during the season and the surrounding forests burst into vibrant shades of lush green.
The waterfall is believed to have been a bathing ground for Devs or Gods and is considered sacred by the villagers. Hidden inside a dense forest surrounded by Bhira Dam, the Devkund waterfall trek is an easy hike. You can complete the trek in a day. But if you wish to extend your adventure, camp along the Bhira water reservoir for a night to add adventure to your getaway. A waterfall of 280 mt in height swells as it begins raining in July. It is a perfect weekend getaway to escape the city heat.
The trek starts from Bhira and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the waterfall. In winter, the trail adorns autumn hues and appears in shades of gold and brown. However, the volume of waterfalls reduces post-monsoon.
