Are you looking to explore treks near Mumbai? The city’s proximity to the Western Ghats creates a myriad of opportunities for thrilling treks near Mumbai. For those seeking to spend time amidst the tranquillity of nature, Western Ghats offers an array of adventurous trails, suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers.
If you are looking for trekking trails near Mumbai, here are some of the most scenic trails to discover. So, escape the ever-bustling Mumbai city to traverse the lush green trails, ancient forts and gushing waterfalls that come to life during the monsoon season.
Here are the top 8 picturesque and famous treks near Mumbai
- Rajmachi Trek
- Kalsubai Peak Trek
- Lohagad Trek
- Harishchandragad Trek
- Bhimashankar Trek
- Andharban Trek
- Peb Fort Trek
- Sindola Fort Trek
1. Rajmachi Trek – a picturesque trek near Mumbai
Distance from Mumbai – 118 km
Trek Distance – 13 km
Located about 100 km from Lonavala, the Rajmachi Trek has several historical forts and unexplored places like Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. One of the most refreshing treks near Mumbai, Rajmachi Trek is best explored during the monsoon season when the entire region is shrouded in greenery and the weather becomes extremely blissful with several streams and waterfalls coming alive.
The trek allows you to explore some historical forts located in the picturesque Western Ghats. Rajmachi is suitable for beginners and is a perfect weekend getaway.
Kalsubai Peak Trek – the highest peak in Maharashtra
Trek Distance – 5.6 km
Distance from Mumbai – 156 km
Kalsubai Peak, standing tall at 5,400 feet, is the highest point in Maharashtra. The thrill of exploring the highest peak in the state makes Kalsubai one of the best treks near Mumbai. Many adventure seekers embark on the Kalsubai Trek to witness spectacular sunrise and sunset from the top. The trail transverses a challenging terrain but offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring hills from the summit.
During the monsoon season, the dense forest and waterfalls along the trail burst to life, drawing adventure seekers in huge numbers. The villagers climb to the peak to visit the Kalsubai temple located at the summit.
Lohagad Fort Trek – a thrilling trek to an ancient fort
Distance from Mumbai – 100 km
Trek Distance – 13 km
Lohagad Fort Trek is nestled amidst the Shayadri mountain range, offering an adventurous journey to a historical site. The trek is around 100 km from Mumbai.
An easy trail, Lohagad offers the impressive architecture of the Maratha empire. You will encounter many monsoon waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the trail. This trek is suitable for beginners of all age groups. You can combine this trek with a trip to Lonavala.
Harishchandragad Trek – one of the hardest treks near Mumbai
Distance from Mumbai – 100 km
Trek Distance – 20 km
Harishchadragad Trek is perfect for those seeking an adventurous and challenging experience in the Western Ghats. Known for the beauty of ancient caves and temples, this trek is a must for trekkers in Mumbai. The trail of Harishchandragad Fort passes rugged terrains, steep ascents and the famed Konkan Kada cliff, a major attraction of this trek.
The summit offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks. Lush green forest, rustic trail, its historic significance and an enthralling journey for the entire trek feature Harishchandragad as one of the best trekking places near Mumbai.
Bhimashankar Trek – A journey to Bhimashankar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Distance from Mumbai – 196 km
Trek Distance – 13 km
One of the most beautiful treks near Mumbai, Bhimashakar Trek offers an opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity of Bhimasahankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek is also popular amongst the trekkers and explorers for Bhimashankar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Trekkers who embark on this trail witness dense forests, diverse wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and gushing streams. The entire trail springs to life during the monsoon season.
Bhimashankar is not just a trek, but an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Plan this trek during monsoon to witness exhilarating sceneries along the trail.
The trek is fairly challenging and demands you to be in good physical condition to appreciate the raw beauty of the Western Ghats fully.
Andharban Trek – a refreshing trek near Mumbai
Distance from Mumbai – 165 km
Trek Distance – 14 km
Andharban Trek is one of the most picturesque trails located near Mumbai. Known for its lush green forest trail, cascading waterfalls, and small streams, the trek is a sought-after weekend getaway near Mumbai. The entire journey is an exciting experience for nature lovers. Andharban trek offers diverse sceneries and breathtaking views throughout the journey of roughly 13 km.
The trek is a descending trek that begins at 2,160 ft and descends to the valley with many water streams and waterfalls to the backwater of Bhira Dam.
Andharban derives its name from two words, Andhar or dark, and Ban or forest. The name translates to dark forest. The trail passes through dense overgrowth, justifying the name.
The trek is known for its picturesque and serene landscapes. You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the Bhira Dam, Kundalika Valley, and Tamhini Ghat.
Plan this trek during monsoon to witness mesmerising waterfalls along the trail. The nature springs to life during the monsoon, making it a must-do trek.
Peb Fort Trek
Distance from Mumbai – 80 km
Trek Distance – 4 km (one way)
Peb Fort Trek is located near Mumbai and is a picturesque trekking trail that takes you to a hill fort. The trek is renowned for exhilarating summit views and thrilling climbs, making it a perfect weekend getaway for trekkers from Mumbai and Pune. The journey 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 For and witness panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The fort sits at a commanding position, offering a breathtaking view of 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.
Peb Fort trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 2050ft. 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.
Sindola Fort – hill fort trek near Mumbai
Distance from Mumbai – 137 km
Trek Distance – 2.8 km
Sindola Fort is an offbeat trek near Mumbai that takes you to a historic hill fort atop the Malshej Ghat Plateau. An offbeat trail near Malshej Ghat, the trek overlooks the Pimpalgaon Joga dam. The fort sits at an altitude of 3680 ft and was built to function as a watch tower. Locals believe the fort dates back to the Shilahara dynasty, who ruled the region between the 8th and 13th centuries.
During the monsoon, the trail is dotted with vibrant wildflowers and the forest sections adorn the lush green shade. A thrilling ridge walk takes you to the Sindola Fort. The ridge walk overlooks the dam on your right, while the left side is dominated by the Western Ghats peaks.
Do this trek during monsoon season to witness the vibrant blooms along the trail. You will play hide and seek with floating clouds and the entire trail becomes a dreamscape after the first spell of rain.
These are some of the picturesque treks near Mumbai and Pune. Attempt these treks during the post-monsoon months to soak in the majestic beauty of the Western Ghats. If you have already completed this trek and wish to share your experience or add more information for our readers, you can write to us at tamanna@gooutwithowls.com.
