What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Monsoon’? For us, it is a trek to the beautiful mountains with lush greenery and valleys. Moreover, it’s about witnessing dense forests and fog with waterfalls, chirping birds, and some flora and fauna.
Luckily, Maharashtra has an extensive mountain range running parallel to the coastline. Geographically, this range is a part of The Sahyadri Range or The Western Ghats which forms a crest along the western side of India. The Sahyadri traverse the state of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
The most dangerous and challenging treks in Maharashtra are the ones that have a high risk of rockfalls, landslides, huge crowds, and improper paths. Also, there are situations of some moments for trekkers as sometimes they don’t know what to expect.
Below is the list of some of the toughest treks in Maharashtra, so get ready to experience an adrenaline rush and enjoy the scenic view from these majestic mountains.
Kalsubai Peak Trek (1646 m)
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and hence it is also known as The Everest of Maharashtra. Its summit is situated at a height of 1646 m. Kalsubai trek is a one-day trek with luscious green landscapes and waterfalls. Moreover, a temple is built over the summit to give tribute to Kalsubai Devi. It is believed that Kalsubai lived in the mountains and had cured villagers and animals. Further, the peak offers view of the beautiful Harishchandragad, Harihargad, Ratangad and forts like Alang, Madan, and Kulang.
- Base Village: Bari Village
- Trek Distance: 6.6 Km (One Way)
- How to get there: Kalsubai is about 152 km from Mumbai via NH 160. Enter Bari Village in the destination location. The nearest station that is accessible is Kasara and Igatpuri.
Salher Fort Trek (1567 m)
Salher Fort Trek is located in the Satana Tehsil of Nashik district. The Salher peak is the second highest peak after Kalsubai. But the Salher Fort is the highest hill fort in Maharashtra at an elevation of 1567 m. Salher fort is a natural pyramid-like structure. Many trekkers go for a 2-day trek in which they spend one night on Salher Fort and then go to Salota Fort, which is a twin fort the next morning. It is believed that Lord Parshuram did his Tapasya over here. Moreover, this fort gained fame due to the Battle of Salher that took place between the Marathas and the Mughals.
- Base Village: Waghambe Village and Salher Wadi Village
- Trek Distance: 5.2 km from Waghambe and 3.3 Km from Salher Wadi. If Combining Salota Fort, it will be an addition of 3 km.
- How to get there: Both the base village is easily accessible by road and is almost the same distance from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Kasara.
Alang Fort Trek (1400 m)
Located in the majestic Kalsubai Range, Alang Fort is one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra. Alang, Madan, and Kulang are the three consecutive forts and are often regarded as AMK trek. Further, these treks are recommended for experienced mountaineers. From the top, one can witness some of the prominent peaks like Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, Harihar, Khutta, Ratangad, and a few more. Moreover, it is suggested to trek these forts between October to February.
- Base Village: Ambewadi Village and Ghatghar Village
- Trek Distance: Around 6-7 km
- How to get there: Ambewadi Village is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune with a distance of 140 km and 184 km respectively.
Dhodap Fort (1472 m)
Dhodap is the second-highest fort in Maharashtra and the highest fort in the Satmala mountain range of Sahyadri. The fort first belonged to Nizams up to the 16the century. Later it was captured by Peshwas and handed over to Marathas to use as a jail. The fort takes us back in history as it is filled with caves, temples, ancient sculptures, etc. Further, the Dhodap trek has been divided into 3 levels.
- Base Village: Hatti village
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- How to get there: Take Mumbai-Agra Highway and reach Nashik first. From Nashik head towards Hatti Village.
Harishchandragad Fort (1424 m)
Harishchandragad Fort is one of the ancient forts of Maharashtra. The reference for the same can be found in Matsyapurana, Agni Purana, and Skanda Purana. There are 3-4 ways to reach this village i.e from Khireshwar village, Nalachi Vaat, Kothale village and Pachnai Village, which is the easiest route. Further, some of the attractive tourist destinations are Taramati, Kedareshwar cave, Saptatirtha Pushkarni, Konkan Kada, etc. It is also one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai.
- Base Village: Khireshwar village, Nalachi Vaat, Kothale village, and Pachnai Village
- Trek Distance: 5 km
- How to get there: If you want to start the trek from Pachnai village then take a local train to Kasara. Pachnai village is 201 km from Mumbai and 160 km from Pune.
Torna Fort (1404 m)
Torna Fort has great significance in Indian history as it was the first fort captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the age of 16. It is also referred to as Prachandagad because of its huge size. Moreover, it is the highest hill fort in the Pune district. If you are trekking to Torna post-monsoon, then you will witness an entire trail of wildflowers. Also, the fort offers a spectacular view of Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad Fort, Mangalgad, Mahabaleshwar Mountain Range, and many more.
- Base Village: Velhe Village
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- How to get there: Torna Fort is 52 km from Pune and 195 km from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Pune Junction.
Rajgad Fort (1376 m)
Rajgad Fort was formerly the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 26 years. Later, it got shifted to Raigad Fort. The fort is so huge that it can’t be explored in one day and hence people prefer staying overnight. The trek offers breathtaking views of Torna, Raigad, Sinhagad, Mohangad, Visapur, Kavlya Fort, and many more. There is a huge elephant-like structure created on a huge rock. Of Suvela Machi.
- Base Village: Gunjavana Village
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- How to get there: Gunjavana village is closer to Pune than Mumbai. It is at a distance of 36 km from Pune and 125 km from Mumbai
Ratangad Fort (1297 m)
Ratangad Fort is located in the village of Ratanwadi. It has a natural rock peak on its top which is called ‘Nedhe; or ‘Eye of the Needle’. Moreover, The fort has four gates namely, Ganesh Dwaar, Hanuman Dwaar, Konkan Dwaar and Trimbak Dwaar.The fort offers a splendid view of neighboring forts like Alang, Madan, Kulang, Harishchandragad, and Patta. The fort is named after Ratnabai, she was one of the sisters of Kalsubai.
- Base Village: Ratanwadi Village and Samrad Village
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- How to get there: The nearest railway station to Ratangad is Igatpuri. Ratangad is almost at the same distance from Mumbai and Pune i.e, 175 km.
Jivdhan Fort (1145 m)
Jivdhan Fort is considered one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra due to confusing and misleading jungle tracks. It is said that every point in this fort is built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Moreover, it is also a part of the famous five treks in the Junnar region. The famous five include Jivdhan Fort, Hadsar Fort, Naneghat Ghat, Shivneri Fort, and Chavand Fort. But Jivdhan fort has some rock-cut steps and hence it requires climbing equipment for rock climbing.
- Base Village: Ghatghar Village
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- How to get there: Jivdhan Fort is 123 km from Pune and 166 km from Mumbai. People can board the train to Igatpuri and take a bus or cab from there.
So, are you ready to experience some of the beautiful yet toughest treks in Maharashtra? Then what are you waiting for? Just grab your trekking bags, well-gripped shoes, first aid kit, and water bottles to keep yourself hydrated. The list doesn’t end here, make sure to pack high-calorie snacks, raincoats, salt, repellents, quick dry outfits, and electrolyte powder. Also, let me know in the comments which is your favourite trek in this list of the toughest treks in Maharashtra.
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