7 Trekking Places in Maharashtra in Monsoon

The monsoon is just the right season to put on your trekking shoes and fire your inherent adventurous spirit. You can head for an invigorating trek to the Himalayas or, better still, plan a trek to the Western Ghats in India. If you ask trekking enthusiasts, they will undoubtedly point to some of the best trekking places in Maharashtra during the monsoon season.

The rains liven up the Sahyadri range in western India. The entire place is a sight to behold, with lush green cover everywhere. Any typical trek will take you through memorable encounters of seasonal waterfalls, crystal clear lake water, and crisscrossing streams across the trails. Amidst the roar of the water bodies, the rich flora and fauna of the range can be mesmerising. In other words, it is simply magical!

List of the 7 Famous monsoon treks in Maharashtra.

Harishchandragad - A Trekker’s Paradise
Bhimashankar Trek - Best Place to Catch the Monsoon Magic
Torna Fort Trek - Conquering the Heights
Rajmachi Trek - Discover the Beauty of Sahyadris
Devkund Waterfall - Discovering the Magic of Water
Aland Madan Kulang Trek - Challenge Your Inner Strength
Kalsubai - The Highest Summit in Maharashtra

1. Harishchandragad - A Trekker’s Paradise

Even though Harishchandragad is considered one of the most challenging treks in this part of the country, this fort hill in Ahmednagar district is worth a try. A couple of trails take you to the top of the hill. One is the trek via Nalichi Vaat, the second via Taramati Ghal, the third via the Khireshwar trail, and the last via Pachnai. The first two trails could be better during monsoon. But the latter two are worth a try, especially for daredevils. All the trails are well-defined and pass through green fields and forests. Beware that all the trails are slippery and highly windy as you climb further.

Attractions: Konkan Kada or the Konkan Cliff at the top of the hill fort. It is at a height of 1,800 feet and resembles the hood of a cobra, like a vertical overhang. It is one of the best places to capture the panoramic view of the entire range. The other attraction of this Monsoon trek destination in Maharashtra is the Harishchandragad Fort, which dates back to the 6th century. Fort has numerous caves believed to have been carved much later in the 11th century.
Difficulty Level: Moderate for the Khireshwar and Pachnai trails. Khubi Phata is the base camp for the Kireshwar route.
Starting Point: Pachnai Village is the base camp for the Pachnai trail.

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2. Bhimashankar Trek - Best Place to Catch the Monsoon Magic

One of the most popular trekking places in Maharashtra in the monsoon is Bhimashankar Trek. If you love nature and wildlife, this monsoon trek surely should be your calling, as the trail ends at the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. This trek could get adventurous with spotting wild langurs, different bird species, spotted deer, and the sighting of the Malabar Giant Squirrel is a bonus for the lucky ones. The recommended route is the Ganesh Ghat trail for first-timers. Experienced trekkers can choose between Ganesh Ghat and Shidi Ghat. Both routes take you through thick forests, fields, rocks, and boulders, while numerous waterfalls mark Ganesh Ghat. The Shidi Ghat offers a thrilling terrain. The highest point on the trek is at 3,390 feet, and it takes around 4-5 hours to ascend the summit.

Attractions: The Nagfani Point offers the best 360-degree view of the area. In the evening, the aarti at the Bhimashankar Jyotirling Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlings in India, is worth attending. The Ladder Climb at Shidi Ghat and the Bhimashankar Waterfall are the other added attractions of this Monsoon trek destination in Maharashtra.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Starting Point: Khandas Village is the base camp.

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3. Torna Fort Trek - Conquering the Heights

Also popular as The Eagle’s Nest or Prachandagad, Torna Fort in the Sahyadri Mountains is a hill fort located in the Pune district. The fort, perched at a height of 4,603 feet above sea level, is the highest trekking place in Maharashtra during the monsoon. Historically, Torna Fort symbolises pride for locals as it was the base for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for quite some time.

As the fort is massive, it is called Prachandagad,’ where ‘Prachanda’ means huge in Marathi. Temples, water cisterns, flowers, and Balekilla mark this trek.

Attractions: The Torna Fort, the hub of the Maratha Empire, is one of the foremost attractions of this trek. It houses two machis – the Budhla and the Zunjar Machi. A ridge also connects the Torna Fort to the Rajgad Fort. Trekkers are in for a delight here as the Fort offers mesmerising views of other forts around, like the Rajgad Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, and so on.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Starting Point: Velhe

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4. Rajmachi Trek - Discover the Beauty of Sahyadris

One of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra is the Rajmachi Trek. There are two popular routes for this trek. The final point is located at 3,600 feet above sea level. The Karjat route is less scenically appealing than the Lonavala route. While trekking on the latter trail, trekkers get to soak up the beauty of the place, with caves, waterfalls, forts, and lakes on the way.

Attractions: The landmark of this Maharashtra monsoon trek is the Kondana Caves, surrounded by a small seasonal waterfall active during the rains. The Shriwardhan and the Manoranjan Forts are the other attractions here. You can also stop by the Udaysagar Lake and pay respects at the Shiv Temple. The Kataldhar Waterfall is another must-visit place on this trek.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Starting Point: Kondivade

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5. Devkund Waterfall - Discovering the Magic of Water

The Devkund Waterfall is another memorable Maharashtra monsoon trek trail close to the Bhira Dam in the Raigad district. The site is approximately 150 km from Mumbai. This is a secluded spot and was discovered pretty recently. Locals believe that it is the origin of the Kudalika River. The wow moment is watching the water drop into a small pond from a height of 80 feet amidst the tranquil surroundings. The trail is defined and is bordered by lush green forests, fields, ladders, and rocks. Monsoon season is the ideal time to visit the place as the water is abundant and fall is in its natural splendour. However, trekkers are recommended to be cautious while on this trek during the rainy season, as the downpours can make the trail quite slippery.

Attractions: The Tamhini Ghat is nearby and walkable. Camping facilities are available for trekkers to spend the night. The spot offers spectacular places for photography. Interested trekkers can interact with the local villagers from Bhira Village.
Difficulty Level: Moderate or Easy
Starting Point: Bhira Village

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6. Aland Madan Kulang Trek - Challenge Your Inner Strength

The AMK Trek is one of the most sought-after treks in the state but also one of the most difficult. That’s because long ledges and vertical rock faces mark the trek in the Kalsubai range in Nashik. The technical terrain requires a bit of mountaineering experience. You will also require typical climbing gear and equipment to conquer this trail. This 2-day trek, however, is very rewarding as once you reach the summit, you are in for some of the most breathtaking views you have ever witnessed. Coupled with that, the entire trail takes you through dense woods intercepted by huge rocks and boulders, water bodies, caves, cisterns, winding farmlands, and rocks bearing ancient writings are an antidote for the eyes and the soul.

Attractions: On the way, you will visit Aland Fort, Madan Fort, and Kulang Fort. On top, there’s a 2 km-wide plateau worth discovering.
Difficulty Level: Extreme
Starting Point: Ghatghar

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7. Kalsubai - The Highest Summit in Maharashtra

Located in Igatpuri, Kalsubai is considered the Everest of Maharashtra. It is an ideal trekking place in Maharashtra in the monsoon season, as the weather becomes pleasant with the downpours. Surrounded by peaks like Alang, Kulang, Madan, Ratangad, and Vishramgad, Kalsubia is 5,400 feet above sea level. Reaching the top is a feat in itself, and trekkers find themselves patting their backs on accomplishing the mission in three and a half hours.

Attractions: The ladder climb to the top is quite thrilling. There is a temple at the summit worth visiting. You can also catch a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Starting Point: Bari or Indore

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The rainy season is the best time to explore these excellent trekking trails in Maharashtra as the adventure doubles with the natural beauty. Whether it is the history of the Torna Fort, the lushness of Raimachi, the mesmerising views at the Harishchandragad trek or the Bhimashankar trail, or the skills required to conquer the Aland Madan Kulang Trek, there’s a range of experiences in store for nature lovers. Each trek creates memories, and the rejuvenated landscape curates some of the best trekking places in Maharashtra during the monsoon season.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking Places in Maharashtra in Monsoon

Q. Is it good to go trekking in Maharashtra during monsoon?
A. Yes, many consider monsoon season the best time to wear their trekking gear and take to the trails in Maharashtra. That’s because the Sahyadris and the Western Ghats are covered with lush green growths as the rain showers. Additionally, many seasonal springs and waterfalls come alive, adding to the beauty of the trails.

Q. Which trek is the toughest in Maharashtra during monsoon?
A. Most of the treks in the state are easy or moderately difficult. However, some areas could get increasingly slippery due to the rains. For example, trekking to the Devkund Waterfall can be risky during monsoon season, and trekkers are advised to be extra careful. It is always ideal to refer to the weather conditions and consult with experts before you choose a trekking place in Maharashtra in the monsoon. A few trails require the presence of guides who can offer technical guidance such as the Aland Madan Kulang trek.

Q. Which are the highest treks in Maharashtra?
A. Kalsubai is the highest peak in the state, at 1,646 meters above sea level. Salher and Gawaldev are the second and third-highest treks in Maharas, at 1,567 and 1,522 meters, respectively. Kalsubai is also called the Everest of Maharashtra.

Q. How did Maharashtra’s highest peak get the name Kalsubai?
A. The summit is believed to be named after a girl from the local tribe called Kalsu. There is folklore about Kalsu staying at the top of the peak till her death.

Q. Kindly recommend kids-friendly treks in and around Mumbai during monsoon.
A. You can try trekking in scenic spots like Karnala, Lohagad, and Sondai, as the difficulty level of these treks is easy. Trails like Matheran, Prabalmachi, and Korigad are also ideal for kids, as these places have historical relevance and beautiful views.

Q. Which is the easiest trek in Maharashtra?
A. Easy treks in Maharashtra during the monsoon include the Harishchandragad trek, the Aadrai Jungle trek, the Kothaligad Fortort trek, and more.

Q. How many forts are there for trekking in Maharashtra?
A. Maharas, covering most of the Western Ghats In India, has approximately 350 ft. Many are located in scenic places, making them memorable trek trails. Most of these forts are still present and are ideal for trekking, rock climbing, and camping. Notably, the British destroyed many forts in the state during their rule.

Q. What are the things to carry when trekking in the monsoon season in Maharashtra?
A. When trekking in the monsoon, you must carry basic gear like