Of
course, Maharashtra is not endowed with the Great Himalayas or the difficult
trek routes, but whatever available in the Western Ghat range of the state,
provides you a really thrilling trekking experience. Of the various regions
in Maharashtra, the Sahyadris is the most important trekking region of the
state.
In Maharashtra’s local Marathi Language, Western Ghats is called as
Sahyadri range. Often referred to as a ‘trekker’s paradise’,
Sahyadri range is bestowed with lush green hills, steep hair-raising cliffs,
picturesque waterfalls, beautiful lakes making their way through ridges and
dense forests all around.
Treks in the Sahyadri are classified according to region such as - Pune
region treks, Nasik region treks, Warna - Amboli region treks and Koyna -
Satara region treks. Trekking in the Sahyadri takes you to the imposing
historic forts, magnificent ancient Buddhist caves and several other
unexplored areas.
Moreover, it is not possible to explain everything in words, once you
finish trekking in Maharahstra, you will yourself realize that the climbs
were really exciting and you will return your home with some lifetime
memories.
Popular Treks
Maharashtra has several hills which offer you excellent opportunities to
undertake trekking expedition. Some of the popular treks in Maharashtra
include.
- Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgadh Trek (Duration - 2 Days
or more).
Route Covers : Mahabaleshwar
- Zolai Khind - Dudhgaon - Chaturbet - Ghonaspur - Makarandgad - Hatlot
- Pratapgad.
- Kamshet - Karla Caves Trek (Duration - 2 to 4
Days).
Route Covers : Kamshet -
Bedsa Caves - Bedsa Gill - Visapur Fort - Lohagad Fort - Bhaja Caves -
Karla Caves.
- Karjat to Matheran Trek (Duration - 1 to 2 Days).
Route Covers : Karjat -
Vaverle - Bhorgaon - Ambewadi - One Tree Hill - Matheran - Neral.
- Irshal - Prabal Fort Trek (Duration - 1 to 2 Days).
Route Covers : Karjat -
Chowk - Irshalwadi - Irshal - Prabal - Thakurwadi - Shedung.
- Peth Fort Kotligad Trek (Duration - 1to 2 Days).
Route Covers : Kajrat -
Ambivali - Peth
Kondana Caves - Ulhas Valley Trek (Duration - 1 to 2
Days).
Route Covers : Kondana
Village - Kondana Caves - Ulhas Valley
- Mahuli Trek (Duration - 1 Day or more).
Route Covers : Asangaon -
Mahuli Village - Mahuli Fort.
- Purandar Fort Trek (Duration - 1 Day or more).
Route Covers : Narayanpeth
- Purandar Fort.
- Mount Kalsubai Trek (Duration - 1 Day).
Route Covers : Bari -
Kalsubai - Bari.
- Duse’s Nose Trek (Duration - 1 Day).
Route Covers : Khandala -
Fore Bay - Duke’s Nose - Khandala.
Some More Treks
Trekking
in Rajmachi Fort : A historic site, the Rajmachi Fort is known as a
popular place for trekking in Maharashtra. Apart from its historic
significance, this fort is also famous for exotic natural wonders. You can
reach Rajmachi via Lonavala town along the Khandala plateau.
From Lonavala you can start the trekking in the morning at around 11 am.
You can stay near Kalbhairavnath Temple, as there is some space which can be
used a campsite. If you don’t want to stay in outside camps you can
even stay inside the temple.
Trekking in Waki Woods : 30 kms away from Nagpur on Saoner
Road, Waki Woods is wonderful place for trekking in Maharashtra. Every year
large number of trekkers flock this place to get a fantastic trekking
experience. While you reach Waki Woods, you can enjoy other adventure
activities like boating, bird-watching, archery and riding.
Essential Gears Required
Like other places in India, Maharasthra Tourism Development Corporation
Ltd. (MTDC) also offers training courses as well as essential equipments for
trekkers. In addition, MTDC and a number of trekking club and institutes
organize trekking expeditions across the state. For any trekking expedition,
you must carry essential items like a bag, extra food, water bottles, extra
clothes, first aid kit, torch, lights etc.
Mahrashtra Climate
Maharashtra has a typically monsoonal climate, with hot and humid rainy
season and moderately cold seasons. During the summer months of March to
May, the weather remains extremely hot and thunderstorms are a common
feature all over Maharashtra. The southwest monsoon reaches the state in the
first week of June, by September the monsoonal current weakens. By October,
the winter season arrives and continues till February. November to February
is the best time to enjoy trekking in Maharashtra as the weather remains
pleasant during this period.
