Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Then Maharashtra is the perfect place for you! From thick jungles to tall mountains, there are tons of amazing things to see. And the best way to do that? Trekking! Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for something a bit more daring or a beginner who’s just getting their feet wet, there is something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of 5 unique trails in Maharashtra so you can get out and explore the wild and uncover some hidden gems. Ready to go on an adventure? Here’s what you can expect from each journey! Let’s get started!
Harishchandragad : A Trekking Paradise
If trekking is your idea of adventure, then Maharashtra has just the right place for you—Harishchandragad! Located in the Akola district of Maharashtra, it is a popular trekking spot known for its majestic hilltops and numerous waterfalls.
This challenging trek takes you through a wide variety of terrains, from dense forests to grassy meadows with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s also home to ancient caves and temples that dot the landscape. The pinnacle of Harishchandragad, Kedareshwar cave, is an especially spectacular sight.
The trekking trails are well-marked and vary in difficulty according to level of experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker looking for new challenges, Harishchandragad offers something for everyone—from novice trekkers to expert adventurers. Pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing destination!
Kalsubai : Maharashtra’s Highest Peak
Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, towers over 5400 feet above sea level and is undoubtedly the most popular trekking destination in this Indian state. It is a part of the Sahyadri mountain range and is known locally as ‘Everest of Maharashtra’. The trek begins in Bari village, which lies at the foot of the mountain. From here, you will pass through numerous waterfalls, lush green plateaus, and rocky pathways as you make your way to the summit.
Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of Bhandardara Lake and also visit Arthur Lake for a rest stop. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of untouched nature that stretch for miles along with a temple dedicated to Goddess Kalsubai. The trek offers something for everyone from novice to experts and makes for an unforgettable experience!
Sandhan Valley : Explore the Unfathomable Marvelous Gorge
Trekking in Maharashtra wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Sandhan Valley. This 8-kilometer gorge, located in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats, is considered one of Maharashtra’s most thrilling treks. The views are truly outstanding, as they encompass lush green meadows, dense forests with exotic flora and fauna, and several waterfalls along its length.
Though Sandhan Valley can be trekked in a day, it is better to take a two-day long trip from which you can gain maximum pleasure. If you are an adventurous soul looking for something challenging and beautiful at the same time then Sandhan Valley should definitely be on your bucket list!
This trek will offer you an unforgettable experience with activities such as cliff rappelling, valley crossing and camping under starry night skies. On this trek you will get to witness some truly breathtaking views at magnificent places like Alang Madan Kulang (AMK) Fort, Ratangad Fort and Kalsubai Peak.
So if you are on the lookout for a great trekking destination that won’t disappoint even the experienced adventurers out there, then look no further than Sandhan Valley!
Bhimashankar : Exploring Ancient Architecture
Venture out to the Sahyadri mountain range for an exciting trekking experience to Bhimashankar, home to an ancient Hindu temple. The town of Bhimashankar is considered a holy place according to the Hindu mythological texts and is the source of the Bhima river. Apart from being a popular spot for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, it is also a great place for wildlife viewing.
Ancient Architecture
The breathtaking architecture of Bhimashankar attracts tourists from all over India every year. The place is named after one of Shiva’s avatars ‘Bhim’, and it consists of beautiful temples that date back to the 12th century. As you explore this historical site, you can spot carvings on the outer walls that depict scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata!
Wildlife Hotspot
Not only does Bhimashankar have historical importance but it is also home to rare wildlife species such as Wild Boars, Malabar Giant Squirrels and Ghoral. Visitors can then visit Neshvi Ghat, which offers unmatched views of the ghats surrounded by lush green forests. It’s no wonder why this spot has become so popular among adventure seekers!
Trekking Trails
Trekking here is suitable for all kinds of skill levels with trails ranging from short day-treks to long multi-day treks. During your journey, you can traverse paths through dense jungles, streams and climb rocky hills with stunning views at every turn! It’s certainly a great way to explore nature at its best.
Rajgad Fort : Climb to the Top of the World
If a view from the top of the world is your kind of adventure, then make sure you add Rajgad Fort to your list. It’s one of Maharashtra’s oldest forts and is a part of the Sahayadri Mountain Range. At an altitude of over 1,400 meters, Rajgad Fort offers you sweeping views in all directions.
The trek up Rajgad Fort is graded at moderate-to-difficult level, but well worth the effort. The fort takes its name from ‘Raj’ (meaning kingdom) and ‘Gad’ (meaning fort). It was once the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Kingdom and was used as a strategic point for his military operations.
What’s Fascinating about Rajgad Fort
Apart from its breathtakingly beautiful views, there are some other things that make this trekking spot quite fascinating —
- There are several water tanks on the fort that are believed to have never gone dry!
- As you climb up further on the fort, you can observe and explore old temples like Balekilla or Padmavati temple.
- There is a pathway which connects five forts in total – Torna, Rajgad, Purandar, Sinhagad and Tikona – that you can cover over 3 days.
- If you’re an adventure junkie then take on a challenge and explore Parikrama Marg which circles around the entire perimeter of the fort!
Rajgad Fort will offer you an experience like no other as it provides with opportunities to learn ancient history, explore majestic mountains and
Conclusion
Whether you’re a novice or experienced trekker, Maharashtra has the best of everything for a perfect trekking getaway. Aside from the natural beauty and unmatched wildlife, the unique neighborhoods, culture and food options make it a great vacation destination. There’s no better feeling than taking in the scenery with awe-inspiring views, as your journey leads you through undiscovered terrain and pristine nature.
So go ahead, find your way to one of these hidden gems and let yourself become part of the journey. Trekking in Maharashtra is not only about the view, but about having an experience of a lifetime.
