How do rainy afternoons, a trek through nature, and of course, some roadside pakoras sound? Much needed right? Especially after a rough week, a quick getaway for the weekend sounds like everything you can get your hands on.
Planning a weekend getaway post a hectic week of meeting deadlines and being sleep deprived on your to-do list on a Friday night, is as bad a chore as it sounds. To make your planning a lot easier, The Travel Blueprint has listed some of the must-visit trekking spots around Mumbai during the monsoons with all the possible necessary information, reference pictures, and precautions you need to know with a few cautious clicks.
You’ll find a detailed review of all the places catered to your convenience, like your very own travel journal for an adventure-filled trip.
1. Visapur Fort
For all the Mumbaikar and Punekars who don’t like being on the roads much yet wish to do something beyond the usual mundane activities, this here will guide you through your nearest trail trek that’s just on the outskirts of Pune. It majestically stands over an elevation overlooking a gorgeous waterfall with a rich history. Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than its twin fort - Lohagad.
2. Devkund Plunge Waterfall
Disconnect from the social responsibilities and dive deep into the wilderness, exploring yourself and your thoughts while the waterfalls around calm your overworked mind.
With the thick fog covering the peaks of the mountains and the breathtaking waterfall of Devkund, which is one of the few waterfalls in Maharashtra that falls under the category of a plunging fall. This means that the waterfall pours down with a strong gush on the rocky surface right into the pool. This scenery is the one that’s always going to stay with you. So, huddle up with your trekking friends and do not forget to click pictures of the gorgeous waterfalls.
3. Andharban Jungle: The Dark Forest
Andharban, by its name, means a dark dense forest. It is a descend trek, where you are already in height and you will descend till the end. It is one of the most beautiful treks and has lots of things to explore. Andharban is best to go during the monsoon. Although purely a descending trek throughout, Andharban manages to elevate the senses to a completely new level
4. Dudhsagar Waterfall
If you’ve watched the SRK-Deepika Padukone starrer Chennai Express you simply cannot miss the spot where SRK gets down from the train with Deepika, right in front of a majestic waterfall. Ever thought about which waterfall is that and where’s it located? Yep, that’s the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls and is located right on the Karnataka-Goa border, technically in Goa.
5. Tambdi Surla Waterfall
Tambdi Surla Waterfall is located amidst the thick forest of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park of Goa, so it is recommended to take a local guide along. The trek might take a little more than 60 minutes depending on the steep ascent. Once you reach the waterfalls, you will find your painful trek a worthy adventure. The breathtaking nature, cascading falls and the drizzle on your face, it is the best thing you will ever experience.
6. Peb Fort a.k.a Vikatgad
The Peb Fort was named after the Goddess Pebi at the base of the fort and Vikatgad Fort due to the shape of the mountain like Elephant Headed ‘Ganesha’. There are caves having various meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain. Disciples of Shree Swami Samartha take care of these caves. The fort is completely in ruins. Today, it only has one Bastion towards the Panorama point of Matheran.
7. Ganpati Gada: Cave Behind A Waterfall
With the mass awakening happening all around, spirituality is something that’s been practised by every second person I meet. If you are someone who’s heavily spiritual or just beginning to invest in it. This cave behind the waterfall might just be the place to enhance your beliefs. Just 4 hours from Mumbai, away from all the worldly chatter, you can elevate your practices in one of Lord Ganesha’s caves. Once you’ve ended your one-day trek with a beautiful view of the sunset I can attest that this will be one of the most therapeutic trips you’ll have had in a while.
8. Harihar Fort Trek: The Inconic Climb In The Sahyadris
A novice trekker but an adrenaline junkie’. If this sounds like someone you know or even you, the iconic steep steps to the Harihar Fort is just that, effectively fuelling your risk-taker side. But don’t fret too much, before continuing to the top the trekkers are briefed regarding the guidelines.
9. Kalsubai Peak: Everest Of Maharashtra
Surrounded by lush green forests and fields, the trekking route towards Maharashtra’s Highest Peak i.e. Kalsubai Shikhar is a surreal experience for all nature lovers and trek enthusiasts. Challenging yet fun-filled, trek towards the highest summit will test your patience and offer an amazing panoramic view of several more mountain ranges like Alang, Madangad, Kulang, Ratangad (south-west), and to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar & Harishchandragad. Also, attempting to climb Kalsubai - the most wish-listed mountain in the Sahyadri offers a great sense of achievement for most trekking enthusiasts
10. Mahuli Fort & Waterfall
Mahuli Fort is a paradise for rock climbers, just about two hours outside Mumbai. At 2815 feet, the fort is the highest point in the district of Thane and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and the village below. The still-intact centuries-old fort, once controlled by the Mughals and then by the Marathas, will also delight history lovers. A good trek, with luscious views, and summing it at the Waterfall. Can it get any better than this?
So, lace up your sturdiest shoes and start this soulful trek with pictures and memories to last a lifetime.