Trekking is an adventure; and after having spent the entire period of lockdown, one like me wants to explore this kind of traveling as an activity. After a lot of research and internet surfing, we came across some sui table and a kind of uncommon trekking destinations in Maharashtra. The excitement derived from this trekking is incomparable to any other trekking and is a once in a lifetime kind of experience.
Surrounded by the jungles and dense forests of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra is blessed with numerous trekking destinations. There are almost all kinds of treks in Maharashtra ranging from very easy level of challenge such as the grassland treks to very difficult level of challenge as in the hilly areas. The most enjoyable part of the trek is to go around to get a wonderful view of the gushing waterfalls, a wide variety of species of flora and fauna, and crossings on rivers which make the trekking in Maharashtra, a very memorable experience.
We’ve already written about some of the best day treks in Sahyadris. But trekking in the Sahyadris during the rains is a different experience altogether. A magic unfolds in the forts and mountains along the Western Ghats.
The entire trail is surrounded with lush greenery. Streams cut on the ways of the trails. Seasonal waterfalls gushing down the mountains make for a spellbound scenic beauty. A variety of flowers of all shapes, colors and sizes bloom out while the lakes are filled with calm and clear water.
Trekking in Sahyadris during the rains, often known as Monsoon treks, is all about enjoying the rains to their fullest.
Here we present you with a list of the top jungle treks in Maharashtra, India.
Harishchandragad Trek
One of the most challenging treks in Maharashtra is the Harishchandragad trek, a trek to the fort hill in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Going to the top, through the Khireshwar route or Pachnai is possible and equally enjoyable as well.
The main attraction of this hill fort is the Konkan cliff which is almost a feature of 1,800 feet high concave fall. A vertical feature like a cobra’s hood, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, the pathway becomes extremely windy.
Bhimashankar Trek
During the monsoons, the trail to Bhimashankar is an all-time favorite amongst most of the trekkers especially during the monsoons. It takes you just right to the center of the Bhimashankar Wildlife sanctuary. While in the jungle, you’ll get to spot a variety of birds, langurs and spotted deer. If you’re lucky, you may even get to spot a ‘shekru’ or the Malabar Giant Squirrel. If you’re a first-time trekker and want to attempt this trek alone or with a bunch of friends then you may take the Ganesh Ghat route.
Andharban Forest Trek
The Andharban trek is such an exciting trek that takes you deep into a valley in the Tamhini Ghat region. There the tree cover is so thick that there is dense forest. As it has got a full descent and it goes deep down the valley, this is one of the top treks in Maharashtra. Along the route, you get to see a lot of waterfalls and natural pools to jump in, various bird species and some rare butterflies to spot around.
