Short monsoon treks in Maharashtra

The following is a guest post from a friend in Maharashtra, who wished to write about the beautiful monsoon treks in Maharashtra. Monsoon brings out the beauty of Sahyadri ranges to the fore. Situated in the state of Maharashtra, the Sahyadri range is an adventure enthusiast’s dream come true. It has several trails for trekking and many spots to simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The outstation car rental in Mumbai offers great services to travellers to discover these marvellous spots.

Cab service in Pune can also be used for a hassle-free trip that takes travellers to interesting trekking trails that make their way through historic forts or scenic vistas.

Rajmachi Trek

Among the popular trekking sites, Rajmachi is well known for its majestic forts, namely Manaranjan and Shrivardhan built by Shivaji Maharaj. The Lonavala or the Karjat approach route leads to Rajmachi. Strategically located on historic trade routes, the trail is covered by dense forests and provide a breathtaking view of the valley resplendent with gushing waterfalls. It is ideal for camping as there are natural shelters on this fort.

Tikona Trek

If you are looking for a quick hiking break from mundane activities, then head to the impressive Tikona Fort in Vitandgad near Kamshet of Maval region. Climb up this pyramid shaped hill from the Tikona base village to find the Satvahana Caves, seven water tanks and the Temple of Trimbakeshwar Mahadev. The stunning and isolated Pawna lake is situated at the summit, from where the Pawna Dam and ancient forts of Visapur, Tung and Lohagad can be seen. Monsoon heightens the beauty of the hills by adding a spectacular green cover. Every photograph taken here turns out to be one of breathtaking beauty.

Kalsubai Trek

Kalsubai hills is located in the Ahmednagar district at a distance of 165km from Mumbai. The Kalsubai peak(1646m) is the highest peak in Maharashtra. This hill lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. With Bhandardhara being the common approach route, some trekkers offer prayers to the local deity of Kalsubai at the top of the plateau. Though it is one of the most challenging treks, the rains enhance the scenic beauty of these hills during monsoon. One cannot miss gazing at the mesmerizing view of the stunning landscape and the Bhandhara Dam after reaching the top of this ancient peak.

Rajgad Trek

The Rajgad Fort near Katraj is a trekker’s delight and is linked to the watershed moments of Maratha history. Climb up 1400 m above sea level to explore the ruins of the fort, palaces and water reservoirs. Among the major attractions of the fort, the Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj, Padmavati Temple, the statue of Shivaji Maharaj, Padmavati Machee, view of Torna and Sinhagad forts can be seen. The hills come alive during the monsoon rains as the blooming flowers offer a wonderful sight. Trekkers should consider safety measures as the route can get slippery at this time. One can take the Nasrapur, Gunjawane, Pali or Bhor route to reach Rajgad.

Checklists for Exploring These Places by Cab

• Never go unprepared for a trek.
• Carry light, yet sufficient food including water and energy bars to keep the momentum going.
• Shoes are the key to a trek. A good quality hiking shoes are vital for any trek. Without that, your trek can come to an abrupt halt.
• Ensure you carry the right safety equipment and check if it’s in good condition.
  
• Verify government permissions for camping or night trekking.
• Choose a good cab services with tour packages  that offer solo or group trips before backpacking for a weekend getaway to any of these exhilarating trekking destinations.