Thank Mumbai's geography. And top that with a thank you note to the myriad forts that Chhatrapati Shivaji (the very same who has bequeathed his name to myriad institutions in the city) built in the Sahyadris. Why, you ask? It is these mountain ranges and forts that make for the idyllic weekend trek once the monsoon hits the metropolis.
Here are 7 monsoon trekking destinations a hop away from Mumbai which we promise won't disappoint you. A word of caution though. Do not go wandering alone and if you are aiming at a solo trek, do take a local guide with you who will help you in ascending and descending. Rest, enjoy trekking.
Lohagad fort
History -
- Shivaji captured it in 1648 but was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665.
- However, Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670.
- This fort was used to preserve the loot the Maratha king brought from his Surat raids. In later years, Nana Phadnavis lived in the fort and also built several structures.
Where is it located?
- Karla, Lonavala
How to travel - There are many options to travel to this fort. It takes three hours from Mumbai and one hour from Pune. One can also get down at Lonavala and can take the shuttle train to Malavali station. This fort is located 8 to 9 km from Malavali. Or else, one can hire a car from Mumbai or Pune to Lohgadwadi, which is the base village.
Endurance level - Medium
Difficulty level - Easy
Rajmachi Fort
History
- Rajmachi Fort consists of two twin fortresses - Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla.
- This fort overlooks the Bor Ghat which was a prominent trade route for Mumbai and Pune.
- Marathas lost control over the fort again in 1818 and it was then taken over by the British.
Where is it located?
Udhewadi Maval, Pune
How to travel - Rajmachi is 99 kilometres away from Mumbai and 78.7 km from Pune. If you travelling from Mumbai, you can easily reach by road in a few hours. After getting down at Khandala, one has to go to a base village which is Udhewadi.
Endurance level - High
Difficulty level - Medium
Mahuli Fort
History
- Mahuli fort was built by the Mughals.
- On 8 January 1658, Shivaji took over this fort from the Mughals.
- Until 1817, Shivaji looked over the fort but later on, it was controlled by the British Raj.
- Mahuli Fort is the highest fort in Thane region.
Where is it located?
Asangaon, Thane district
How to travel - If you travelling from Mumbai, you have to board the train to Asangaon. Once you get down at Asangaon station, you have to hire an auto or a private vehicle which will take you to the base village i.e. Mahul. From there, it takes two hours to reach the fort.
Endurance level - High
Difficulty level - Medium
Korigad Fort
History
- In 1657, Shivaji Maharaj took over Korigad fort.
- On 14 March 1818, Korigad fort was surrendered to the British.
Where is it located?
South of Lonavala, Pune district
How to travel - You should have your own vehicle as there are fewer transport options available from Lonavala. Once you reach Lonavala, take the left from Purohit Chikki centre and take the Amby Valley Road. Look out for Peth Shahpur village, which is the base village for the fort. It takes one hour to reach the fort.
Endurance level - Easy
Difficulty level - Easy
Kalsubai
History
Kalsubai is Maharashtra’s highest peak and is named after a Koli girl ‘Kalsu’.
- Villagers believe Kalsu came from Indore at the foot of the hill now called Kalsubai.
- There, she took up service with a Koli family on condition that she should not be asked to clean pots or to sweep.
- However, the family breached the condition.
- Angry Kalsu did as she was told.
- Immediately after, she climbed the hill and stayed on its top until her death.
- At the top of the peak, there is a temple, which is worshipped by villagers every Tuesday and Thursday.
Where is it located?
Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
How to travel - Usually, the trek starts around 4-5 am and it takes 4-5 hours to reach the top. It is advisable that you travel by road. You will get private vehicles from Dadar TT. The route is as follows- Kasara - Igatpuri - Ghoti - Bari Village. The base village of Kalsubai is Bari village from where you will start your trek.
Endurance level - High
Difficulty level - Medium
Sudhagad Fort
History
The origin of this fort dates back to the 2nd century BC.
In 1657, the Marathas took over the fort from the Bahamani Sultan and renamed it "Sudhagad"(the sweet one).
Where is it located?
Pali
How to travel
Sudhagad is 135 km from Mumbai and it takes two hours to reach the fort from the base village i.e. Thakurwadi. The route from Mumbai is as follows- Mumbai - Panvel - Wadkal - Pali - Thakurwadi - Sudhagad
Endurance level - Medium
Difficulty level - Medium
Vasota
History
Vasota always remained with Marathas, Shirkes and Mores in the 16th century.
Shivaji Maharaj named the fort "Vyaghragad" (Vyaghra – means tiger), owing to its difficult natural defence.
After Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj, Bajirao Peshwa carried on the Swarajya mission of ousting the Mughal invaders.
Where is it located?
Satara
How to travel
Vasota is also known as Vyaghragad (fortress of the Tiger) and it lies within the Koyna sanctuary and you need a special permit from the Forest Office at Bamnoli to get in. You will have to hire a boat from Bamnoli and cross the Koyna lake to reach the forest. After 1.5 hours, the boat will drop you at ‘Met-Indavli’. After getting down, it takes two hours to reach the fort.
Endurance level- Medium
Difficulty level - Medium
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