While you might all know Mumbai as a concrete jungle, it is in fact located very close to the Sahyadri range, making a number of treks accessible to its residents! The mountain range has so much to offer from forts and forests to waterfalls and lush green valleys that make for an exciting adventure away from the bustling city life.
In this article, we look at the top hikes and treks near Mumbai that can be completed in a short span of time, making them the perfect choice for your long weekends!
DIY One Day Hikes
1. Karnala Fort
Distance from Mumbai: 59 kms
Starting Point: Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 438 M
Karnala Fort is one of the easiest and most accessible treks near Mumbai. It starts from the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and takes you all the way to the fort on top. There are multiple trails to the top, all well demarcated. They take you through thick forest cover that is rich in flora and fauna. A number of birds can be seen and heard in this forest.
The views from the top of the fort are spectacular with bird’s eye views of the valley below and a panorama of the surrounding mountains. The ruins from the fort also make for an exciting aspect of the trek.
2. Kothaligad Trek
Distance from Mumbai: 90 kms
Starting Point: Ambivali
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 619 M
Located in Karjat, the Kothaligad trek is a part of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The peak of the trek offers panoramic views of the sanctuary along with the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail takes you to the top of Peth plateau from where one can witness the reverse waterfall phenomenon.
On clear days the views of the surrounding peaks are even better. The trek is an easy one and is accessible to people with no prior experience as well. The trail is open throughout the year and makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai!
3. Kalavantin Durg
Distance from Mumbai: 63 kms
Starting Point: Thakurwadi
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 672 M
Misconceived as a treacherous trail, Kalavantin Durg is quite popular among the adventure junkies. The final push to the pinnacle on top is definitely challenging but is also equally thrilling!
Located in Raigad district, the trek takes you through changing terrains and thick vegetation, offering bird’s eye views of the surroundings. This trek can be done in any season although the trail offers something different during each season.
DIY Weekend Treks
1. Rajmachi
Distance from Mumbai: 72 kms
Starting Point: Kondiwade
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 765 M
Located between Karjat and Lonavala, Rajmachi is a stunning trek that covers two forts in one. You can trek to the twin forts of Manaranjan and Shrivardhan. The forests are rich in history, having been built by the Satavahanas.
Views from the top are straight out of a painting with green valleys and small hill stations cutting through them. You can also see Bhimashankar, Karjat and Lonavala. It is a slightly longer trek but is highly rewarding!
2. Sindola Fort Trek
Distance from Mumbai: 172 kms
Starting Point: Karanjale Village
Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 1121 M
One of the lesser known treks in Maharashtra, Sindola Fort offers bird’s eye views of Malshej Ghat and the surrounding regions. The trail through the top is paved with rock cut steps that make the climb exciting and the top showcases the beauty of the Sahyadris. The ridge walk on this trail is the best thing about the trek with views of the Pimpalgaon Joga dam on the right and views of other small Sahyadri peaks on the left. The walk itself is so beautiful that it will leave you wanting to stay there forever!
The trail is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners. The most challenging part of the trail is the last section leading to the peak with the rock cut steps. This section becomes slippery during the monsoon and is a challenge to navigate your way especially if you are not equipped.
3. Andharban
Distance from Pune: 128 kms
Starting Point: Pimpri
Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 658 M
Unlike any other trail in the Sahyadris, the Andharban trek takes you through dense forest cover and is a magical experience for trekkers. The trail is mostly a descent through the forest alongside numerous streams and waterfalls that make the experience rejuvenating. It takes you all the way down to the waters of Bhira Dam.
Views of Devkund waterfall and Tamhini Ghat are visible during the trail and the route is even more scenic during monsoon. The trek is an easy one and can be attempted by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. If you are someone who enjoys the flora and fauna of a region, this trek is just for you given the density of birds and animals in the forest.
DIY Long Treks
1. Harishchandragad
Distance from Mumbai: 202 kms
Starting Point: Khireshwar, Pachnai, Belpada
Time: Anywhere between 6 hours to 2 days
Altitude: 1424 M
This is the most challenging trek in the Sahyadri hill range. Located in Malshej Ghat, this ancient fort is home to the Harishchandra temple and a number of caves that add to the adventure quotient of the trek.
The interesting part of this trail is that you can reach the top through three different trails. Each one of them lead you to the top but vary in terms of difficulty, number of hours and views offered. The trail from Pachnai takes 3 hours to reach the top, the trail from Khireshwar takes approximately 5 hours and the trail from Belpada takes close to two days to complete the entire route.
If you are in for an adventure to visit the historical temple and fort on the top of Harishchandragad, this trail makes for the perfect choice!
2. Kalsubai Peak
Distance from Mumbai: 152 kms
Starting Point: Bari Village
Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1646 M
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and the trek to the top is also one of the most famous ones in the Sahyadris. Apart from the panoramic views, the trail offers waterfalls, forests, grasslands, forts and even a temple at the peak! The temple is considered divine and people from nearby villages frequent it to offer their prayers.
A number of forts can be seen on the way to the peak and the views from the top offer endless views of the Sahyadris and their grand landscape. The trek involves climbing through flat lands, farms, and even narrow iron ladders which make the trail challenging and exciting at the same time. This is a moderate trek but can be challenging on the steeper parts.
3. Bhimashankar Trek
Distance from Mumbai: 124 kms
Starting Point: Khandas
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 929 M
Located in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, this trail is a nature lover’s paradise. The trail takes through dense forests with rich flora and fauna. It also ranks high on the adventure quotient with a bunch of stream crossings and rock climbing that make it extremely exciting!
One of the unique aspects of this trail is the Gupt Bhimashankar, which is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. It is located under a rock in the middle of a stream. This trail definitely makes for one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai and even Pune!
While the Sahyadris are home to a number of trails, these are our top picks for DIY treks near Mumbai! Should you have any more queries before you plan your next adventure in the Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
