: 10 Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra To Discover Breathtaking Views #IndiaNEWS #Maharashtra If you are a trekking enthusiast, then the rains create the perfect atmosphere for new adventures. The

10 Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra To Discover Breathtaking Views #IndiaNEWS #Maharashtra
If you are a trekking enthusiast, then the rains create the perfect atmosphere for new adventures. The beauty of the rich flora and breathtaking views is amplified during the monsoon.
And the Western Ghats in Maharashtra are undoubtedly any adventure seeker’s paradise. Take a hike in the vibrant hill stations, and walk up to the historic forts and caves nestled among the lush greenery.
Here’s a list of the best treks you can take in Maharashtra this monsoon.
1. Lohagad Fort Trek
A view from Lohagad. | Photo credit: Rahul Sathe (rahulssathe on Instagram)
An ideal trek for beginners, Lohagad Fort is one of the best trekking routes close to Mumbai and Pune. Situated near Lonavala, the fort is at an elevation of 1,033 meters or 3,389 feet above sea level. Lohagad, which translates to ‘Iron fort’ in Marathi, had played a significant role in the strategic trade route of the Maratha Kings.
Highlights: The mountain range divides the basins of Pavana and Indrayani Rivers and overlooks the Pavana lake, offering a beautiful view from the top.
Time: 12 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Distance from Mumbai: 100 km
Distance from Pune: 90 km
2. Rajmachi Fort Trek
A view from Rajmachi Fort | Photo Credits: Pratik W (pratikw16 on Instagram)
Nestled between the two hill stations — Lonavala and Karjat, the Rajmachi Fort is one of the most beautiful historical forts in Maharashtra. Once a popular trade route that connected the old regions of Mumbai and Pune, the fort is at a height of around 2750 ft above sea level.
Highlights: The fort offers the trekkers to climb two different forts — Shrivardhan (2510 ft) and Manaranjan (2710 ft) — from the same base of Udhewadi village, through several routes. Besides, it is surrounded by lush green mountains and valleys dotted with beautiful waterfalls making it a perfect trekking site, especially during the monsoons.
Time: Five hours from Karjat and around 11 to 12 hours from Lonavala.
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance from Mumbai: 125 km
Distance from Pune: 70 km
3. Ratangad Fort Trek
Ratangad fort | Photo Credits: Mohit Chawan (befikraaa_19 on Instagram)
Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, the Ratangad fort is another jewel among the several hill forts nestled in the Western ghats. Lying at an altitude of 4233 ft above sea level, this fort is in the Ajoba mountain range surrounded by several other mountains such as Kulang, Alang, Kalsubai, Katarabai and so on.
This 400-year-old fort, once used by Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj, offers a stunning view of the nearby mountains and the Bhandardara dam. Among the several routes to trek the Ratangad fort, the route from Ratanwadi village is the most popular one.