Maharashtra treks

Harihar Fort

Trek Rating: Moderate-easy. Dangerous trek.

This is the most dangerous trek that I have attempted. I have done much more difficult treks but none as dangerous. To reach to the top of the fort one has to climb through the sheer vertical steps carved into the rocks. It is said that the steps are inclined at almost 80 degree. Some of the steps are so narrow that it’s difficult to place a foot on it sideways. Add the strong winds buffeting you as you are on these steps and its easy to see why it’s so dangerous. In the monsoon season water flowing down these steps making it slippery.

 Getting there : The trek starts from the village called Nirgudpada in Nasik dist.  Jump off the road into the paddy fields and that’s how the trek begins. I really wonder where Nirgudpada village is!!! Bring all supplies for the trek with you as there is nothing nearby.

Kalsubai

Trek Rating: Moderate-easy.

Kalsubai (1646 Mtrs)is the highest peak in the Sahyadri range. At the peak is a temple is the temple dedicated to goddess Kasubhai.. In the good old days there were ropes to reach the top. Now there are steel steps at difficult locations. These steel steps are quite steep and look rickety and dangerous. From the top of Kalsubhai Alang fort , Madan fort, Kulang fort , Ratangad fort and Ajoba fort can be seen on a clear day. Below the filanl flight of steps are two makeshift shops selling tea and freshly made snacks. Impossible to resist the crunchy treats.

Getting there :The trek starts from the village of Bari in Ahmednagar district. This small hamlet has no shops and it’s impossible to buy even the most basic stuff.  It’s a good idea to start ascending early in the morning. The trek takes 2-3 hours to the top. The views to the top are spectacular. There are innumerable waterfalls in the monsoon season en-route to the top. 

Tung Fort

Trek Rating: Easy. 

Tung fort is a small fort on the outskirts of Lonavala. It is small fort and was most likely used as a watch tower. On top is the makeshift temple dedicated to patron goddess Korai Devi. It is said that the jewellery from this temple was donated to Mumbai Devi.Ths fort was one of the many forts captured by Shivaji during his reign.The fort was probably was used as a watchtower as it is not too big. Tikona fort, Loghgad fort and Visapur, Korigad fort can be seen on a good day.

Getting there : The trek starts from the small village of Tung Wadi . It’s easy to miss the starting point of the trek as there is only a small sign board on the side of the road indicating the path to the fort. Ideal for a days trek from from Mumbai or Pune. 

Matheran via Garbett Point

Trek Rating: Moderate - Easy. 

This is an ideal day trek from Mumbai . The trek first leads through the Bhivpuri village and beside the Diksal dam reservoir. In monsoon season the reservoir becomes full and trek gets quite a bit longer as the walk meanders around the banks of the lake. There are a few waterfalls nearby. Its difficult to imagine such tranquil places exits so close to the local train stations!!

Getting there : If you are planning to do this trek in a day, it is advisable to catch the early morning local from Mumbai to Bhivpuri road.  Head to the Diskal dam. Beyond that its sheer wilderness. Trek duration is approximately 4 hours. From Matheran take the share cabs down to the local train station at Neral.