13 One-Day Treks In Maharashtra To Make The Most Of Monsoon

This isn't a physically taxing hike. The route has steps going up, so the journey becomes smooth. However, as you proceed, you're tricked into thinking that the incline is getting steeper with time. One will still find remnants of the fort on the way up. You will be crossing ancient stone arches while you're at it, and once you reach the top, you will see a sprawling flat table. At the top, the structure is surprisingly well-preserved, with the ramparts, the water cisterns, temples, and some ruins of other spaces making it great to explore. It’s a good two-kilometre walk around the ramparts of the top, with fabulous views of the valleys, so save some energy for that.

Trekking Time: An hour to get to the top, one hour to explore the top, and an hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 111 kilometres

This one's near Palghar. Expect yourself to be in awe of the emerald-green paddy fields at the commencement point. You will be walking past a charming village with small houses. The lower section of the trek is through thick wooded slopes, and as we get to the top, there are fewer trees, giving us great views of the landscape all around. Now it’s not easy to find the turn for Asherigad when you reach Thane, but ask locals for the Khodkona bus stop. There’s a small concrete cabin/bus stop to mark your turn-off, which should appear about a kilometer after the Indian Oil petrol pump. The village is a short drive away from the NH8 after the turn-off. You can park your car here and start your trek.

Trekking Time: Two hours to ascend, an hour at the top, and one hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 116 kilometres

Now this one is quite an adventurous affair. During peak monsoons, the fort in Tandulwadi is notorious for causing trekkers to get lost while trying to reach the top. There are so many trees that one can barely see ten feet ahead of themselves. To add to that, the markings painted onto stones are usually washed off in the first rain. But it’s an unforgettable experience. Once you reach Thane, turn left towards Tandulwadi Village, and stop near the Tandulwadi school. You can park there and begin your trek.

Trekking Time: Two hours to ascend, one hour at the top, and one hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 108 kilometres

This craggy triangular fort blesses people with a great trekking experience because of the sloping sides. Some sections are pretty steep, and you’ll have to lower your body to stay close to the surface. The top yields beautiful views of Pavna Lake, and other forts in the area, with the Visapur and Lohagad twin forts being the highlight. All you've gotta do is reach the Tikona Peth in Kamshet and start ascending. 

Trekking Time: Two hours to ascend, one hour at the top, and one hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 125 kilometres

Takmak fort could easily be our favourite trek this monsoon. It has a beautifully undulating shape, offering some rocky swells and ridges, long outcrops of rocks that jut out, and a 360-degree view of the ghats. This one's a bit challenging and not really for someone who's a beginner in the trekking domain. But the trek's worth it all. You will find beautiful small temples as well as cisterns filled with deep green water. From the top, one can see the confluence of the Tansa and Vaitarna rivers. Head to Virar and drive around twenty kilometers further towards the Sakna village. That's where your trek starts. 

Trekking Time: Two hours to ascend, one hour at the top, and another hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 84 kilometres

Rajmachi fort, though it is easier and more accessible from Pune, it’s a really popular trek among Mumbaikars as well. The lush greenery here comes to life during monsoons. The peak has two fortified structures-Shrivardhan fort and Manoranjan fort. It’s an easy trek and is suitable for beginners. This trek will give you one of the most breathtaking views of the entire valley, especially when the rains have subsided and there's still slight mist in the air. 

Trekking Time: Approximately two hours to get to the top, and another hour and 45 minutes to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 320 kilometres

Mahuli Fort in Thane district is one of the most popular treks that you can try in a day. The fort stands tall and is the highest peak in Thane. Though the creator of the fort remains unknown, Mahuli Fort is atop a hill facing the western side of the Sahyadri ranges. The pinnacle of the fort gives a panoramic view of the lush and thick forest cover below, and is astoundingly peaceful. The top-most plateau on the fort is a combination of three mountains and tinier pinnacles, making for a breathtaking view. Also, the fort comes under the jurisdiction of Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, and they may collect INR 20 for its maintenance from the trekkers.

Trekking Time: It takes approximately three hours to get to the top.

Distance From Mumbai: 94 kilometres

Irshalgad Fort has all the characteristics of an amazing trek. Start at the Nanol village, which is a short auto ride from Chowk station, and brace yourself for a steep first climb that will then slowly ease into a plateau. The final stretch is of a rock patch, and there's a broken rock window (Nedhe) near the top that beautifully surrounds the cloud. The trek takes about four hours round trip with stunning views of the Morbe Dam and lush valleys. We would say that if you want to make it to the top, you have to be an experienced climber.

Trekking Time: Approximately two hours to get to the top and two hours to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 62 kilometres

The road to the base of the Kothaligad trek is a challenge in itself; it's steep and best for bikes. However, once you start walking from Ambivali, that's when the real fun begins. It's a moderate trek, we'd say beginner-friendly, lush in the rains, and ends with a surreal spiral staircase carved into the fort itself. The trek takes about two hours, where the view from the top is stunning, if and when the fog clears.

Trekking Time: About two hours to ascend from Ambivali village and two hours to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 96 kilometres

Just a 30 to 45 minute hike from Sondewadi village, the Sondai Fort trek is short, sweet, and surprisingly scenic. You’ll see the Morbe Dam down below, cross a couple of easy rock patches, and end up at a small temple. There's also a ladder installed near the summit for the final push. It's great for beginners and older folks as well, who still love a quick climb. You'll want to be prepared for some monkeys, a lot of sunrise chasers, and unfortunately, a bit of litter, so carry your trash bag.

Trekking Time: The trek should not take more than 2 hours.

Distance From Mumbai: 68 kilometres

If you're planning a trip to Alibaug, do not miss out on doing this trek. Hidden above Alibaug, this 11-kilometre trek has a bit of everything you'll expect from a good trek; there are rocky steps, village paths, forest patches, and a waterfall that’ll hit you with a second wind. The views are long and coastal, and on a clear day, you can even spot Colaba Fort from the top. This one's quiet, scenic, and perfect if you want a view of jungle, sea, as well as sky.

Trekking Time: It takes about three hours to make it to the top and two hours to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 79 kilometres

This one’s for the slightly more adventurous. The Malang Gad trek is both a trek and a pilgrimage. Starting at Chinchavli, it is a tough climb, especially in the rain, with steep paths, loose rocks, and ridges where you really need to pay attention. But the views are so good, and the sense of history runs deep here. There’s an old shrine at the top dedicated to Malang Baba that a lot of devotees still pay a visit to. If you’re up for the challenge and don’t mind a spiritual detour, this trek has to be on your list this monsoon.

Trekking Time: The entire trek might take about four to five hours.

Distance From Mumbai: 63 kilometres

The trek to the Chinchoti Waterfall is not your typical Sunday stroll. The trail from the Bhiwandi side is muddy, wild, and full of little river crossings. To reach the top, you'll have to wade through water, climb over rocks, and pray to god that you don’t bump into anything unexpected in the dense forest. But once you reach the falls, which usually takes about 1.5 hours, you'll want to soak in all the good views. If you’re more in it for the waterfalls than the fort views, this one is for you. You’ll hear the waterfall long before you see it here, and that'll keep you motivated to go up further. We recommend going here early, wearing solid shoes, and packing some lunch.

Trekking Time: About two hours to ascend from the Bhiwandi side and an hour to descend.

Distance From Mumbai: 70 kilometres

- Make sure you carry a raincoat, snacks, water, insect repellent, a basic first-aid kit, and a change of clothes.

- Wear comfy clothing during monsoon treks. Trekking pants or leggings, a quick-dry tee with long sleeves if possible, and well-gripping sports shoes, to be precise. 

Need some more trekking spots? This guide will help!