Top 5 Jungle treks in Maharashtra

Tapola Jungle Trek

Tapola is a satellite village in Mahabaleshwar’s charming valleys, where nature has been exceedingly generous. Tapola, also known as ‘Mini Kashmir,’ boasts some of the most beautiful panoramic splendor, making it a great spot for a back-to-nature experience. This location will transport you back in time to a time when mornings were spent milking cows and languid afternoons gave way to magnificent evenings. Tapola dubbed the “little Kashmir of the West,” is a rural hamlet with Shivsagar, a lovely lake. Tapola is near the end of the road, almost a dead end! 

Tapola is 25 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, and the drive there is gorgeous, with panoramas on either side of the road. Tapola is also the starting point for the arduous jungle walk to the Vasota fort. Many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake at Tapola, such as Vasota and Jaygad, provide an adventure in and of itself. The panorama surrounding these forts and the adjoining forest is breathtaking, and you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire region.

Andharban Trek

Andharban is also known as Dark Forest which is a deep forest in Maharashtra, about an hour and a half drive from Lonavala. Andharban trek is a great monsoon hike because it is mostly shady and descends all the way. In the Tamhini Ghats, there is an evergreen Sahyadri forest draped in mist and a lovely forest landscape. 

The months of June through September are ideal for this expedition. Trekking here from October to January is also an excellent option, since the forest is just as deep as ever, with the added bonus of winter mist and chill, giving it a mysterious, magical feel. There are gushing waterfalls and still water ponds among the dense greenery. You’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Kundalika Valley as well as incredible flora and animals. In Andharban, people also undertake night trekking.

Sinhagad Fort Trek

Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortification in the Sahyadri Mountains recognized for its historical significance and architecture. Trekking is a popular pastime in Sinhagad Fort, in addition to sightseeing. Climbing the high slopes of the hill would be enjoyable for thrill-seekers. Several trekkers from the Pune area come to Sinhagad Fort early in the morning for an early morning trek. Trekkers to this spot can either choose to drive to the entrance of the spot and then walk to the Pune Darwaza or can also park their vehicles at the foothills and choose to climb the steep slopes or also can use the stairways to explore the attractions that this place has to offer.

Duke’s Nose Trek

Duke’s Nose, about 7 kilometers from Lonavala, is a popular vista. It is well-known for trekking and its beautiful setting. The landmark is frequently visited by tourists who want to see a panoramic view of the picturesque Sahyadri Ranges, attractive valleys, and dense woods that blanket the Sahyadris. Tourists visiting Lonavala frequently use the site as a picnic spot. Duke’s Nose was named after the Duke of Wellington, whose nose mirrored the cliff’s shape. Because of the cliff’s shape, locals call it Naagphani, or the Cobra’s Hood. The Sunset Point in Khandala offers a panoramic view of Duke’s Nose. People traveling from Mumbai to Pune or vice versa frequently stop here for a breath of fresh air and a breathtaking view of the valley.

Bhimashankar Trek

Bhimashankar is located in the vicinity of nature, away from the rush and bustle of daily life. Bhimashankar offers the best hikes in Maharashtra during the monsoon season, making it ideal for trekkers. The area has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary, Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary, due to the richness of plants and fauna. The Bhimashankar trek in Maharashtra begins in Khandas village, with an initial climb up to Bhimashankar’s first plateau and then a track through the jungle. 

The Ganesha Ghat and the Shidi Ghat (Ladder Route), which is significantly steeper and riskier, are the two options for the journey. The Ganesha Ghat and the Shidi Ghat (Ladder Route), which is significantly steeper and riskier, are the two options for the journey. A waterfall called Gupt Bhimashankar forms a water-sculpted Shivling beneath the cascade. The sanctuary is home to a variety of avifauna and was originally established to safeguard the Giant Indian Squirrel’s habitat.