Maharashtra is a world of its own, offering unique expedition opportunities to all kinds of travellers. On one side, the clouds cover the coniferous trees while the streams flow in full force through the gigantic rocks on another. The western state promises a unique experience to all kinds of visitors to fulfil your heart’s desire.
If you want to unwind and relax with your family on the upcoming long weekend, you can choose from four unique kinds of experiences. They all offer something special to their visitors but have one thing in common: peace.
Kalsubai: The Reward: Witnessing a Sunrise Over the Bhandardara Backwaters
Do you wish to trek 5400 ft high above the ground and observe how beautifully the sun rises over Bhandardara Lake? If you are an adventure junkie or crave such exhilarating experiences, then Kalsubai is the ideal destination for you.
Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level. It involves a mix of ladders and steps where there are steep patches. For the rest of the journey, you have to cover the trail on inclined terrains.
● What Makes Kalsubai So Special?
The peak resides amid the Kalsubai–Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary and is a famous excursion destination for many. But that’s not what makes it worth your time. There’s a small Kalsubai Temple which is famous among the devotees and often seen busy with tourists. You will encounter paddy fields, rocky roads, beautiful streams, and dense forests when covering the distance.
● How Much Time Does It Take?
Climbing Kalsubai can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on how many short intervals you catch. Although you can cover the distance at night as well, it is advisable to go with a tour guide for your safety.
● How to Travel to the Kalsubai Summit?
The most popular way to Kalsubai is the Bari Village route, starting from the eastern side of the mountain. It is properly marked to guide the trekkers and is completely safe with iron ladders and safety railings to hold onto.
You can stop at the Jahagirdarwadi Temple, often a resting point for your fellow travellers before the trek is over.
Alternate route to reach the Kalsubai mountain peak is the Indore one, which is more suited for seasoned adventurers.
● Best Time for the Kalsubai Trek
You can travel between October and February, when the weather is chilly and pleasant. The rain showers have also settled, and the trails become easier to cover.
Ratangad: The Signature Marvel: Standing Inside the Nedhe (The Natural Needle Hole)
Surprisingly, Ratangad resides within the same Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary belt but offers an entirely different experience to the trekkers. Located at about 4,255 ft above sea level, this beautiful place even gives you the chance to camp and enjoy with your friends with a breezing wind.
It is within the Ajoba mountain range and is enveloped by other beautiful peaks like Kalsubai, Alang, Kulang, Ajoba, Ghanchakkar, and Katarabai. The trekking destination is easily accessible via Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, and Kasara.
● What Makes Ratangad So Special?
Due to continuous wind erosion, the top of the mountain got a natural crack which has a peculiar shape. That’s why it is often termed Nedhe (natural needle hole) and has become an attraction point for the travellers.
As you reach the touchpoint, you get to enjoy a spectacular view of the Sahyadri ranges. But what’s most eye-catching are the forts covered in yellow flowers after the monsoon. In fact, the Karvi flowers bloom every seven years and cover the forts with purple carpets, offering a soothing experience to the visitors.
● How Much Time Does It Take?
Trekkers often find the Ratangad adventure to be moderately difficult, taking about 5 to 6 hours to reach. The climb is about 3 hours, but you will easily stay there for 2 to 3 hours, enjoying the surrounding attractions. Places like the Umbrella Waterfall, Wilson Dam, Randha Falls, and Sandhan Valley make up for a beautiful memory of the Ratangad trek.
● How to Travel to Ratangad Peak?
The Ratangad trek begins from Samrad Village via Trimbak Darwaza. You have to cover 6 km of trek, taking about three hours of your time till the caves.
Remember that the trek turns a little rockier as you approach the base of the fort. You have to cross a number of ladders, rock-cut steps, and steep slopes to reach the touchpoint.
● Best Time for the Ratangad Trek
The most popular time to trek is from July to October, when the flowers are in full bloom. Before the monsoon, the forest area is mostly dominated by fireflies.
But if you are unsure of the safety during monsoon, you can visit during winter when camping also becomes a fun idea.
Andharban: The Core Appeal: The Thrill of a Unique Reverse-Trekking Experience
If you are seeking something different than the standard ascent-focused trek, then the Andharban route is a great option. Unlike your conventional treks, its return means an escape into the forest landscapes. The experience? It is unlike any other, transitioning from mountain views to streams and shaded paths.
The Andharban trail is the responsibility of the Thane Wildlife Division and covers a small region of the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary. Located at a 2160 ft height, is is considered moderately difficult and is loved by first-timers.
● What Makes Andharban So Special?
The Andharban Trek is often known as the ‘Dark Forest of Maharashtra’ for covering a 13 km jungle trail. It begins close to Pimpri Village and acquaints you with interesting views of the waterfalls and streams. There is so much to explore along this expedition journey, like the Devkund Waterfall, Kondgaon Dam, Pali Ganesha Temple, and Kundalika Valley.
● How Much Time Does It Take?
The total distance of this trek is 13 km and easily takes around 6–7 hours. Although a fairly experienced descent for the adventurers, the descending trails and jungle regions mean you require good stamina. There is also a ₹140 fee involved for the trek and Kundalika Valley.
● How to Travel to Andharban Peak?
This one-way trek starts from Pimpri (located close to Mumbai and Pune )and goes through the Tamhini Ghat. Its endpoint is Bhira Village. Since this reverse-trekking route continuously descends and is not a loop, you must coordinate with the driver and ensure that he picks you up from Bhira Dam.
● Best Time for the Andharban Trek
Just like any other Maharashtrian trek, the Andharban route is also best suited for monsoon. The waterfalls look like a scene of heaven during these months, and the popular Tamhini Ghat offers respite to the tired eyes.
Devkund: Safety First: Navigating Flash Flood Risks and Respecting Water Depths
If you are seeking an easy-to-moderate-level trek in Maharashtra but want something beyond the mountains, Devkund awaits your arrival. This gorgeous waterfall trek is the confluence of three waterfalls and the origin of the Kundalika River. It is located amid the Tamhini Ghat, close to the Bhira village in Raigad.
Along with the milky white waterfalls melting your heart and relieving your stress, you can explore other beautiful sights around. The Kundalika River is where you can book a white-water rafting or river crossing session with your buddies.
● How to Plan Your Devkund Trek?
When planning the Devkund trek, make sure you are not only focusing on the adventure but also on your safety as well. Its water depths can be quite a lot, making the area a flood-prone risk. So, avoid in case there is any weather uncertainty.
● How Much Time Does It Take?
The trek is overall 6 to 7 km for a single way but takes normally around 4 to 5 hours to complete both ways. Its terrain is mostly flat, and you have to just keep walking along the Bhira Dam backwaters. The only challenge is a short, 20-30 minute climb close to the waterfall.
● How to Travel to Devkund Peak?
The Devkund Waterfall is at a 2700 ft altitude and starts from the Bhira Village. While you walk, capture the best scenes with tiny hamlets and gushing streams everywhere. As you reach the destination, you can’t help but devour the magical water cascading from 80 m above.
● Best Time for the Devkund Trek
Although monsoon turns the waterfall into a paradise, it is often a time of caution as well. That’s why the best opportunity is right when the rains have settled down and the view is crystal clear. So, you can easily plan your trek between October and December, when the surrounding Sahyadri hills are also dreamy.
The Difficulty Matrix: Ranking the Treks from Beginner to Advanced
All four treks discussed above are ideal for beginners and are only moderately tough. But if you still want to judge these adventures on a difficulty scale, here’s our ranking:
- Beginner-Friendly: Kalsubai and Andharban are ideal if you are just starting your trek diaries. While the former has proper safety measures in place, the latter is short and quick to cover.
- Moderately Tough: Ratangarh is average when it comes to your endurance level. Its distance is more than the rest of the treks, and the trails can also be steep at some instances.
- Advanced Level: Devkund, as the roads can be quite slippery, and the place is a flood risk zone.
