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Sahyadri range is also known as the Western Ghats, as it is spread from north to south ( Gujarat to Kanyakumari). It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Its scenic beauty is a treat to the Sahyadri trekkers' eyes. There are about 30 explored places and several unknown areas. It is one of the best choices for a jungle trek.
Sahyadri range is very rich in biodiversity. It consists of 39 reserve forests, a national park, wildlife sanctuaries, and a beautiful scenic place for a jungle trek. With a rugged topography, the Sahyadri trek is considered heaven for trekkers. Along with nature and crystal clear lakes, they offer numerous destinations such as majestic hills, popular forts include Rajmachi Fort, Harishchandragad Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Torna Fort, Purandar Fort, etc., located in Maharashtra, and Kavaledurga Fort, Manjarabad fort, Sada fort, etc. situated in Karnataka, which gives a wide scope for adventurous activities.
The geography of the Sahyadri range makes it easily accessible for over 200 hill forts and 50 ancient caves. Its combination of history and nature makes it enthusiastic for Sahyadri trekkers. Sahyadri range is not a flat earth, but the trekkers would find it rugged, challenging, yet beautiful. Sahyadri mountain trekking is not just about the trek but also hiking, exploring caves, and medieval forts, climbing the untouched rocks, fishing, and much more.
With the urge to experience distinct geography and the untouched territories of man. Sahyadri mountain trekking teaches you how to live with nature alone.
Here is the list of the top 10 places to trek in the Sahyadri ranges, along with the details of each place. It would also be rated based on its difficulty levels.
Kalsubai Peak Trek is famous for its highest peak. To make the trek more accessible, steel railings, chains, and ladders are provided at places difficult to climb. The top attractions during the trek are the lush grassland, Kalsubai temple, and the view of Alang-Madan-kulang. As you reach the summit, soak in the lap of nature until sunrise.
The base village is Bari village. It is approximately 150 km from Mumbai and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the base village from Mumbai. From Pune, it is located at a distance of 180 km and takes about 4-5 hours to get to the base village.
Rajmachi is situated in the Kajrat region near Kondivade. It begins with the beauty of the waterfall. The usual trek is up to the waterfall only, about 80 ft. It is quite a decent trek, but the pathway gets slippery during the monsoons, making it quite challenging. There are two fortresses, namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, and reaching the base would take about 45 minutes.
There is another route from Lonavala, about 16 km from Lonavala to Rajmachi, but the Kajrat route is recommended for trekkers.
The route to trek is a bit difficult, as the rope is used to climb through the chimney of rocks, a narrow pathway formed between 2 rocks. You can witness a plateau at the top with a large cave facing toward the valley. Since this is a difficult trek, it requires technical trekkers. Even moderate-level trekkers can climb, along with experienced ones.
Padargad is situated between Bhimashankar and Nagpani. Khandas is the base village which is 25 km from Kajrat.
Bhairavgarh would give a thrilling experience for the Sahyadri trekkers. It is a difficult trek that would require technical trekkers. The pathway is taken through ropes at several points, giving an adventurous experience. There is a small plateau at the top of the fort. It is advised to trek after the monsoon so that the path won't be slippery.
Bhairavgarh is located near Moroshi, at the hillfort of Maharashtra. Moroshi is located very close to Malshej Ghat.
The range trek is from Ratangad to Harishchandragad, it is a place to be spent on a long weekend. The circular rainbow is seen here, which is known as Indravajra. You also get to see the vertical cloud burst. This trek is a journey rather than an experience. Water cisterns are filled throughout the year and remain a great water source for the trekkers.
The two forts are located on the main range of Sahyadri and Katrabai Pass. Ratangad, conventionally has 2 routes. The first route is from Ratanwadi village via Ganesh Darwaja, and the second is from Samrad village via Trimbak Darwaja. Ratangad Fort is located at a distance of 6 km from Ratanwadi village, 197 km from Mumbai, and 183 Km from Pune.
The range trek is from Lonavala to Bhimashankar, a manageable trek with scenic beauty. The trek is a combination of streams, plateaus, and forests. It is an intermediate trek to be attempted in 3 days, and the distance covered is 70 km.
This Sahyadri range trekking is located from Lonavala to Bhimashankar.
There are two hilltops named Alang Madan and Madangad. It is trekked over two days. There is also another peak to this trek, namely Kulang, but it is suggested to cover it separately. This trek requires technical expertise as it is considered difficult. Kulang is an interesting spot, one among the three forts, Alang-Madan-Kulang. It is a getaway suggested during the dry season before the monsoon begins. It is an amazing Sahyadri mountain trek for the sunset and sunrise view, and to be completed in 2 days or even in a day for those seeking an adventurous trek. There are caves available at the top for you to spend a night. It might get colder at night, so be prepared for the changing weather conditions. The floating clouds are visible to your eyes, making them a lifetime memory.
The base village is Kulangwadi, Nashik district. It is approximately 145 km away from Mumbai.
The pathway to the trek is an ancient stairway carved on rocks, 70-80 degrees inclined. It can be completed in a day, but the wind is challenging. The wind force is capable enough to push you backwards. There are temples to visit, huge plateaus, and water cisterns as you reach the top. Though completed in a day, it is one of the most thrilling treks in the Sahyadri range.
The base village is Nirgudpada. Harihargad Fort is located in the region of Trimbakeshwar.
Rajgad Fort is a historic place. It is recommended to trek just after the monsoon. It was the first capital of the Maratha empire during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The trek covers a distance of 30 km. It has steep patches but not difficult terrain to trek.
The base village is Gunjavne. To get to Torna Fort, you must reach the village called Velhe.
The beginning itself is adventurous here on this Sahyadri trek. There is a lot of work for knees as it requires hops and jumping on rocks. Though it is considered an intermediate-level trek, you need assistance or expertise. It could be completed in 2 days.
Sandhan Valley is located in the region of Bhandardara, near Samrad village. It is surrounded by the toughest trek, Alang-Madan-Kulang.
Kalavantin durg trek is famous for its rock-cut steps, which give a thrilling experience for hikers. It is surrounded by mountains, valleys, and scenic beauty. As you complete the trek, it will be overwhelming and gives a sense of achievement because of its challenging terrain. It is known as a trekker's paradise, as it is a combination of beauty and adventure.
The base village is Thakurwadi. Kalavantin is 50 km away from Mumbai.
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From beginner to experienced trekker, Sahyadri mountain trekking is a challenging adventure for the weekend. Since trekking takes place in remote locations, there are certain essential things to be carried out for the trek. Here is the list of necessary items for the trekkers in the Sahyadri range:
If you are a first-time trekker, then you need to know other essentials required for all treks, go through the list for further details:
Trekking during monsoons will give you a lifetime experience. It is lovely to visualize the greener side of the forest, but on the other hand, it might get colder and wet. Here are the essentials for the monsoon trek:
Winter treks are beautiful, imagine mist covered on the greens, clouds covered with fog. It is going to be pleasant trekking, but trekkers must be prepared for the dipping temperature, here are the essentials for winter treks:
Summer treks are quite exhausting, dry, and hot. Here is the list:
The basic checklist for the Sahyadri trek is as follows:
As much as the place is a scenic beauty, if precautionary measures are neglected, it is life-threatening. Here are the safety tips for the Sahyadri trek:
Sahyadri trek is very special and unique in its way of defining the beauty of nature. Most of the names of Sahyadri trek end with “Garh”, which mentions the forts and fortresses in the Sahyadri range. Trekking in the Sahyadri hills is an experience with breath-taking visuals, we have provided the necessary information regarding the top 10 treks in the Sahyadri range. I hope we have curated the necessary information required for trekking in Sahyadri hills and that it helps you open the doors for Sahyadri mountain trekking.
The famous AMK (Alang-Madan-Kulang) is the longest trek in Sahyadri. The distance covered during days 1, 2, and 3 of the trek is approximately 7km, 5km, and 6 km, respectively.
Considering the rich greenery, November to March is the ideal season for the Sahyadri trek.
Trekking in Sahyadri hills is easy to moderate level. But few places require rock climbing expertise.
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