Monsoon treks always happen to be a favourite among trekkers. Especially, when you can hear the waterfall roaring or the water dripping from the leaves with a gush of wind along the way, it just makes everything worth it. Trekking near Panvel, is therefore, one of the best decisions you’ll ever make as you move along the way exploring the true beauty of the place. Let’s look at some of the best places for trekking near Panvel
Top Spots For Trekking Near Panvel During Rainy Season
Offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and lush green forests, trekking near Panvel during the rainy season can be one of the best destinations. It’s different from the seasonal cascades and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding locations. Let’s take a look at some of the top spots for trekking near Panvel during rainy season:
1. Takmak Fort
Image Source: By Sagargandhre wikimedia commons
One of the renowned and closest spots for trekking near Panvel, Takmak fort is separated from the main hill. The fort was built during the 12th century and changed the course of history between Portuguese and the Marathas for over 800 years of history.
Takmak fort is situated in the Vasai tehsil, making the base easily accessible. However, the route to the fort isn’t that easy because several trekkers find it difficult to find their way to the top through the eastern entrance. It is not uncommon for trekkers to get lost on their trip especially during the monsoon season. Try completing your trek before 5 PM so that you can find public transport back to the main location.
- Basecamp: Sawkar village
- Trail Type: The main trail passes through the fields towards the foothill of the fort. The trails are very comfortable and well-defined
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Must Read: Places To Visit In Panvel
2. Bhimashankar Trek
Image Credit: By Pradeep245 for Wikimedia Commons
Bhimashankar trek is one of the most trekking near Panvel spots, especially during the monsoon. Passing through the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding beautiful landscape and a wide variety of langurs, birds, deers and other animals. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to experience the beauty of Malabar Giant Squirrel.
There are various routes for visiting the Bhimashankar trek, but first-timers should prefer avoiding the Shidhi Ghat route. Moreover, first-time trekkers should take the trek with their friends who are slightly experienced in handling the difficult treks.
- Basecamp: Khandas village.
- Trail Type: The trail is well-defined moving across the rocks, ladders, forests and fields.
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
3. Visapur & Lohagad Trek
Image Credit: By Varun Patil for Wikimedia Commons
Comparatively, one of the easiest monsoon trekking spots near Panvel is the Visapur & Lohagad fort trek. Situated by the waterfall, it is the perfect spot for trekking for beginners. Beginning from the Bhaje village, the trek is located close to the Mumbai-Pune highway, so you’re likely to cross Panvel and experience this trekking route.
On the way back from the trek to the fort, it is also advisable to plan on exploring Bhaje caves. These are 2nd century rock cut caves with a lot of beauty to offer. Before you hit out to explore this trekking route, make sure to check the weather conditions as well.
- Basecamp: Bhaje Village
- Trail Type: Well defined trail containing steps and boulders making it easy for the trekkers.
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Panvel
4. Manikgad
Image Credit: By Dinesh Valke for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Manikgad village, the Manikgad fort has become a favorite destination for trekking near Panvel. Although the fort is situated at a height of 1878 feet, it is in ruins making it difficult to reach from three directions except the South. Rather than a fort, this place used to be a checkpost in the early days.
Manikgad fort has crumbling fortifications in today’s time which doesn’t stand right with its grandeur image of the past. The gate has a Lord Ganesha carving on it that greets all the trekkers visiting it. The fort offers a beautiful, commanding view of the surrounding area, especially making Karnala Pinnacle and Prabalgard Fort more visible.
- Basecamp: Khandas village
- Trail Type: The trail moves along the rocks, ladders, fields and forests
- Trail Difficulty: Easy or moderate. This depends on the route you’re taking
5. Harihar Fort
Image Credit: By Shiv Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
Another prominent spot for trekking near Panvel is Harihar Fort. You need to drive to the location of the main fort so as to get access to the base camp. Located at a height of 3676 feet from the sea level, the hill on which the fort is located has a flat rectangular shape making it appear as if it is the base of any village. The fort shares its history with the Yadava dynasty owing to the presence of the triangular prism.
Comparatively, the Harihar Fort trek is a relatively simpler trek. The iconic steps of the fort are extremely popular with an incline of 80 degrees. The fort also has a small pond that has idols of Lord Shiva, Nandi and Hanuman located nearby.
- Basecamp: Kotamvadi
- Trail Type: The trail passes via villages and fields thereby offering a beautiful sight of clearings and forests.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested Read: Panvel Resorts
6. Devkund Waterfall
Image Credit: By Devopam for Wikimedia Commons
Want to experience the beauty of a waterfall trek near Panvel? Devkund waterfall trek might as well be the best one to go to. Hidden in the lap of Bhika Dam, this waterfall originates from the Kundalika River. The water drops from a height of 80 ft into the pond that is located on the bottom.
While the Devkund waterfall is a pretty one, it is often used by the locals for their purposes. Moreover, it is also considered to be religiously important for the locals. In fact, many locals believed that whenever there was an auspicious ceremony going around in the nearby village, utensils used to emerge from the pond.
- Basecamp: Bhira Village
- Trail Type: The trail passes through the rocks, and forests and has ladders and stairs.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate and easy
7. Rajgad
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful places for trekking near Nashik during monsoon has to be Rajgad fort. The fort, as the name suggests, is the king of forts, having not only a rich history, but also an extremely beautiful architecture. Situated on the Western Ghats, the Rajgad Fort is said to be one of the most beautiful places to trek with an exclusive view of the Sahyadri ranges.
Rajgad Fort used to be the capital of the Maratha emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for over 26 years. Post this, the trek was shifted to Raigad. The trail however is slightly difficult considering its zigzag path and double wall shields. However, it does offer an exclusive view of the Maha Darwaja and Chor Darwaja, especially of the beautiful fort.
- Basecamp: Gunjavane
- Trail Type: Properly defined
- Trail Difficulty: Easy and moderate depending on the season you’re visiting in
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mumbai
8. Kalsubai Trek
Image Credit: By Advaitk for Wikipedia
Situated at a height of 5,400 ft, the Kalsubai Trek offers an exceptional view of the surroundings during the monsoon. Often hailed as one of the best places for trekking near Panvel, Kalsubai trek not only has a well-defined trail, but also is the highest peak to trek in Maharashtra. Since it is situated at such a height, there are stairs around the trail to ensure that the trekkers can reach the summit easily.
One of the most beautiful parts of the trek is that it is always covered with clouds. Therefore, you’re likely to observe the beauty of the trek as you move up the trail without even looking back at the trail. As you trek, you move towards the undiscovered and the unseen which eventually adds to the overall beauty of the adventure.
- Basecamp: Bari village
- Trail Type: The rock-cut steps with iron ladders move along the beautiful meadows and well-defined trails
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Further Read: Things To Do In Mumbai
Trekking near Panvel might as well be one of the best decisions to take a break from daily life. Located on the Western Ghats, trekking here surely does provide an extensive adventure activity. You can plan your trip to Maharashtra and explore several forts in Maharashtra. However, first-time trekkers need to be mindful about trekking during monsoon and plan their trek accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking Near Panvel
Is it a good idea to trek during the rainy season?
Yes, it is a fantastic idea to go trekking near Panvel during the rainy season. Not only does it offer an exclusive view of the flora and fauna but also paves the way to accept several adventurous challenges.
Is trekking near Panvel allowed?
Yes, trekking near Panvel is allowed because of the presence of numerous destinations. One such popular location is Matheran. With a moderate trekking route, Matheran provides beautiful views of the forests and surrounding hills.
Should you try Kalsubai Trek during monsoon?
Kalsubai trek is one of the very popular trekking spots near Panvel. However, it is advisable to not go trekking around this area considering how dangerous it is.
Name the most popular point for trekking near Panvel.
Prabalmachi is often hailed to be a popular trekking point near Panvel. It is a slightly longer trek and may require too much dedication.
Can I go trekking near Panvel Hill?
Karnala Fort is located just 10 Km away from Panvel City making it an ideal choice for trekking. It is considered to be falling in the level of easy to moderate treks.
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