27 August,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani Gabhare
Pic courtesy/@beyongthemap, Wikimedia Commons, Sanyukta Penurkar
With everyone romanticising Mumbai's monsoon, it is easy to forget that the rain can also be an excuse to escape the city altogether. A three-hour drive into the outskirts can take you to lush, misty landscapes, where it becomes hard not to trek. For Nerul-based explorer Sanyukta Penurkar, who has completed expeditions including Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the monsoon is an opportunity to ditch the usual routes and explore lesser-known trails.
With Beyond the Map, an IP started by Penurkar to promote off road travel, she opens up offbeat trekking routes across Maharashtra and beyond. For those looking keen on adventure with a different slant, she suggests four easy-to-medium options for Mumbaikars.
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Gorakhgad Fort may be a small structure, but its history dates back centuries, with its origins believed to date to the Satavahana period.
It once served as a watchtower overlooking the Naneghat trade route, connecting the Konkan coast with the Deccan. Often called the younger brother of Harihar Fort because of its similar rock-cut steps, this easy trek turns lush during the monsoon.
How to reach: Board a Central Railway local to Kalyan; from there, hail an ST bus to Murbad. At Murbad, take another ST bus or a shared jeep towards Dehri village, the trek's base.
According to local folklore, Chanderi's exposed basalt rocks appear to shimmer under moonlight, giving the steep rock face a silvery glow. The hike takes you through forest trails and rocky patches before reaching the fort's distinctive tabletop peak, making it a rewarding choice for those looking for a more challenging monsoon trek.
How to reach: Board a Central Railway local to Badlapur or Vangani station. From either station, head to Chinchavali village via shared bus or taxi the main base for the trek.
Sanyukta Penurkar at Tapalwadi waterfall
Advisory: Monsoon trails can be unpredictable, with slippery rocks, sudden changes in weather, strong water currents and limited visibility. Penurkar advises not to attempt these routes alone and to always trek with experienced professionals or local guides familiar given the tricky terrain. Check weather and trail conditions before setting out and carry essential safety gear and avoid venturing into restricted or unsafe areas.
Near Neral, Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, looks far more challenging than it actually is. The easy trail takes you through lush forests, mist-covered peaks, waterfalls, rocky patches and metal ladders, with views of Matheran, Chanderi, Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg from the top. Do not miss Kadyavarcha Ganpati, which literally means âGanesha on the Edge', here the idol sits dramatically on a steep mountain cliffside.
How to reach: Board a Central Railway local to Neral station. From there, head to Anandwadi, the base village shared by taxi or bus where the trek begins.
For those looking for a little water, Tapalwadi Waterfall near Neral is an easy monsoon outing. A 20 to 30-minute walk from Tapalwadi village takes you to the falls, fed by rainwater flowing down from the Matheran hills. It is also linked to the nearby Anandwadi Waterfall, with the two often described as twins. During the rains, the flow is strong and the greenery comes alive.
How to reach: Board a Central Railway local to Neral station; continue via road to Tapalwadi village by hailing a bus. From the village, it is a short walk.
Monsoon trekking can be tricky, so Penurkar recommends:
>> Wear shoes with good rubber soles to prevent slips on wet surfaces.
>> Research the area's flora and fauna to prepare for insects.
>> Wear full-length trousers and a full-sleeved shirt to reduce the risk of scratches and insect bites.
Leeches are common around Kolhapur and the Satara-Sangli belt during the monsoon. Carry salt or sanitiser and pour over the insect to help remove them, and don't panic.
