If you'd rather chuck the coffee-and-couch routine every monsoon and trek across hills and forts, you're on the right page. anushree Chatterjee spoke with M Asif, founder of ECO-adventure CLUB Nature Knights, for the best monsoon treks, depending on your thrill quotient
If you'd rather chuck the coffee-and-couch routine every monsoon and trek across hills and forts, you're on the right page. anushree Chatterjee spoke with M Asif, founder of ECO-adventure CLUB Nature Knights, for the best monsoon treks, depending on your thrill quotient
If you're a hardcore trekker
Dhak Bahiri: When it gets down to serious trekking business, Dhak Bahiri conforms to all norms of a tough climb in the rains. A Dhak Bahiri trek involves a rock patch towards the end that can give the no-nonsense trekker his/her thrills. Utmost precaution is required while negotiating this patch, if you want to avoid a free fall. It's best done before sundown. The first part of the trek takes you through a reasonably dense forest. Another unique aspect of this trek is the sacred caves that one comes across while crossing a narrow path between the cliff and the mountain. The lord of Bahiri is said to reside here. For Dhak Bahiri, you need faith, strong ropes and great mountaineering strength.
Getting there: Reach Kalyan by train and head for Karjat. From Karjat, head to Sandhsi, the base village, by bus.
Matheran via Peb fort: Even if you've had a sleepless night wondering how you're going to cover this one, we recommend you embark on an early morning climb. Peb Fort is 4 km on the western side of Neral on the Mumbai-Pune Highway, very close to Matheran. In the monsoon, the trek becomes a monstrous adventure.
The trails get hidden, slippery and tough to handle. The first hurdle is a turbulent 3-feet deep stream. Then, the length of the trail, ascending to a 2,000-feet steep slope has a deep gorge on one side. It becomes mandatory to take daring but slow steps across the rocky surfaces with the gorge with a craggy mountain top looming up ahead.
Getting there: Reach Neral by train from Dadar and then take a taxi to Fanaswadi, the base village for the trek. Other tough treks: Harishchandragad and Bhimashankar
If you dig a good challenge
Kathingad: This fort was called Kathingad as it was difficult to conquer. For those with an adventurous streak, staking claim to conquering this fort should be a priority. Also called the Tung Fort, it's a small base that could hold no more than 200 troops. At 1,075 m, the summit may seem imposing but the temptation to view the Pauna Lake on three sides from the conical peak will make you take the challenge. Lohagad, Visapur fort and Jambuli Hill are among some famous views from the summit. The winds get gushy and mists envelope the trail but that's what completes a monsoon trek package, doesn't it?
Getting there: Take a train to Lonavla. From here, board a bus for Bhamburde or Ambavne. Alight at Ghusalkhamb. Then, embark on a scenic 8-km walk to Tung.
Naneghat: Over 2,600 metres above the sea, the thumb-shaped pinnacle of Naneghat is popular among hikers from Mumbai and Pune. The path was used to collect toll from wealthy traders crossing the hills between Kalyan, Paithan and Junnar. Thus the name nane (coin) and ghat (pass). Trekking to Naneghat combines nature worship, adventure and history in three hours. Naneghat's trek trail leads you to caves dating from the pre-Christian era, where one can still see inscriptions in Brahmi and an ancient Ganesh sculpture. Also, opposite the Ganesh cave is a stone pot, believed to have stored the coins collected for toll.
Getting there:u00a0 Hire a vehicle from Dadar to Tokavde, from where one can start the Naneghat trail.
Other medium-level treks: Mahuli, Rajmachi and Kohoj fort.
If you're taking your first trekking steps
Lohagad: Shivaji's 'Iron Fort' has developed no rust on its trekking appeal despite a 2,000 year-old history. A relatively easy climb of about 2.5 hours, traipsing to Lohagad spells a day of fun in the rains. Several waterfalls dot this pathway. A couple of slippery rocks are all that make this a challenge. A majestic defence structure, Lohagad was also strategically positioned in the way of the trade route between Kalyan and Nalasopara. The fort's summit offers spellbinding views, of which the most famous is Vinchu Kata (Scorpion Sting), a long and narrow fortified spur.
Getting there: Board a train to Lonavla and get off at Malawli, which is the station after Lonavla. The fort is 9 kms away from here. Hired vehicles will reach you to the foot of the hill.
Ahupe Ghat: The pride of the picturesque Ahupe village, this ghat drops down from 3,855 feet to the Konkan and around the hamlet. There are many narrow gorges and dramatic drops. The trail goes through a forest that thickens a bit as you proceed but this one's not a very laborious climb. Gushing streams pep you up along the way, coupling with lush greenery to make for a very pleasant experience. Two natural water reservoirs on the way serve as spots to take a tranquil break if you're totally spent. Ahupe Ghat also has a good connecting track to Bhimashankar. On your return, visit the Ahupe village. The locals are friendly to trekkers who ascend by this ghat.
Getting there: Take a train till Kalyan. Head to Khopivali via Murbad to reach Ahupe village.
Other easy treks: Visapur fort, Koraigad and Tikona
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