Mumbaikars can hike through these lesser-known trails around the city

With everyone romanticising Mumbairsquos monsoon it is easy to forget that the rain can also be an excuse to escape the city altogether A threehour drive into the outskirts can take you to lush misty landscapes where it becomes hard not to trek For Nerulbased 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 lesserknown trailsWith 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 easytomedium options for MumbaikarsLog on to beyondthemapHigh on historyGorakhgad Fort may be a small structure but its history dates back centuries with its origins believed to date to the Satavahana periodIt 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 rockcut steps this easy trek turns lush during the monsoonHow 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 trekrsquos baseThe fort on a silver peakAccording to local folklore Chanderirsquos 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 fortrsquos distinctive tabletop peak making it a rewarding choice for those looking for a more challenging monsoon trekHow 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 trekSanyukta Penurkar at Tapalwadi waterfallTrek with careAdvisory 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 areasSpiritual oasisNear Neral Peb Fort also known as Vikatgad looks far more challenging than it actually is The easy trail takes you through lush forests mistcovered 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 lsquoGanesha on the Edgersquo here the idol sits dramatically on a steep mountain cliffsideHow 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 beginsQuick dipFor those looking for a little water Tapalwadi Waterfall near Neral is an easy monsoon outing A 20 to 30minute 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 aliveHow 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 walkRules to live byMonsoon trekking can be tricky so Penurkar recommendsgtgt Wear shoes with good rubber soles to prevent slips on wet surfacesgtgt Research the arearsquos flora and fauna to prepare for insectsgtgt Wear fulllength trousers and a fullsleeved shirt to reduce the risk of scratches and insect bitesSticky situationsLeeches are common around Kolhapur and the SataraSangli belt during the monsoon Carry salt or sanitiser and pour over the insect to help remove them and donrsquot panic