Adventure seekers in the city of Pune look forward to the annual monsoon season to start planning their trekking activities in the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri mountains. Although this adventure activity can be done practically around the year, monsoon trekking in the fresh and natural sceneries of the forests and nature trails has its own charm and attraction.
Here is looking at the best places to go trekking near Pune city:
Rajmachi Trek
Among the easier treks, Rajmachi Trek is located just 75 kms from Pune city. Rising to a height of over 2,700 feet, this complete trail is 18 kms long and can be completed in around 4-5 hours. Major attractions along the trekking trail include Buddhist caves, backwaters of the Shirota dam, and ruins of forts built by Shivaji Maharaj.
Raigad Fort Trek
Among the best-preserved fortresses of Shivaji Maharaj, Raigad Fort is located at a height of 2,700 feet, thus providing trekkers the scenic natural beauty of the Sahyadri ranges. Located just 50 kms from Pune city, the entire trek trail can be covered in around 1.5 hours. Ideal for monsoon trekking, this fortress has close to 1500 steps to climb along the way.
Kalsubai Peak Trek
At a height of 1,646 metres, Kalsubai Peak is the highest peak in Maharashtra, along with a fort on the cliff top that offers a magnificent view of the natural surroundings. Located at 176 kms from Pune, monsoon and post-monsoon winter seasons are the best times to visit this peak. The overall trek takes around 4 hours to complete but is also safe for overnight camping at the fort.
Harishchandragad Trek
Among the most difficult trekking trails in Maharashtra, this trek is only recommended for experienced trekkers as it involves the crossing of 7 hills. Standing at a height of close to 4,700 feet, some of the trek sections are comprised of vertical rock faces. Along with its misty mountains, wildflowers, and valley views, trekkers can visit attractions along the trail such as the Harishchandreshwar temple and the Saptatirtha Pushkarni lake. This trekking trail is located around 170 kms from Pune.
Sinhagad Fort Trek
Translated as the Lion fortress, Sinhagad fort is among the closest trekking trail to Pune city at a distance of 32 kms. Built and owned by Shivaji Maharaj, Sinhagad fort is at a height of 4,400 feet above sea level. Popular sites in the fort include the Hawa point (known for its strong winds) and the Kade lot cliff from where captured prisoners were thrown. This easy trekking trail can be covered in around 2 hours.
Car rentals from Savaari
In addition to trekkers in Pune, Mumbai trekkers can also visit these popular trekking trails by booking a Mumbai to Pune taxi service that will take them to the nearest starting point to the trek. Savaari offers the best of Pune car rental services by providing cabs driven by trained and experienced chauffeurs. Along with prepaid booking services to avoid last-minute disappointments, you can choose from a variety of rental vehicles from Savaari including Indica, Sedan and Innova.