Trekking has become a favourite weekend pastime for many Mumbaikars. As soon as the weekend arrives, many of them head to the hills to explore the scenic landscaped mountains located in and around Mumbai. While some are close to the city, there are some that are within 200 kilometres away.
The best part about hiking or trekking near Mumbai is that there is a trail to suit the trekking skill level of every person. While you have some treks that are easy (where all you need to do is walk upstairs), there are those that require skill and patience. Here are the 18 trekking places in Mumbai, in order of distance
Best Trekking Places in Mumbai
1. Kanheri Caves Trail
Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, the Kanheri Caves is one of the easiest trails in Mumbai. Here, there isn’t any stressful climb; instead, you’ll have to walk through the forest that offers scenic views of the park and a walk up a small cliff at the end of the trail.
If you keep your eyes open, you might even spot a few exotic birds here. The walking path begins at the Kanheri plateau and ends at the Kanheri caves. The end of the trek has a few steps that lead to the entrance of the caves.
- Location: Borivali
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
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2. Shilonda Trail
This is yet another trail inside the beautiful Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. A former tribal settlement, the Shilonda Trail leads you through a gentle walkway, a dense forest, and a couple of beautiful streams till you reach the end point that is actually the farthest point in the national park.
The trekking trail is very easy; however, due to the distance you have to cover, it could be tough for someone who is not used to walking a lot.
- Location: Borivali
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
Also Check : The Top 19 Places to Visit in Navi Mumbai
3. Yeoor Hills
Located at the back end of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Yeoor Hills in Thane is yet another place that’s great for a one-day trek.
Trekking to the top of the Yeoor Hills will take about about 30 minutes, at normal walking pace. Along the way, you will see panoramic views of the national park and come across streams that are an ideal pitstop for a break. From the top of the Yeoor Hills, you will see a panoramic view of Thane. The trek to Yeoor Hills is easy, but there are a few slippery spots along the way.
- Location: Borivali
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
4. Chinchoti Trail
Chinchoti is a trek with several routes. Depending on your skill, you can choose one. If you are looking for a route that isn’t too complicated, use the trail that begins from Kaman Phata. The trail begins through a small village and leads up to a few streams that you have to cross.
Once you cross the streams, there is a pathway through dense vegetation that leads you straight to the falls. Just before the fall, there is a small pond that is very safe to swim. If you are going on the weekend, remember the pond can get very crowded.
- Location: Vasai
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
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5. Tungareshwar Trail
The trail at Tungareshwar offers trekkers many possibilities. Here, one can choose to take the easy route and walk 4 kilometres up to the Shiva Temple or head a further 3 kilometres upto the Balayogi Ashram. Those looking for a longer trail can climb up to the Vajreshwari Springs. The route to the springs is scenic and gorgeous. There are a few deciduous trees and if you’re lucky. You might even spot a few exotic birds on the trail.
- Location: Virar
- Trekking Difficulty: Depends on the route you take
Best Trekking Places around Mumbai (Within 100 kilometres)
6. Peb Trail
To trek up to the Peb fort you need to follow one of the easiest and most scenic trails in Maharashtra. The route is fairly simple. It begins at a village and then passes through a small forrest and a few caves.
There are a few ladders installed at points that are difficult to climb, so even a person who has never trekked before will find the trail comfortable. Along the way, there’s another route that leads up to the Panorama Point in Matheran. However, it will take another couple of hours to reach there.
- Location: Neral
- Distance from Mumbai: 53 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy up to the Peb fort. The route to Panorama Point is moderately difficult.
Also Read : 12 Easy Treks Near Mumbai Anyone Can Complete
7. Garbett Point Trail
Despite the Garbett Point offering scenic views of the plateau below, the most fun is had when you trek up to the Garbett Point from the Diksal village. The six-hour-long trek is challenging but great fun.
To get up to Garbett Point, one needs to pass through narrow rocky passages and steep slopes. If you are going here during the monsoon, you might need a rope to get across the stream that is difficult to pass through when at its peak. If you’re up for it, trek further for about 5 kilometers to reach Matheran.
- Location: Diksal
- Distance from Mumbai: 73 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
8. Dhak Bahiri Trail
Located in the Raigad region, the Dhak Bahiri (caves) is located at a height of 2700 feet above sea level. The trek to the caves from the Sandshi village takes two to three hours.
It could take a little more longer for amateur trekkers as the trail here is challenging and passes through rocky edges and curvy pathways. There is a famous point here called the Kalakrai Pinnacle. However, one needs great experience in trekking and must know how to use hiking equipment to get to the point.
- Location: Sandshi
- Distance from Mumbai: 76 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
9. Kune Waterfalls Trail
Conveniently located about 2 kilometres away from the Khandala railway station, the Kune falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in Maharashtra. Although one cannot visit the falls directly, trekking up to the hill that offers crystal clear views of the falls is possible. It takes around 3 hours to reach the hill from the base. The path can be a big difficult to navigate, so it is advised that you hire a guide or book a group trekking activity, there are many organizations that conduct treks at Kune.
- Location: Khandala
- Distance from Mumbai: 86 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
10. Rajmachi Fort Trail
A popular trail for trekking near Mumbai, it starts in the Udhewadi village. The trek to the Rajmachi Fort is very scenic. An easy trek to the top awaits trekkers as they only have to follow a route that’s not too difficult to tread through.
However those who find this trail too easy can opt to take the other route that begins from the Kondana Caves, it’s exciting. Once you reach the top of the hill, explore the beautiful and historic Rajmachi Fort.
- Location: Udhewadi
- Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometres.
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy to high, depending on which route you take.
Also Check : The 15 Most Romantic Places to Visit in Mumbai
Best Trekking Places Around Mumbai (Within 200 kilometres)
11. Korigad Fort Trail
The trekking trail that leads to the Korigad Fort is pretty easy to handle if you begin trekking from the Peth Shahpur village. The first part of the trek is very simple. All you have to do is follow a mud road.
The trek gets even simpler at the point where you have to just walk through steps craved that lead you straight to the fort. Although the trek is simple, one has to be very careful while climbing up the steps in the monsoon as the steps can get slippery from the rainwater and a bit of moss.
- Location: Pune
- Distance from Mumbai: 106 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
12. Sudhagad Fort Trail
Yet another scenic trekking trail, the trek to the Sudhagad begins from Thakurwadi village and goes all the way to the gates of the fort. The trail is child’s play. All one has to go is follow the makeshift road.
In fact, the trail is so simple that even at some difficult parts, there are ladders installed. Once you get to the top, do not forget to click a few picture at the Dindi Darwaja that is modelled on the Mahadarwaaja of the Raigad fort.
- Location: Pali
- Distance from Mumbai: 109 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
13. Sandhan Valley Trail
A trek up the Sandhan Valley is a charming experience. During the trek here, one has pass through deep narrow rocks and descent into the Sandhan Valley, before climbing back up to get ot the top of the mountain. The highlight of trekking here is that it’s also a hotspot for adventure sports.
So along the way to the top of the valley, if you are bored, take a break from trekking and do some adventure sports before resuming your climb.
- Location: Igatpuri
- Distance from Mumbai: 120 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
14. Raigad Fort Trail
If you are looking to add exploring to your trek, then you have to visit the trail that leads to the Raigad Fort. The best part about trekking here is that there is more than one route to get to the fort. A person can take the easy way out and just follow the steps to the gates of the fort or be a true adventure enthusiast and take the route through a dense forest area that reaches the Nane Darwaja.
We, of course, recommend you pick the second route (if you can). It’s not worth heading out this far from Mumbai just to take the stairs.
- Location: Raigad
- Distance from Mumbai: 166 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Difficult if you take the trail the passes through the forest.
15. Ratangad Fort Trail
Getting to base of the Ratangad fort is actually time consuming. You first have to take a boat from Bhandardara and then walk all the way to the Ratanwadi village before you can make the climb up to the fort.
There are two routes to the top of the fort. One follows a rocky terrain and a small dense forest and the other is just steps and ladders that go straight to the gate of the fort. Both are moderately difficulty. Yes, the stairs too are difficult as they pass through some steep curves. From the top of the mountain, and from inside the fort, you can see stunning views of Bhandardara’s skyline.
- Location: Ratangad
- Distance from Mumbai: 175 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Moderately high
Best Trekking Places Near Mumbai (Over 200 kilometres)
16. Purandar Fort Trail
The trail to the Purandar Fort starts at a village. As you go up, you’ll begin to see how beautiful the trek to the top is. On the trail here, you will pass through through lush green meadows and some rocky paths. There is an intersection in the middle of the trek with two lanes: one leads to the village and the other to the fort.
To get to the fort one has to follow the rocky lane. Along the rocky lane, there are a few spots that you have to climb. Although not too dangerous, you have to take precaution as the rocks can get a little slippery, especially in the monsoon. The path that’s closer to the fort is easy to pass through.
- Location: Gherapurandhar
- Distance from Mumbai: 210 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to High
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17. Salher Fort Trail
Do this trail only if you are in good physical shape, determined and have amazing trekking skills. Although the trek up to the fort is around three hours long, one has to be focused and patient while climbing up.
This is because the Salher Fort trek follows a long winding route that can be little difficult to navigate. The two routes to the fort are via the Salherwadi and Waghembe villages, and both take around the same time to reach the fort.
- Location: Salher
- Distance from Mumbai: 295 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
18. Jungli Jaigad
The Jungli Jaigad trek begins from the Navja village. Along the way you will pass through scenic spots. The fun begins when you reach the dense woodlands. This is where you’ll begin to enjoy the trek as you pass through beautiful sections of the forest that resemble pictures in a fairytale.
As you’re passing through woodlands, keep your camera ready for a click. If you’re lucky, you might just about spot animals and exotic birds. To trek at Jungli Jaigad, you need the permission of the forest department.
- Location: Navja Village
- Distance from Mumbai: 331 kilometres
- Trekking Difficulty: High
If you are looking to get away from your mundane work life or are in need of some nature therapy, we suggest that you pack your backpack and head out to one of these trekking places near Mumbai.
What makes them an excellent choice is that they’re not only scenic, but have different difficulty levels. So, where are you going on your next trip? Let us know in the comments.
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