Top 5 Off beat/Less crowded Treks in Maharashtra
These days, we feel that most of the treks are getting crowded and that feeling of being close to nature is getting lost to some extent. However, that is not so true. Maharashtra has hundreds of forts/treks but only handful of them are actually crowded which are more famous. So, there are many other treks which are still untouched or despite being famous not visited by masses. So if you are fed up of these huge crowd gathering on the treks, & you are looking for some inner peace, here are our top picks for less crowded or offbeat treks.
1. Dhodap Fort
Grade : Easy
Best Season : Winter
We don't know why this trek is not famous but we are glad that it is not. We have visited this fort on some public holidays like 15th August when all the treks are crowded but on this fort it was no one but just our batch of 10 people. This is almost an all season trek, you can do this in winter for clear views, you can do this in monsoon to see the beautiful huge plateau covered with flowers and greenery and also in summer you can do this as a night trek and stay in caves and witness sunrise from top. An easy yet scenic 3 hours climb is fit for almost all kinds of trekkers. In monsoon the small lake at the base fits perfectly for post trek fun.
2. Kamalgad
Grade : Easy
Best Season : Winter
This is a hidden gem of Mahabaleshwar Region, this trek start from a village situated between 2 small dams built over Krishna River, the village itself is very beautiful. Easy one and half hour climb will take you to the upper plateau here you will come across nice dense forest for another 30 mins and a small ladder takes you to the top. 360 View of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Krishna River is just breath taking but that's not it, the best part of the fort is the Hidden Step well at top. It is nearly 40-50 feet deep step well and even in scorching heat of summer you will feel the cold once you descend from these steps, this is a unique structure on top of a fort and a must visit.
3. Tahuli
Grade : Moderate
Best Season : Monsoon
Tahuli is a trek that is so near to Mumbai still not visited by many. This trek has quite a lot to offer, first you start with almost 45 mins walk with few water streams, then you enter a dense forest and a waterfall, moving on you traverse the mountain to reach a huge plateau and here you can experience the reverse waterfall if the weather is suitable. Moving ahead you can visit either Dadima Pinnacle or Paanch Pir, both provide amazing views. Covering all this may not be possible in a one day trek but if you wish to do it in a day then you can do this trek till Reverse waterfall and return, even that will be an amazing experience.
4. Nakhind
Grade : Moderate
Best Season : Monsoon
Nakhind is getting popular these days so before it gets crowded you should visit this. This trek can be done in Monsoon as well as winter but we would recommend this trek in Monsoon. An easy climb of 1.5 hours will take you to a small village from here on you will climb in a dense yet a steep trail to reach the final ridge, then a 15-20 mins walk on ridge will take you to the Needle Hole Point and if you are adventurous enough you can do the final 10 min thrilling climb. If all this is not enough, then after the trek you can visit an amazing hidden waterfall at the base village. The ridge walk is unique and found on very few treks in Maharashtra.
5. Patta Fort
Grade : Easy
Best Season : Winter
Patta Fort is also known as Vishramgad, this is one of the easiest trek you will come across in Maharashtra. You can do this trek any time of the year but we would recommend to do this trek in winter as a night trek or start early morning. If you do so, you will be able to see sunrise from top. Even though this fort is not at the highest of the altitude, you still get a spectacular 360 view from top, probably one of the best from any fort in Maharashtra. Even the ride to the base village is scenic and you come across some huge windmills. Also the summit is windy at times so make sure you carry a jacket to protect yourself from cold winds.
Happy Trekking !