Harishchandragad trek :
Harishchandragad trek is one of the most challenging treks in the western ghats of Maharashtra. A popular trek which offers a variety of adventures to all kinds of trekkers.
It is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district situated in the Malshej Ghat. It climbs up to an altitude of 4,670 ft.
Harishchandragad is an ancient fort.
Harihar Fort Trek :
Harihar fort is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 3,676 ft from the sea level.
The hill on which the fort is built looks like a rectangular shape from the base village. But it is built on the triangular prism of rock during the Yadava dynasty. The edges of the Harihar fort are almost vertical.
The attraction of Harihar fort is the iconic steps to the top of the fort. It is almost 80 degrees vertically inclined.
Peb fort, also known as Vikatgad :
Peb fort, also known as Vikatgad, rises to a maximum altitude of 2,050 ft and was primarily used as a granary and watchtower by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Chanderi fort, Nakhind hill, Malanggad, Tahuli, Prablagad, Kalavantin & Matheran plateau in clear weather.
Located approximately 80 km from Mumbai and less than 120 km Pune, it’s conveniently accessible by public transport. With five different trails of varying difficulty and length, Peb fort is the ideal trek for anyone looking for a good excursion close to Matheran.
Matheran One Tree Hill Trek :
Matheran at 800 m (2,625 ft)is a popular hill station, accessible by road and train. It was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850 and is around 100 km from Mumbai. Matheran is a protected forest area where only emergency vehicles are allowed inside its limits. Main mode of transport is hand-pulled rickshaws and horses. British-style architecture has been preserved in Matheran and most structures are now heritage structures. Matheran has been declared an eco-sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry (GoI) and is home to diverse flora and fauna. There are also several rare species like the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-Rumped Shama, Brown Wood Owl, South Indian Tree Shrew, and The Giant Squirrel. It is also home to a wide range of snakes, from the harmless ones to deadly and venomous snakes.
The trail to One tree hill from Ambewadi is also called the Shivaji ladder route. Midway through the trail near the end of the thick forest, you come across a mass of boulders and rocks into which the trail disappears. This is known as Shivaji Steps or the Shivaji Ladder. According to local legend, Shivaji rode up this route on horseback.
Karnala Fort Trek :
The Karnala Fort trek begins at the entrance of the bird sanctuary on a well-defined road and winds through the forest. Eventually, it leads to an uphill track under thick vegetation. There are multiple routes inside the sanctuary that lead to the main trail up to the mountain and offer a variety of fauna, both in enclosure and in the wilderness. The trek to the top is a little challenging but thoroughly enjoyable and the fort provides a comfortable perch to rest and have lunch. After a final walk up to the bastion, one is presented with a splendid 360 degree view of the surrounding Raigad district. A 125 ft high basalt pillar sticks out like a thumb at the centre of the peak. It is clearly visible from far away on all the sides.
Bhimashankar trek :
The Bhimashankar trek is a nature lover’s delight. It takes you into the heart of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary through thick forests. The Bhimashankar trek gives you a full dose of adventure with stream crossings, ladders, and rock climbing all bundled into one trek
While monsoon is the best time to do this trek, it can also be done in other seasons. The route is scenic and thrilling. Those accustomed to trekking can hike the Bhimashankar via Shidi Ghat route. While for beginners, we recommend the Ganesh Ghat route, which offers splendid views and is easier.
While in the jungle, you’ll have a variety of birds, langurs, and spotted deer for company. If
you’re lucky, you might even get to spot a ‘shekar’ or the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
The best part of the trek is the trail to Gupt Bhimashankar, located in the middle of a stream, underneath a rock.
Irshalgad trek :
Standing tall besides the Matheran hill station, Irshalgad is an iconic boat-shaped hill that is easily distinguishable from afar.
Connected to the more popular Prabalgad fort by a rarely used ridge, it can be approached from three different trails of varying difficulty.
The climb to the peak can be divided into three phases: The base of the pinnacle, the Needle hole and the final, technical push to the peak.
Kalavantin Durg Trek :
Kalavantin Durg Trek is one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra. Situated at around 2,205 feet in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the trek is a perfect one for beginners or adventure seekers.
The Pinnacle of Kalavantin is a thrilling experience that one goes for. Amongst the trekking circle, there is a misconception that It is considered as a very dangerous or treacherous trek. The angle of the photos or videos takes this angle for this whole trek. With enough precautions and knowing the trek well, the trek is one adventure that you should go on. With the trek close to the Mumbai city, you can either combine this trek with Prabalgad or camp at the vast Prabalmachi Plateau. Just ensure that you go on this trek at the right season to avoid the huge crowd and to enjoy your climb to the pinnacle of Kalavantin.
Skandagiri Trek :
The “Panchagiris” (Nandi Giri, Chandragiri, Skandagiri, Brahmagiri and Hema Giri), or five hills of Chikballapur district, trek to Skandagiri is one of the prominent ones.
Skandagiri is located in a village called Kalavara Halli, and hence it is also known as Kalavara Durga. At the foothills of Skandagiri lies one of Karnataka’s ancient and oldest mutts, the Papagni Mutt.
Tipu Sultan conquered the fort which belonged to a local ruler and later he used it as a stronghold to fight against the British, but was eventually surrendered in 1791 when Tipu Sultan was defeated.
The top offers a panoramic view of the four neighbouring ‘Giris’ or hills and it is a sight to behold.
Skandagiri is located less than 60 kms from Bengaluru and just 3 kms from Chikballapur and is well connected by road and railways. Therefore, it is an ideal year-round trek for first time trekkers as well as the seasoned ones and can be completed in 5 hours comfortably (2 hours to ascend and 2 hours to descend, with an hour’s break at the summit).
Savandurga Trek :
Savandurga trek follows a trail to the top of Asia’s largest monolith hill.
Located 60 km away from Bengaluru in the Savandurga state forest, this trail is famous for its challenging climb and amazing views of Magadi, Manchabele and Thippagondanahalli reservoirs and Arkavathi river.
“Karigudda” (Black hill) and “Biligudda” (White hill) make the Savandurga hill cluster.
Savandurga hill is off Magadi road and is easily accessible via buses, cars or two wheelers and this makes Savandurga an ideal all weather trek near Bangalore.
Makalidurga Trek :
Unlike any other day treks around Bangalore, Makalidurga is a special trek which has a Railway Station as its base. Although the temple devoted to Muthurayaswamy is the actual starting point, it is a thrilling walk from the Railway Station to the temple for two kilometres.
Makalidurga is about 60 kilometres from Bangalore, and just 15 kilometres from Doddaballapur and is easily accessible by road and railways. It is an all-season trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers and for people looking for a quick weekend getaway.
Kumara Parvatha Trek :
Kumara Parvatha is situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. At the foothills lies an ancient and famous temple called Kukke Subrahmanya.
Kumara Parvatha is the second highest peak in Kodagu district, only after Tadiandamol and the fourth highest peak in Karnataka.
Climbing up to slightly more than 1,700 metres (approx. 5,600 feet), Kumara Parvatha is the most challenging trek in Karnataka. And it lives up to its name.
The trek covers a distance of 22 kilometres and is usually done over 2 days.
Kumara Parvatha trek is most loved by trekkers for the variety it offers — right from the thick forests, to vast grasslands and even a waterfall — this trek has lots to offer.
Kumara Parvatha or Pushpagiri is the name of the peak which is hidden most of the time and is visible only after crossing Shesha Parvatha, but the entire trail is popularly known as the Kumara Parvatha trek.
If you are a beginner and would like to consider this as your first trek, we highly recommend you follow a fitness routine, improve your cardiovascular endurance, strengthen your muscles and do a couple of easy treks such as Skandagiri and Savandurga, before attempting Kumara Parvatha.
Nishani Motte Trek :
How to get to the base of the trek – Talacauvery
Bhagamandala is approximately 284 km from Bangalore via NH 48. It is a small place in Kodagu district (Coorg) in Karnataka, along the banks of River Cauvery. It takes around eight hours to reach Bhagamandala.
For this trek, trekkers need permits from the Forest Department. One can obtain these permits from the FRH Office in Bhagamandala.
From Bhagamandala, take a seven kilometer dirt road (by jeep) to Talacauvery, which is the base camp of the trek.
Nandi One (Brahmagiri) Trek :
The trek is situated in Chikballapur district, which is around 60 kilometers from Bangalore and is easily accessible by road. It is a year-round trek which is ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
Spectacular view of three hills which make up the Nandi Hills cluster – Nandi Giri, Skandagiri and Channagiri.
Halu Chilume Gange Trek :
Halu Chilume Gange Trek, or the Thorn Trek is an adventurous trail located in Doddaballapur, just 60 kilometres outside Bangalore.
A special Pooja happens every Monday here. An interesting fact is that the temple priest comes from the village of Ujjani everyday. This is about 3.5 kilometres from the base of the trek.
This trail brings out the explorer in you because of the vast unexplored landscape, which makes it a perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking to have an adventurous trek.
Channagiri Trek :
Channagiri, towards the north west of the Nandi Hills chain, is a less-frequented trail in Chikkaballapura. Locally, it is better known as Channakeshava Betta. It is the source of the North Pinakini River and has an Omkareshwara Temple at the top. But there is more to this hill than its famous landmarks. It’s a great day trek.
Handy tips for trekkers:
Do this as an evening trek and not a morning trek. Mornings will only get hotter.
Start the trek by 2.00 pm. Target to reach the top by 4.00 pm. Start descent by 4.30 pm. The sun sets behind the hill that stands behind you (which is the Channagiri hill). But the vibrant colours in the sky are unmissable!
There’s quite a lot of garbage at the beginning of the trek. Walk past this and the trail gets better. Take small bags if possible to clear out whatever garbage you can. Let’s leave this trail in a better condition.
Take two litres of water per person. There are no water sources.
Take some quick snacks and a medical kit. There are no shops or houses at the base. If you need anything, the closest village is Sultanpet, 3 km from the base of the trek.
Wear full-sleeved cotton tshirts. Avoid fleece or material similar to fleece. The entire trail has thorny shrubbery thanks to the dry nature of the trek. These thorns easily cling onto fleece and such materials. Choose smooth cotton clothes.
The trek is best done in December, January and February when the weather is cool with clear skies. Summer in this region can get very hot and dry. So avoid April and May, when temperatures can rise as high as 40 degrees celsius. In monsoon, the rocks can get slippery.
There is space to park your car at the base.
There are no animals on the trail except trail dogs, skinks, chameleons. There is a possibility of spotting snakes.
These are wonderful Do-It-Yourself trek.
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