'The mountains are calling and I must go.' - John Muir
This is what every trekker feels, looking at almost every mountain on earth. While trekking can be an amazing adventure activity in any part of the world, trekking in Sahyadri can be comprehended beyond measures.
Living in the bustling city of Mumbai, which is the economic capital of India, it is quite easy for me to go on weekend treks to the Sahyadri ranges. The Sahyadri, a.k.a. the Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian Peninsula. These mountains are the eroded edges of the Deccan Plateau. There are five main rivers that form a part of this mountain range region, these are Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Thamiraparani, and Tungabhadra. During monsoons, various streams overflow and meet these rivers carrying large volumes of rainwater. This makes trekking Sahyadri in monsoon all the more exciting.
For all the monsoon and nature lovers, trekking in Sahyadri should be high on your bucket list. Before you consider the statement a hyperbole, have a look at the below picture.
Harihar Fort
This was my trek to Harihar fort, Nashik, Maharashtra. This was the only split second when the clouds agreed to cooperate with us for a decent picture. The clouds completely covered the peak, and we could barely see our teammates all through that descend. This trek was one of the most exciting treks to date. The stairs were very steep, there were no railings for support, and the clouds made sure to play hide-and-seek.
Here is a picture of my trek to Kalsubai, Igatpuri, Maharashtra.
Kalsubai Peak
This is the highest peak of the state of Maharashtra. Not too difficult, this trek makes you feel on top of the word because of its massive height. The peak is 1,646 m above the sea level. There are well-designated summit routes and easy to climb stairs.
This is a picture from Kothaligad trek, Karjat, Maharashtra.
Kothaligad Trek
The trek has a rocky terrain and is a bit difficult climb. However, the best views are en route. The numerous waterfalls on the trek route got me nostalgic of my North East India trip to Meghalaya. This is a must do the trek for all the waterfall lovers.
While I have listed only three, there are enormous treks that you could go for on your visit to Maharashtra. These include the trek to Raigad, Rajgad, Tikona, Torna, Lohagad, Harishchandragad, Sinhagad, Karnala, and many more. So next time you plan your trip to this state, don't forget to carry your trekking shoes along.
