The big city, fast-paced lifestyle can go from exhilarating to exhausting really quickly. If you’re in Mumbai, there are several hiking and trekking trails that offer a picturesque break from the everyday grind. We round up a few you could head to this weekend. By Eshita Srinivas
There’s no dearth of things to do in Mumbai. Between bustling street markets, exciting live events, and thriving food spots, locals have plenty to keep them engaged over the weekends. That said, even urbanites need a bit of natural therapy every now and then. Fortunately, Mumbai has several picturesque hiking trails and treks to explore, taking adventurers past national parks and historical monuments. We’ve put together a list of a few spots you could centre your next day off around.
Get closer to nature at these 10 hiking and trekking trails near Mumbai
Shilonda Trail
View this post on Instagram
This two-kilometre popular trail is located inside the stunning Sanjay Gandhi National Park and leads adventurers through a dense forest and picturesque streams. Along the way, you might spot a host of butterflies, get acquainted with several plant species, and encounter sambal deer. It’s recommended that you head to the information centre of the national park and embark on the trail with a forest guide to have a rounded experience. Head here during the monsoons, and you’ll encounter raging steams, chitals, and civets.
Kanheri Caves
View this post on Instagram
Another popular trail located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the path to these caves is easy to conquer and offers visitors a chance to walk up a small cliff towards the end. This trail will appeal to history buffs, who’d enjoy exploring the historical formations that date back to the 1st century, and were believed to be an important part of Buddhist culture. The trek begins at the Kanheri plateau and concludes at the caves, with opportunities for spotting exotic birds and other wildlife along the way. The view from the top is worth the hike!
Maharashtra Nature Park
View this post on Instagram
This oasis of green is located in the centre of the city’s bustle and continues to be one of the best places to sharpen your photography skills. The hiking trails, especially when done with a naturalist, offer the opportunity to spot squirrels, colourful insects, and rare birds. If you’re keen on it, you could also wait around to take a look at snakes peeking through the bushes. This was formerly the site of a large municipal garbage dump in the 70s and was transformed with the help of the World Wildlife Fund, local activists, and the government. A visit to the nursery, vermicomposting plant, and medicinal plants section that played a role in this change is recommended. If you’re lucky, you might spot seagulls here during the migratory season.
Chinchoti Waterfalls
View this post on Instagram
A popular hiking destination during the monsoons, there are two paths that lead to the Chinchoti waterfalls, the easier one being the one from Kaman Phata. Most all, however, go through the jungle and past several streams into verdant vegetation that concludes at the roaring falls. The track is narrow, and it’s recommended that you have an experienced escort. Many people stop by the pond located close by for a quick swim, but this can get pretty crowded, especially over the weekends. Along the way, you’ll find several colourful insects and birds.
Tungareshwar
View this post on Instagram
Close to the Chinchoti waterfalls, about an hour away from Dadar, is a wildlife sanctuary that’s a verdant spot for nature walks, especially during the monsoon. Time spent here involves being acquainted with a host of birds, reptiles, and insects, including dragonflies, tailorbirds, and coucals. Naturally, photography gear is a good travel mate. A popular trail leads up to the Vajreshwari hot water springs. You could also head to the Tungareshwar temple, with most treks to the spot commencing at the Vasai station.
Karnala Fort
View this post on Instagram
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the city and houses the Karnala Fort, a quaint structure built during the 13th century. The trek begins at the entrance of the sanctuary and follows a defined path through dense forests. Along the way, you’ll go uphill through thick vegetation to the fort, which is located at the height of approximately 1500 feet. Stop to rest here before heading to the bastion, where you can witness the stunning sight of Raigad. Look out for migratory birds and stunning fauna along the way. This one’s popular with families.
Peb Fort
View this post on Instagram
This is a fairly easy hike that many enjoy during the monsoons. The journey begins at Neral and concludes at the fort, which takes about two hours. Along the way are stunning verdant meadows, dense forest, pristine streams, and a host of birds. Not to mention, there are several waterfalls and caves to stop at and explore. The points that are difficult to climb have built passageways that make the journey comfortable. There’s another path that locals often take, which leads to the panorama point in Matheran and adds a few hours to the trail.
Garbett Plateau
View this post on Instagram
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge this weekend, this is the spot to head to. The region is brimming with streams and waterfalls, with the trek offering the opportunity to explore Diksal and Ashane waterfalls. Most hikes begin at the Bhivpuri railway station, through the Diksal village, and up an ascent to the Sagachiwadi village, where many stop to rest and grab a bite. Post this, go through a steep and challenging climb to get to the Garbett plateau. If you’re here during the monsoon, be wary of slippery paths. Once at the Garbett plateau (which extends until the Garbett Point hill), you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning sight of verdant fields.
Rajmachi
View this post on Instagram
The routes for this trek are nestled amidst Lonavala and Karjat, two popular hill stations in the Sahyadris. If you trek via the former, you’ll have a longer yet easier route to get to the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts. Most treks begin at Udhewadi village. Along the way are the caves and waterfalls of Khondane. The forts themselves are historically significant, built before the 15th century and used as a battleground for wars between the Marathas and Mughals. Slot in time for hiking over your next long weekend since it’s a bit of a drive from Mumbai.
Korigad Fort
View this post on Instagram
This is a fortress in Amby Valley, a bit further out from Mumbai and is located on a hill. It’s an architectural marvel and will appeal to history buffs. For adventurers, the magic lies in the trail, which is a simple mud path that leads to steps and other challenging paths. Monsoons can get exceptionally slippery. Most treks begin at the Peth Shahpur village. There’s also an ascent of about 600 stairs one way that you should factor in before heading to this hiking spot from Mumbai.
Related: Plan A Mountain Vacay To These Indian Hill Stations With Airports
Most popular
Most popular
