Travel: 6 trekking destinations near Mumbai to explore during winter

Raigad Fort Trek. Pic/YouTube

Mumbai owes its beauty to the turquoise Arabian Sea and verdant Western Ghats. Not only is the city dotted with tiny hillocks, but also it is rewarded with several surrounding hilly locales that call for a quick weekend getaway or one day trip. While these hilly hill stations turn lush green during monsoon, they dress up in shades of grey and white with fog during winter. Such mountainous terrains, some of which are sights to ancient forts, call for an amazing adventure trip. Meandering streams, winding roads, foggy sky, lush green hills, historical forts- these trekking joints around Mumbai open up to marvellous scenic views. Here are some of those popular trekking places near Mumbai that deserve a visit by avid adventure lovers:

Raigad Fort Trek: This is one of the popular trekking places in Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Raigad Fort in Raigad district once served as the capital of Maratha Empire. It now serves as a scenic trekking site to adventure lovers. The trek can be hiked through 1400-1450 steps. The trek offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding from beginning to end and keeps trekkers engaged throughout. Those who do not want to take the trekking route, can also take a ropeway ride to the fort.
Duration: 1 Day
Difficulty level: Easy

Karnala Fort Trek. Pic/YouTube

Karnala Fort Trek: Situated around 80 km away from Mumbai, Karnala Fort trek through the misty Sahyadri mountain ranges is truly invigorating. Karnala Fort is surrounded by Karnala bird sanctuary, a popular bird watching site in Maharashtra.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: Easy

Sinhagad Fort trek. Pic/YouTube

Sinhagad Trek: Sinhagad Fort serves as a popular trekking as well as picnic spot near Mumbai and Pune. The trek opens up to majestic views of the verdant green landscape. During the journey, trekkers can relish hot crispy Kanda'Bhaji' (onion pakodas), a typical Maharashtrain snack from small stalls.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: Moderate


Lohagad Trek. Pic/YouTube

Lohagad Trek: This is one of the easiest treks near Mumbai that amateur trekkers can undertake. During the expedition, one can enjoy captivating views of Lonavala as well as Malavali village. The fort is perched at a height of around 3,450m and is said to be a masterpiece of Maratha kingdom. The best time to take the trek is during monsoon, but adventure junkies can visit during any time of the year.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: Easy


Rajmachi Fort trek. Pic/YouTube

Rajmachi Fort Trek: Nestled at the proximity of Lonavla and Khandala, Rajmachi Fort Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking spots near Mumbai. Rajmachi Fort has two fortified structures called Manaranjan fort and Shrivardhan fort. Strategically located on the historical trade route, the trek offers breathtaking views of meandering streams, lush undulating Shayadris and green paddy fields all around.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty level: Easy


Tamini Ghat trek. Pic/YouTube

Tamhini Ghat Trek: Being located just ahead of Mulshi Dam backwaters, the trek rewards with spectacular views of cascading waterfalls and placid backwaters. The best time of the year to undertake Tamini Ghat trek is during monsoon. Trekkers can even catch sites of wild animals during the trek. The zig-zag terrains and rustic charm of Tamini Ghat leaves trekkers spellbound.
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

While some of these trekking places near Mumbai are popular, some are offbeat too. These places also share proximity with Pune. With the wind, the trekking spots come alive and invite more enthusiastic trekkers, adventure junkies and nature lovers to walk through the winding paths and unearth the glory of nature and history.