Wake up to the Sahyadri sunrise

Mumbai's trekkers don't like the heat to play spoilsport in summer. Magical sunsets, full moon trails and stunning sunrises make after-dark hikes across Maharashtra a must-do. The Trip handpicks your best options

Summer brings to mind the great outdoors and every opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, hiking, camping, the works -- in Europe, maybe. If you live in humid Mumbai, the idea of grappling with mountainous heights, in the hope of conquer ing peaks doesn't seem half as appealing, even to diehard trekkers. Trekking groups across the state have a simple solution -- night treks or moonlit walks.

Bianca Mendonca of Odati Adventures says, "Night trekking eliminates extreme fatigue of limbs, generally brought about by daytime trekking, thereby increasing human mileage. The close proximity ofu00a0 group members also brings about a feeling of determination to conquer the summit together. Finally, it is a beautiful and unique experience to trek in the moonlight."

A group watches a setting sun at a Nature Knights' night trail

Grappleu00a0with rappellingu00a0Nature Knights
Nature Knights conduct night treks throughout the year except the monsoons for safety reasons. Mazhar Asif of Nature Knights says, "we prefer to keep our summer night treks milder on the intensity level, so everyone can enjoy them. People who wish to experience challenging trails including those to Harishchandragad and Torna should sign up for our winter treks." He adds that night trekking has a mysterious quality that makes it instantly attractive to newcomers and old-timers. There is no hot sun to beat down your back; plenty of stars in the sky while campfires to the magic. It's the perfect 'cooling' break for Mumbaikars who work so hard through the week.
Favouriteu00a0hotu00a0spots Rajmachi, Kotligad, Peth, Tikona, Rajgad, Visapur, Mahabaleshwar.
USP They often include 100 feet plus rappelling, valley crossing and other such exciting adventure activities in their night trekking program, usually scheduled during day light, on the following day.
Cost Between Rs 900-Rs 3,500 depending on duration, facilities, food, means of transport
Call 9821081566
Log on tou00a0www.natureknights.net
Coming upu00a0Night trek to Rajmachi on Saturday May 28, 2011. Trek starts from Lonavala at 6.30 p.m. and trekkers will return to Mumbai by noon/evening (Sunday, May 29)

A nature walk through against fast-fading light

Madu00a0aboutu00a0theu00a0mmon Odati adventures
Odati believes that the entire forest is their playground and makes full use of the Sahyadris that provides a beautiful backdrop to most treks on their circuit. In fact, their moonlit treks are a huge draw, more popular than their day treks. They are also the only group to continue conducting these treks through the monsoon, provided there is moonlight, because according to the organisers, people love the rains on a well-lit night, and it gives the experience a different meaning.
Favouriteu00a0hotu00a0spots Lonavala, Visapur, Sudhagad etc.
USP Their night walks are held on a Full Moon night or when there is sufficient moonlight because they believe it enhances the entire experience of the trek, it also helps keep the group safe.
Cost Rs 2,200 for one night
Call 9820079802
Log on tou00a0www.odati.com; Email enquiry@odati.com

Trekkers negotiate a tunnel at Sarasgad

Navigateu00a0byu00a0night nomadic quest
This group has realised the average Mumbaikar's increased zest for such night treks can go beyond the obvious. They not only conduct regular night trails but also believe in providing enthusiasts with the opportunity for them to learn more along the way.
Favouriteu00a0hotu00a0spots Gorakhgad-Murbad, Naneghat-Malshej Ghat, Sarasgad-Pali
USP Once in a while, depending on the enthusiasm of the group they are trekking with, Nomadic Quest helps members to navigate through stargazing (New Moon nights, obviously) by learning about planetary alignments. They also customise such trips for groups.
Cost Rs 1,105 per head
Call 24162488 / 99696 69174
Log on to www.thenomadicquest.com

Participants at a Grassroutes night trail

Findu00a0your rootsu00a0in the darku00a0Grassroutes
Set apart from the rest is Grassroutes that focuses on rural and agri-centric tourism. This group offers night trekking options but only as a part of their larger purpose and goal -- to help people get back to their roots by holidaying amidst the villages of India, responsibly of course. They love this season, before the monsoon hits Maharashtra (last week of May till the first week of June) mainly because the presence of millions of fireflies makes the entire trek magical.
Favouriteu00a0hotu00a0spots Harishchandragad and Bairavnath temple -- both are conducted throughout the year.
USP Co-founder Inir Pinheiro believes that such trips give trekkers a platform to connect with rural India while holding their interest by conducting fun activities including night treks, which builds up the excitement.
Cost Rs 2,000 per head
Call 9969101861
Log on tou00a0 www.grassroutes.co.in
Coming up May 28-29 and June 4-5

Trekkers from Jungle Lore soak in the sunset

Starry,u00a0starryu00a0nights Jungle Lore
Jungle Lore prefers to stretch out the experience over an entire weekend (i.e. 2-3 nights) so that people can enjoy the camping facilities as well. Kaustubh Upadhyay of Jungle Lore feels this experience is terrific for every age group and believes that everyone should experience this kind of adventure.
Favouriteu00a0hotu00a0spots Lohagad, Sagargad, Gorakgad
USP They organise Full Moon and moon-less nights because this gives star-starved Mumbaikars the opportunity to star gaze like never before
Cost Rs 1,800-Rs 2,500
Call 9987126233
Log on to www.junglelore.net

Must carry
>> Comfortable shoes
>> Spare slippers or floaters
>> Water, fruit juice, dry fruits and nuts
>> Sleeping gear, if required
>> Flash light and battery back-up
>> Camera and batteries
>> Cap for day-time
>> Hand sanitiser
>>Insect repellent
>>Toilet paper

Night trails are good!
Night trekking eliminates extreme fatigue of limbs, generally brought about by daytime trekking, thereby increasing human mileage. The close proximity of group members also brings about a feeling of determination to conquer the summit together. Finally, it is a beautiful and unique experience to trek in the moonlight.u00a0
- Bianca Mendonca, Odati Adventures