Exciting One Day Treks in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is India's second-most populous state and third-largest by population. 

Maharashtra has now become an impressive destination for travellers from Mumbai to Shirdi, Pawna Lake, Alibaug, Nashik, Mahabaleshwar (hill station), Lonavla and many more places to visit. 

Besides all these, great Maharashtra also offers numerous one-day treks that will take you into an abundant region with forts, hills, rock climbing areas, rugged terrain to challenge seasoned trekkers and gentle slopes for beginners. 

Going on a day trek provides a fast and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life in Maharashtra.

Sandhan Valley, also known as Valley of Suspense or Valley of Shadow, is situated on the west side of the beautiful region of Bhandardara, near the village of Samrad. It provides like no other thrilling experience, as it involves trekking, rappelling, river crossing, all in one trek. 

The Sandhan Valley is a water-carved valley that makes it particularly special. There are different points that never see the sunshine, so it is often called the "Night Zone." 

The real Sandhan Valley trek starts at Samrad Village. The overall duration of the trek is about 5 hours, including the rappelling and passing of water pools.

Note: This day trek does not run in the monsoon months because there is a risk of falling rocks and flooding.

Kalsubai, a mountain in the Western Ghats, is situated at an elevation of 1646 meters and is renowned for being Maharashtra's highest point. 

Far from the man-made world, the sight of mountains, forests, forts, water bodies and the lush green plantation make it a paradise. 

The total distance to the trek is 12 km and can start from the village of Bari. 

Beginners with good health should complete the trek quickly, as it is easy to moderate levels of difficulty. The Kalsubai trek offers views over many famous forts such as Alang, Madan and Kulang.

Of all day treks at Maharashtra, one of the best known is the Lohagad fort. 

Located at an altitude of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and a formidable fort near the Lonavala Khandala hill station and about 52 kilometres away from Pune. 

Lohagad means "Iron Fort," but it doesn't need you to be an "Iron Man." 

Trekking to the Lohagad fort is a great choice for beginners because its straight route makes it comparatively easier than others. 

In the midst of lush greenery, it is more or less like a leisure stroll. And the fort 's beauty is so breathtaking during the monsoon as it gets shrouded by fog and mist.

The Andharban trek is a perfect monsoon trek that provides a rare one-day trekking experience because, unlike most trails, it goes down into the evergreen forest rather than uphill. 

As the name suggests, Andharban means deep, dense forest. 

It is a day-long monsoon trek that starts at dam Pimpri. 

The Andharban forest is situated in Tamhini Ghats at an altitude of 2160 feet and the entire trekking time is about 5 hours to cover 13 kilometres of the route. 

It is a pretty easy trail so it can also be enjoyed by beginners.

Korigad is a beautiful hill fort about 20 km from Lonavala near Amby Valley at an altitude of about 929 m above sea level. This fort is open to visit at any time of year. 

Even summer night trekking gives a fun experience. Two stunning lakes will welcome you up on top. Korigad trek is nothing short of a paradise for trekkers. 

It is considered a simple hike, since it requires no formal training, making it ideal for beginners.