Indian Travel Planner: Maharashtra

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Aadrai Jungle Trek, Malshej Ghat

Hill station - Malshej Ghat
District - Pune
State - Maharashtra
Event - Aadrai Jungle trek
Best time for the trek - Monsoon and post monsoon
Distance of trail - 14 - 15 km
Expected time to complete the trek - 4 -5 hours
Starting point - Khireshwar Village
Trail Landmarks -

Kulu Waterfall
Nageshwar temple
View of Malshej ghat, Harishchandragad, Konkankada
Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
Pushpawati river
Ajoba hill fort
Naneghat
Jivdhan Chawan fort
Darkoba peak
Buddhist caves
Konkan kada
Taramati peak

Malshej Ghat located in the Sahyadri ranges, Maharashtra is surrounded by deep and dense forests. The forests are home to quite a few wild animals and exotic birds. There is great variety in the flora as well.

One of the most popular activities preferred by the trekkers and adventure enthusiasts is the Aadrai ( अड़राई )Forest Trek.

It is believed that this trek was discovered by mistake by a local villager who lost his way and ended up in these uncharted locales.

This forest trek is full of fun, adventure and thrill and one of the most sought after jungle treks in the state of Maharashtra. The best season would be monsoon and post-monsoon when the jungle is lush, fresh and full of greenery and the waterfalls on the way are active. Though due to the height and sheer denseness of the trees sunlight hardly reaches the ground. This makes the weather cool and pleasant.

The trek goes through the forest and due to the elevation, the views of the valleys, mountains and peaks are breathtaking. The trail is fairly easy and accessible, though getting a local guide or an experienced leader would be advisable so as not to lose the way. The call of the various birds fill the air while the gentle wind blows all around.

There are many small and big waterfalls on the way but the biggest and the most majestic Kalu Waterfall falls from a height of 1200 feet. It is the highest one in this region. Getting soaked and frolicking in the water is one of the highlights of the trek. If it rains, it adds to the thrill. Though the monsoon season makes the surroundings misty and foggy due to the presence of clouds and decreases visibility. Utmost caution must be taken.

Taking one's food items and enough water is a must. Goes without saying that the trekkers dress appropriately as per the weather conditions with sensible tough grip shoes / sneakers. It's always better to go for group treks instead of solo ones.

In conclusion, this trek has it all - forest, animals, birds, waterfalls, rain, wind, panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri peaks and valleys and various other landmarks of Malshej ghat region.

There are innumerable trekking organisers from both Mumbai and Pune among other places.

They provide the novice trekker with necessary guidance and the support system for a successful and safe experience.

Picture credit - Shrihari Shastry

Ganesh Gully, Harihareshwar

Town- Harihareshwar

District - Raigad

State - Maharashtra
Location - 2 km from Harihareshwar bus stop
Timing for Visiting - 6 a.m to 5 p.m.

Beauty of the Konkan coastal town Harihareshwar is unparalleled due to the Sahyadri ranges .It has quite a few tourist spots that one can appreciate and enjoy.

Ganesh Gully is one such popular place about 1 km from the Harihareshwar temple. It is a Hindu pilgrimage point especially for the devotees of Lord Ganesh.

The Hindi word Gully ( गल्ली ) literally means a narrow passage joining two places.

Ganesh Gully is a small culvert, meaning a narrow passage of about 3 feet width between two rocky mountains that leads to a sea bed where a huge idol of Lord Ganesh is submerged in the sea at a depth of 30 feet.

The darshan of the Lord is possible only during the low tide when the water recedes revealing the idol for viewing.

To reach up to here, the steps of Harihareshwar temples are to be climbed. The point is called Shukla tirth viewpoint. From then on, it is a trek / walk of about 1 km leading to the gully.

The trek is quite risky and not advisable for children, elderly people etc.

However, new stairs have been built recently along with railings to hold on which makes it much easier and accessible to cross the gully.

Needless to say this point is full of adventure and natural beauty.

Picture source - Trawell.in

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

Hill station - Malshej Ghat
District - Pune
State - Maharashtra
Elevation - 2296 feet ( 700 m )
Distance from Mumbai - 154 km
Distance from Pune - 130 km
Nearest railway stations - Kalyan and Karjat
Time to visit - June to January ( Monsoon and Winter seasons )
How to reach by road - Private vehicles, State transport buses from various points including right outside the Kalyan and Karjat railway stations, cabs, two - wheelers etc.
Best place to stay - MTDC Resort

Without a doubt, come Monsoon, Malshej Ghat is the go - to place for thousands of tourists from.the surrounding towns and cities like Mumbai, Pune and the districts of Pune, Thane and Suburban Mumbai.

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and a hill station in the Western Ghats , Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra. They lie at the border of Thane and Pune district.

The Ghats are a winding road and a mountain pass of about 13 km that provide a wonderful view of the valleys, villages, dense forests, high mountains and numerous Waterfalls.

It can be safely claimed that the driving factor of many tourists that bring them to the ghats in the monsoons are the innumerable and most wonderful waterfalls. Even more tempting are the waterfalls directly falling on the highways. Some roar down, some trickle, some are gentle and some form huge canopies through which the vehicles can pass.

Such places turn into tourist spots with families and youngsters frolicking in the falls and then enjoying piping hot tea and masaledar Corn Cobs from the roadside stalls. Roadside dhabas also provide yummy food choices.

Many people make it a one day trip just to enjoy the rains and the waterfalls, while quite a few prefer it as a weekend getaway.

The ghats as well as the hill station is covered with mist, rain clouds and rain in the months from June to September. The clouds come so low as to be able to touch and pass through them.

Another USP of this picturesque region is the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna, with such birds like the pink flamingo, cuckoos, whistling thrush, purple moorhen, peacocks, crakes, quails, rails to name just a few. The surrounding forests are home to many wild animals like tigers, rabbits, leopards etc.

The region is quite popular for numerous trekking trails as well.

Accordingly, the tourists here include a wide range that includes youngsters, couples, families, monsoon - lovers, nature - enthusiasts, trekkers, people looking for a break from their busy lives in a place that is calm, peaceful, beautiful, pleasant yet having all modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

The environmentalists and bird watchers are attracted to see the pink flamingo that migrate here from the freezing Siberian winter in the month of June to September. The sight of hundreds of such graceful and colourful birds is mesmerizing. They can mostly be found in Dongarwadi and Khireshwar, both close to Malshej.

Places to visit -

Ajoba hill fort
Harishchandragad
Buddhist caves
Pushpawati river
Pimpalgaon Dam
Nageshwar temple
Khireshwar temple
Trekking trails and rock climbing sites
Shivneri fort

Events -

Aadrai Jungle Trek ( Related post )

Magical Sunsets

Picture source - thane.nic.in

Nashik District, Maharashtra

The district of Nashik is located in the Northern part of the state of Maharashtra.

Area - 15,582 sq.km / 6,016 sq.mi

Elevation - 700 meters / 2,300 feet

Population - 61,07,187 as per 2011 Census

Population rank in India - 11 th out of 640

District Headquarters - Nashik city

Administrative Division - Nashik

Tehsils - 15

Villages - 1931

Languages Spoken - Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Khandeshi, Kukna, Bhili

Geographical Borders -

North - Dhule district, Maharashtra

South - Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

East - Jalgaon district, Maharashtra

West - Valsad and Navsari, Gujarat

South East - Aurangabad district, Maharashtra

South West - Thane district, Maharashtra

North West - Dangs district, Gujarat

Primary Crops - Cotton, Wheat, Pulses, Groundnuts, Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Millet, Vegetables like Onion, Brinjals, Coriander, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Carrots etc

Water Sources - Rivers Girna, Daman Ganga, Darna, Kadva, Mosam, Godavari, Bhima, Vaitarna, Kashyapi, Darana

Natural Resources - Forest wealth, Rivers and Lakes

Distance from

State Capital Mumbai - 200 km
Pune - 228.6 km

How to reach :-

Via Airports -

Mumbai Airport, 175 km
Pune International, 130 km

Via Railways - Nashik railway station is well - connected with most major Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi etc

Via Roadways - MSRTC ( Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation ) runs various buses connecting Nashik with most cities in the State. Private cabs, rentals buses etc are also available.

Unique Features of the District -

More than half of the country's Vineyards and Wineries are located here
Major producer of Onion
Silver ware and Silver Ornaments

Best time to visit - October to February

The district of Nashik is the third largest district in terms of population in the state of Maharashtra.

It is also referred to as Mini Maharashtra as the climatic and soil conditions all over the state matches with some or the other region of Maharashtra.

Politically it was a part of the Bombay State from the years 1947 to 1960. When the state of Maharashtra came into being, the Bombay State was divided with parts allocated to both Maharashtra and Gujarat state. Present day Nashik district became a part of Maharashtra.

Historically it has much religious significance for the Hindus. It has connection with Lord Ram, Sita Mata and Lakshman as they had spent a part of their 14 year exile in Panchvati.

Agastya Rishi also resided in Nashik.

Anjaneri is the birth place of Lord Hanuman.

Holy river Godavari originates in the district near Trimbakeshwar range. It is also the largest river of India's peninsular region.

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is in Trimbak.

The Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years.

Topographically, the western portion of the district is covered with the Sahyadri Ranges that run from the North to the South. Whereas, the eastern portion of the district lies on the Deccan plateau and hence is very much fertile and well - cultivated. About 56 % of the district land is under cultivation with the rest being hilly and / or covered with Forests.

The weather and climatic conditions are conducive for the growth of superb quality grapes that has turned the district into a major producer of Wine with innumerable vineyards and wineries.

The city of Nagpur is its biggest city followed by Malegaon.

Whereas the city of Yeola leads in the production of cotton goods and silk weaving.

The cultural, historical, economic, social and mythological importance of the district makes it one of the most visited districts in the State.

Recommended reading - Nashik district Tourism

Map - nashik.com

Harihareshwar Temple and Beach, Maharashtra

Town - Harihareshwar

District - Raigad

State - Maharashtra

Harihareshwar town is well known for quite a few tourist attractions, the main being the Lord Shiva temple due to which the town is called Dev Ghar , meaning House of God.

Visiting the temple and the beach is a must in a visit to this place, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of the Konkan region of the state of Maharashtra.

The temple complex has a main Lord Shiv temple along with a Lord Kaal Bhairav temple that is to be visited first before taking darshan of the Shiv Linga in the main temple.

It is believed that Lord Shiva created Kal bhairav and blessed him with all the mantras.

The Shiv temple has idols of Goddess Parvati,Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

The linga is quite ancient and has historical importance. The temple architecture is in the Hoysala style. It was built by Veer Narasimha II.

There is a pradakshina path around the temple which the devotees can partake in, though it is not advisable during the high tide. One also has to beware of crabs on this path.

Behind the temple there is a huge rock boulder that appears to be broken into two parts.

It is believed that it was broken by the mighty Bhim, one of the five Pandava princes as it stood in the way of reaching the temple.

Quite a few stalls by the locals in the temple complex provide Maharashtra's iconic fast food, Vada pav along with cold drinks etc.

Local guides are also available for any interested tourists wanting to know the rich and ancient history of the temple.

Adjoining the temple is the Harihareshwar beach.

The beach is about 2.4 km long and one of the most underrated beaches of Maharashtra. The beach has black silt and rocky formations.

The beach is a haven for adventure enthusiasts for it offers a plethora of water activities and sports, ranging from motor boat rides, jet skiing, water scooters, banana boats, ETV ride etc.

Horse cart riding along the beach is also available.

The beauty of the Sahyadri ranges and the Arabian sea is a picturesque combination that enthralls the tourists.

Visiting Harihareshwar as a weekend getaway is very popular, especially for people of the metros, Mumbai and Pune. The Harihareshwar temple and its beach is a must-see in such a tourists itinerary.

Pictures - Trawell.in

Beaches of Maharashtra

To claim that the state of Maharashtra is blessed with natural beauty would not be wrong. From the majestic mountains of the Sahyadri ranges and its deep still valleys to the coastal plains of Konkan with its picturesque, pristine beaches lined with tall swaying coconut and palm trees, alongside the gleaming blue water of the Arabian Sea, the state of Maharashtra has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, due to its 720 km coast line.

From the bustling metropolis of Mumbai to quaint quiet villages in the Konkan, each and every beach has a charm and beauty of its own.

One can indulge in revelry and fun on the more popular and crowded beaches, go in for adventure water sports or simply lie back and become one with nature on the quaint and quiet ones, the choices are endless. Quite a few have unique attractions like the Sea forts of the Marathas and / or temples and caves to explore. The activities to indulge in and enjoy are numerous depending on the inclination of the traveller.

Here is a list of the top beaches of Maharashtra -