After a grueling work week, all that one needs is some peace and serenity. But some of us also want to feel the adventure and rush of adrenaline along with the peace and quiet!
So, what better way to combine the serenity with the rush of some adventure than to go on a trekking journey? Apart from being a great way of exercising, trekking has multiple other benefits.
Trekking regularly is known to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and improve sleep quality. It is also a great way to spend some quality time with your family and friends and witness and explore some amazing places such as valleys, waterfalls, temples, and water cisterns.
Trekking not only provides you with physical benefits but also is good for your mental well-being. It can be done at any age and is a great yet inexpensive way of reducing stress.
So, come on and let’s explore some challenging yet breath-taking trekking places in and around Pune within 100 km.
Explore The Best Trekking Places in Pune —
1. Sinhagad Fort Trek
Formerly known as Kondhana , Sinhagad or Lion Fort was named so to honor Tanaji Malusare, who lost his life while fighting the Mughals in the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670.
This fort is located around 35 km from Pune city and is a tourist favorite spot. It is also accessible by road and has two entrances—the Pune Darwaja and the Kalyan Darwaja.
There is a memorial dedicated to Tanaji Malusare and there are a few temples on the top. One can enjoy the lush-green scenery with a cup of chai and piping hot kanda bhaji.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
2. Rajmachi Trek
The Rajmachi Fort, which is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, makes it worth the 3-4 hours it takes to reach it from the Kondhana Caves.
The best time to visit this fort is from June to October. The rainy season gives you a chance to witness the breathtaking views, the greenery, hills, and waterfalls surrounding this majestic fort. This makes it one of the best treks near Pune for those who seek to find solace in nature.
This fort is strategically located on the historical trade route and was built by the Satavahanas. It has two citadels- Shrivardhan and Manoranjan.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
3. Torna Fort Trek
One has to reach Velhe to start the trek to Torna Fort, formerly known as Prachandagad due to its gigantic size. The Torna Fort was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj and is situated at an elevation of 4600 feet above sea level.
The trek to the Torna Fort takes around 4 hours and one can witness places such as Menghai Goddess Temple, Budhla Machee, Zunjar Machee and Bini Darwaza en route. Beautiful flower beds, water cisterns and ridges adorn the path to reach this fort.
Due to the breathtaking views from the top and the challenging trekking experience to reach the highest point in Pune, many trekkers throng this fort. The best time to visit is between September and December.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
4. Rajgad Trek
Rajgad Fort, which is located around 60 km from Pune, was formerly known as Murumdev. It was the first capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj. This fort stands 1400 feet above sea level and it takes around 2.5 hours to reach the top via Pali.
You can enter the fort through Padmavati Machee, Pali Darwaza or Suvela Machee. You can explore the hidden pathways of this fort and this trekking experience is for those who want to do something offbeat.
Difficulty Level: Easy
5. Visapur Fort Trek
Visapur Fort is the twin fort of Lohagad, but it is massive and more difficult to climb. There are caves and water cisterns on the fort. It is also known for Hanuman carving.
It is one of the best trek points around Pune. The climb to this fort is scenic and exciting.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
6. Purandar Fort Trek
Purandar Fort, the birthplace of Sambhaji Maharaj, is located around 4500 feet above sea level. It is a 1.5-2 hours’ drive away from Pune and there are many relics and temples on this fort. Famous for its Dilli Darwaza, this fort is ideal for a one-day trip or trek.
The best time to visit this fort is during the monsoons to enjoy the lush greenery and magnificent views.
Difficulty Level: Easy
7. Korigad Fort Trek
The Korigad Fort is situated in Lonavala. The two caves and two large ponds in this fort are the major attractions here. It is a great place for a weekend adventure with friends or family.
Although most of the fort lies in ruins, the entire wall of the fort is still intact. One can walk around the perimeter of the fort, which is around 2 km.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
8. Lohagad Fort Trek
The twin fort of Visapur, the Lohagad Fort is easily accessible from Malavali, near Lonavala. The fort is ideal for those who want to start their trekking journey as it is an easy level trek to reach the top.
The views from the top of the Lohagad fort are breathtaking and this fort is situated around 70 km from Pune city.
Difficulty Level: Easy
9. Tikona Fort Trek
The Tikona Fort is located around 50 km from Pune and it takes around an hour to reach the top from the base.
Famous for its triangular structure, the Tikona Fort is a trekking hotspot. The huge and colossal entrance of this 3500 feet high fort is its highlight.
It is also known for its Trimbakeshwar Mahadev Temple, water tanks, Satavahana-era caves and also wonderful views of the Pavana dam from the top.
Difficulty Level: Easy
10. Raireshwar Trek
Located in the south-west of Pune near Bhor, the Raireshwar Fort makes for an ideal destination for a one-day trekking experience.
The Raireshwar Mandir is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took an oath of Swarajya. Iron ladders have been built recently to make access to the fort easier.
There are not many shops at the base village, so make sure that you carry enough water and food to last through the trek.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Explore Best Trekking Bags under 1000
