Lifestyle, Travel

Trekking spots near Mumbai

The financial capital of India is a bustling city with many tourist attractions, different types of food, and different cultures. Mumbai is not only a concrete jungle but it also offers some scenic landscape mountains and hills. Let’s check out the adventurous trekking places near Mumbai which will take your breath away.

Trekking Places Near Mumbai

1)Kanheri Caves- Kanheri caves located near Sanjay Gandhi National park is one of the easiest trekking spots for beginners. The trek begins at Kanheri plateau and ends at the caves. During the trial, we can witness some wonderful Buddhist artwork, ancient, architectural details, wonderful views of the park, and some exotic birds.

Distance: 30Kms from Mumbai.

2)Yeoor Hills– Yeorr Hills is one of the engaging places for trekking. We can reach the top of the hill within 30 to 45minutes. Even though they are a few slippery spots along the way but once we reach the top of the hill, the beautiful panoramic view of the national park welcomes us

Distance: 26kms for Mumbai

3)Chinchoti– Chinchoti has some of the best trek routes. The best among them is the route which begins from Kaman Phata which will take us through the small village, a few streams, dense vegetation. The endpoint of the chinchoti trek is the majestic waterfalls which is an ideal place for a one-day picnic and adventure in monsoon times.

Distance: 50Kms from Mumbai

4)Tungareshwar- Tungareshwar is a scenic and beautiful place to escape from the city noises near Mumbai. The trail route is exciting which will lead us through the thick forests with green landscapes. There is also a Shiva Temple, Vajreshwari Springs at the last point of the trek route.

Distance: 50Kms for Mumbai

5)Shilonda: Shilonda is a tribal settlement located at Sanjay Gandhi National park. It is a perfect trekking spot for beginners, It is a perfect spot to get away from the city noises. The walk stretches 2.5miles into the dense forests with beautiful streams, some tropical birds.

Distance: 25Kms for Mumbai

6)Garbett Plateau– Garbett Plateau is one of the challenging and fun trekking places in Maharashtra. Diksal village is the beginning point of the trail which will take us through some steep slopes, and rock passages that offer a beautiful view of the Garbett Plateau. The trek becomes a little tough during the monsoon times, So we may need rope support to get through the passages.

Distance: 80Kms from Mumbai

7)Kune Waterfalls– Kune Waterfalls is one of the popular tourist spots in Maharashtra. The gigantic waterfalls stream down from an altitude of 625metres. It would take 3 hours to reach the top of the hill to witness the beautiful view from the top. The route may be a bit confusing so it is better to hire a guide or we can book a group.

Distance: 80Kms for Mumbai

8)Sandhan Valley- Sandhay Valley popularly known as Valley of Suspense or Valley of Shadow is an excellent place to witness the Sunset and Sunrise. The trek route is very beautiful and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed. We can also participate in adventure sports if we want to take a break from trekking.

Distance: 183Kms from Mumbai

9)Mahuli Fort– Located at 2815 feet about sea level, Mahuli Fort is a popular historic trekking destination in Maharashtra. The fort is located on the western side of the Sahyadri range of mountains. Mahuli fort is surrounded by lush green forests and it is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India

Distance: 72Kms from Mumbai

10)Karnala Fort- Karnala Fort is one of the amazing places for trekking. Pandu’s tower pillar, Karnala Bird sanctuary are some of the beautiful spots in the fort. Once we reach the top, We can witness the panoramic view of the Sahyadri range and neighboring forts as well.

Distance: 65Kms from Mumbai

Karnala Fort Karnala Bird Sanctuary Nature Trail

11)Peb Fort– Peb fort is one of the easiest and most scenic trekking places near Mumbai. The trail begins at a village and takes us through forests and caves. There are some ladders installed to climb up top to see the Matheran’s view.

Distance: 80Kms from Mumbai

12)Dhak Bahiri Caves– Located at a height of 2700 feet above sea level, Dhak Bahiri is one of the most thrilling trekking places near Mumbai. The trekking begins from Sandishi village which will take us through some edgy rocks, curvy pathways. To reach the top we have to use the rope or bamboo staff to climb. Once we reach the top we will get to see the majestic view of historic forts in the Sahyadri range.

Distance: 120Kms from Mumbai

13)Rajmachi fort- Rajmachi fort is a beautiful place that offers two different trails for trekking. The first one begins from Udhewadi village which is quite easy for beginners. But the real fun is in the second route from Kondana caves which will take us through lush green forest and valleys.

Distance: 314Kms from Mumbai

14)Lohagad Fort- Lohagad Fort is the perfect place where there is the perfect blend of history and adventure. The fort is enhanced with the historical works of Chatrapathi Sivaji Maharaj. The walk may be a bit slippery during the monsoon season but once we reach the top we can witness the beautiful view of Pavana Dam.

Distance: 100Kms from Mumbai

15)Sudhagad Fort- Sudhagad fort is a popular trekking place near Mumbai which begins from Thakurwadi village to the gates of the fort. Some ladders are installed to help us climb up because the trail gets difficult in some parts. The popular spots in Sudhagad fort are Maha Darwaja, Dindi Darwaja, Chor Darwaja and Echo Point.

Distance: 110kms from Mumbai

16)Harishchandragad Fort- One of the challenging places for trekking is Harishchandragad Fort. The walk-through is exciting with rock climbing, valley crossing, and going through the caves. The fort is located at a height of 4,665 feet from sea level. It is not easy to reach the top that is why it takes two days to complete the trek. We can set up overnight camps within the caves.

Distance: 101Kms from Mumbai

17)Korigad Fort– Korigad Fort is one of the ancient forts in the Sahyadri Range. Korigad Fort offers two ways for trekking, The first one is climbing 100 steps to reach the top of the fort, It is an easy route for the ones who just want to visit the fort. But the second route is the best one for the adventure seekers, The trail takes us through the dense forests and deep valleys. The Korigad Fort still has some ruins, war cannons, and two caves with large ponds.

Distance: 105Kms from Mumbai

18)Ratangad Fort– Ratangad Fort is one of the popular historical places near Mumbai. It is not easy to reach the fort, First, we have to take a boat from Bhandardara and then walk to the Ratnadwadi village. There we have to choose the trail routes which suit us. The first one is the steps and ladder route, and the second one is through dense forests and rocky terrains. Both of the routes are tough because they have some steep curves which offer stunning views of BhandaKordara’s skyline.

Distance: 185Kms from Mumbai

19)Raigad Fort– Raigad Fort is also one of the popular forts in Mumbai which also offers more than one route for trekkers. The first one is the steps route which will directly lead us to the gate and the second one takes us through the thick forest which will lead us to the Nane Darwaja.

Distance: 160Kms from Mumbai

20)Tikona Fort– Tikona Fort is an excellent place for trekking in Maharashtra. The name Tikona came because of the pyramidal shape of the hill. The fort’s topmost point is located at 3500feet which offers a panorama view of the entire region and neighboring forts as well.

Distance: 121Kms from Mumbai

21)Purandhar Fort– Purandhar Fort is one of the popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra which signifies the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj. We can visit the fort for sightseeing and trekking as well. The trail takes us through some lush green meadows, rocky ways, and a few steps to climb up to the top. The trail may get slippery along its way but it is not dangerous. We can hold onto the rope to climb up.

Distance: 200Kms from Mumbai

So these are some excellent trekking places near Mumbai filled with history and adventure. All of these trekking spots are some of the great escape places from the crowd. Pack your bags and choose the best place which suits your trekking skills.

March 21, 2022

Kahanda Kanda: A Rain-Kissed Escape in Galle

Rain, mist and 17 villas that don’t look alike. Kahanda Kanda is a hidden gem above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. Spread across 14 acres of tea-fringed grounds, this intimate retreat is built around one simple idea: slowing down. Sinduri Vuppala spends a few unhurried days at the estate, discovering its distinctive design, fascinating history and the quiet luxury of doing very little. There’s a particular kind of luxury that has nothing to do with thread counts or infinity pools, and everything to do with being left alone in the best possible way. That’s the feeling that defines a stay at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique estate tucked into the hills above Koggala Lake in Galle, Sri Lanka. The journey there is part of the story. After a stint in the busier coastal town of Bentota, the drive inland feels like a decompression, roads turning greener and quieter, the pace of the island slowing with every mile. By the time the gates swing open onto a sweep of tea bushes, garlands, and a welcome glass of estate-grown lemongrass cordial, you’ve already left the “resort” mindset behind. We arrived off-season and were the only guests on the property. There’s something disorienting about having a place this beautiful entirely to yourself, mist over the tea plantation, no queue for breakfast, just birdsong somewhere in the canopy. When the rain came, it didn’t spoil anything; it turned the estate into something softer and more private. The Villas Kahanda Kanda comprises 17 stand-alone villas, and the property’s defining trick is that none of them looks alike. Rather than the interchangeable rooms you’d find at a larger resort, each villa here has its own layout, its own mix of antiques, and its own mood, a blend of European and Asian pieces alongside contemporary art, none

Travel

Janmashtami Special: India’s Most Beautiful Krishna Temples

Every year, as the monsoon clouds part and the fragrance of tulsi and jasmine fills temple courtyards across India, millions of devotees prepare to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, the playful cowherd, the divine statesman, the eternal beloved, Janmashtami is more than a festival, it is a nationwide outpouring of devotion, music, and midnight joy, marking the moment Krishna was born in a Mathura prison cell over 5,000 years ago. While Krishna’s story unfolds across the length and breadth of India, a handful of temples stand out not just for their spiritual significance, but for their sheer visual splendour. Marble carvings that seem to breathe, gold-plated domes that catch the sunrise, silver windows through which only a sliver of the deity is visible. This Janmashtami, Dhanush Kumar writes about eight of India’s most beautiful Krishna temples worth adding to your pilgrimage list. Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan: Tucked into the narrow lanes of Vrindavan, Banke Bihari is famous for its curtained deity; the eyes of Banke Bihari are considered so powerful that the curtain is drawn and redrawn constantly to prevent devotees from being overwhelmed. On Janmashtami, the temple performs its once-a-year Mangala Aarti at dawn, drawing enormous crowds who believe witnessing it wards off financial hardship. Prem Mandir, Vrindavan: Built entirely from Italian marble, Prem Mandir is arguably the most photogenic Krishna temple in India. Every surface is carved with scenes from Krishna’s life, and the temple’s evening fountain and light show transform the complex into a shimmering spectacle. During Janmashtami, the grounds glow with thousands of lamps, making it a favourite for both pilgrims and photographers. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat: Perched on the banks of the Gomti River where it meets the Arabian Sea, this temple marks the site of Krishna’s legendary kingdom. Its soaring five-story spire, visible

Travel

Sanya Batra: From Corporate Career to Travel Storyteller

Sanya Batra is a Delhi-based travel content creator and storyteller who traded a decade-long corporate career for a life driven by exploration and creativity. With experience across marketing, sales, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Sanya brings a unique perspective to travel storytelling. Through her content, she goes beyond showcasing destinations, sharing experiences of personal growth, cultural discoveries, and the transformative impact of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Her journey inspires others to embrace independence, pursue their passions, and create a life that feels truly fulfilling. 1. Thailand — A Destination for Every Kind of Traveller “Thailand holds a special place in my heart because it offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, culture, and discovery.” From pristine beaches and scenic mountains to thrilling activities, vibrant nightlife, luxury experiences, and incredible local cuisine, Thailand has something for every traveller. As a solo female traveller, I also find Thailand to be one of the safest and most accessible destinations, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore independently while experiencing a warm and welcoming culture. 2. Switzerland — A Real-Life Postcard “Switzerland feels like stepping into a dream. The snow-covered mountains, charming villages, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking train journeys make every moment feel magical.” What makes Switzerland truly special is its beauty in every season. Whether surrounded by winter landscapes or exploring its lush summer countryside, every corner offers a picture-perfect experience. It is a destination that captures the imagination and leaves you with memories that feel almost unreal. 3. Spiti Valley, India — A Journey of Transformation “Spiti Valley is unlike any other destination I have experienced. Raw, rugged, and untouched, it offers a sense of adventure and introspection that stays with you long after the journey ends.” From dramatic mountain landscapes and ancient monasteries to remote villages and endless star-filled

Travel

The Places That Stay with You: Travel Creators on Journeys That Transformed Them

From life-changing solo trips to journeys that built lasting human connections, travel means something different to everyone. We spoke to four travel creators who have shaped their lives around exploration, asking them to share the destinations that left the deepest impact on them: places that inspired growth, freedom, resilience, and a renewed way of seeing the world. Sneha Layek & Ranjan Simkhada | Tezpur, Assam Sneha and Ranjan are a travel-loving couple from Tezpur, Assam, driven by a shared passion for exploration, storytelling, and meaningful experiences. They believe in the art of slow travel: taking the time to connect with local cultures, communities, and the true essence of every destination. Ranjan is a filmmaker and photographer who captures their journeys through a visual storytelling lens, while Sneha, a government school teacher, creates thoughtful travel content inspired by their experiences. Together, they explore destinations beyond the usual tourist trails, focusing on authentic connections, local stories, and immersive travel experiences. 1.Indonesia — A Destination of Endless Discoveries “Indonesia is a place we can return to endlessly and still find something new every time.” From pristine beaches and powerful waterfalls to ancient temples, lush valleys, and volcanic landscapes, the country offers an incredible variety of experiences. Whether exploring its natural wonders, diving into its vibrant marine life, or discovering its rich cultural traditions, every journey feels unique. What makes Indonesia truly special for us is the warmth of its people and the perfect balance it offers between adventure, culture, nature, and relaxation. 2.Nepal — Where the Mountains Feel Like Home “Nepal holds a very special place in our hearts because of our deep connection with the mountains.” The mighty Himalayas never fail to leave us speechless, no matter how many times we visit. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Nepal’s charm lies in its welcoming