My Dearest Friend,
I know what you’re thinking. You’re sitting there by your window, watching the rain lash against the glass, and you see my Instagram story. There I am, soaked to the bone, grinning like an idiot on top of a misty hill, and you’re thinking, “He’s finally lost it.”
Why on earth would anyone choose to leave a warm, dry home to go clambering up a slippery, muddy mountain in the middle of a downpour?
I get it. I really do. The city in the monsoon is a mess of traffic, puddles, and gloom. But I’m writing this letter to tell you that what happens in the mountains when those first rain clouds gather is nothing short of alchemy. The Sahyadris of Maharashtra don’t just get wet; they are reborn. And if you give it just one chance, I promise you, you’ll understand.
So, consider this my official argument. My manifesto. These are the top 7 reasons why you absolutely must do a monsoon trek in Maharashtra at least once in your life.
5 Dark Secrets of Brihadeeswarar Temple You Didn’t Know About
Your Correspondent: Vaishali, a travel blogger who firmly believes that the soul of the Sahyadri mountains is only revealed when they are drenched in rain. After spending countless weekends exploring these trails, from the easiest walks to the most demanding climbs, I’ve compiled this guide to share the magic I’ve found in the mist.
Reason 1: You’ll Witness a World Reborn in Emerald Green
The most startling, immediate change is the color. In the summer, the hills of Maharashtra are a parched, dusty brown. They lie dormant, waiting. The first kiss of the monsoon is a signal. Within weeks, a miracle unfolds. Every inch of the landscape erupts into a thousand shades of impossible, vibrant green. It’s a green so intense it almost hurts your eyes. You’re not just walking on a trail; you’re walking through a living, breathing emerald.
Where to Witness This
- Rajmachi Trek: The trail to the twin forts of Manaranjan and Shrivardhan becomes a journey through a green paradise. The vast plateau leading to the base village is a sight to behold.
- Visapur Fort Trek: Famous for its waterfall-steps, the entire trail is a walk through a lush, dense forest that opens up to a massive green tabletop plateau, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Reason 2: You’ll Walk Through a Symphony of a Thousand Waterfalls
The monsoon doesn’t just bring rain; it unleashes the music of the mountains. Every crack and crevice becomes a channel for water. Tiny streams become gushing rivers, and sheer rock faces transform into thunderous, magnificent waterfalls. You won’t just see them from a distance; you’ll walk right through them, feel their spray on your face, and cross streams that weren’t there an hour ago. The Sahyadris become a water-world, and you are an explorer in its heart.
Where to Witness This
- Devkund Waterfall Trek: A moderately challenging trek that leads you to a hidden plunge waterfall, creating a stunningly blue-green pool. The entire trail crosses multiple streams, making it a true water walk.
- Harishchandragad via Pachnai: While a challenging trek, the Pachnai route in the monsoon is famous for its countless waterfalls. The Konkan Kada viewpoint, a massive semi-circular cliff, often has dozens of waterfalls cascading down its face.
Reason 3: You’ll Learn to Dance with the Mist and Fog
This is my favorite part. In the monsoon, you don’t just get views; you get atmosphere. The clouds descend from the heavens to meet you on the trail. One moment, you see a panoramic valley; the next, you are enveloped in a thick, white blanket of fog, and the world shrinks to just you and the ten feet of path in front of you. It’s mysterious, it’s thrilling, and it makes you feel like you’re the only person on earth.
Where to Witness This
- Kalsubai Trek: As the highest peak in Maharashtra, Kalsubai is the first to be embraced by the clouds. The final ladder sections in thick mist are an adrenaline-pumping, unforgettable experience.
- Ratangad Trek: The “Jewel of the Forts,” Ratangad offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. In the monsoon, these views play a game of hide-and-seek through the clouds, and the atmosphere at the summit is pure magic.
Reason 4: You’ll Touch History That Feels Alive
The Sahyadris are dotted with the formidable forts of the Maratha Empire. Visiting them in the dry season is a history lesson. Visiting them in the monsoon is like stepping back in time. The rain-washed black stone, the moss-covered ramparts, and the swirling mists make these forts feel ancient, mysterious, and unconquerable. You can almost hear the echoes of horses and soldiers in the fog.
Where to Witness This
- Lohagad Fort Trek: The “Iron Fort,” this is one of the most accessible and popular fort treks near Pune and Lonavala. Its massive gates and ramparts look incredibly dramatic in the monsoon mist.
- Pratapgad Fort Trek: A fort steeped in the heroic tales of Shivaji Maharaj. Exploring its vast grounds in the rain is a deeply atmospheric and patriotic experience.
Reason 5: You’ll Discover a Different Kind of Peace
While some popular spots near Mumbai and Pune can get crowded, the monsoon has a way of filtering the crowds. The tougher, longer trails often offer a level of solitude you won’t find in other seasons. The rhythmic sound of the falling rain has a meditative quality, washing away the noise of the city and leaving you with a profound sense of calm.
Reason 6: You’ll Feel the Thrill of a Real Adventure
Let’s be honest: trekking in the monsoon is a challenge. The paths are muddy, the rocks are slippery, and you will get wet. But that’s what makes it an adventure! It pushes you out of your comfort zone. It demands your full attention and respect. Safely navigating a tricky patch or crossing a swollen stream gives you a sense of accomplishment that a walk on a dry trail simply can’t match.
Reason 7: You’ll Experience the Unbeatable Bliss of Post-Trek Chai
This might be the most important reason of all. The feeling of finishing a long, wet, and challenging trek, peeling off your damp clothes, and sitting down in a village dhaba with a steaming, sugary glass of chai and a plate of hot kanda bhajiyas (onion fritters) is pure, unadulterated bliss. It’s a reward you have to earn, and trust me, it’s the best meal you’ll have all year.
A Pact with the Mountains: The Non-Negotiable Safety Briefing
My friend, I can’t in good conscience send you into the monsoon mountains without this. The Sahyadris are beautiful in the rain, but they are also unpredictable and demand respect.
- Check the Weather, Always: Use reliable sources like IMD. If extreme rainfall or red alerts are issued, cancel your trek. No view is worth your life.
- Go with a Group: Never trek alone in the monsoon. Go with experienced friends or a reputable trekking group.
- Wear the Right Gear: Good shoes with a deep-tread grip are non-negotiable. Everything else is secondary.
- Stay Hydrated: You sweat a lot even in the rain. Keep drinking water.
- Trust the Locals: If your local guide says a river crossing is unsafe, it is unsafe. Their knowledge is your best safety tool.
So, what do you say? Pack your bags, leave the dry, comfortable world behind, and step out into the rain. I promise you, you won’t just find a trail; you might just find a whole new version of yourself.
Warmly,
Vaishali
