Mahuli Trek In Maharashtra
If you are a naturalist and want to return to nature, Mahuli Trek In Maharashtra does the needful. A walk from Asangaon is very enjoyable, especially in monsoon. As you travel to or from Nasik, the Mahuli Range stands with pride above the plains that surround. Mahuli Fort is the biggest of the three forts in the area, no wonder; it is in the center of the Range.
Season to trek Mahuli
It is from June to October.
Location of Mahuli
It is located in Kasara Range, in Igatpuri region; north-east of Mumbai.
Trekking Mahuli
- Asangaon Station-Mahuli Fort
Walk towards Kasara from Asangaon Station till you come to a bridge over the railway tracks. This is Mumbai-Nasik Highway or NH3.Now, take a left and head west. From here a road stems off right. There you can see a signboard for Jain Teerth. From here, take a road to Mahuli village. You will see a Forest Check Post at the road's junction from Asangaon and the road coming from Shahapur. From the Forest Check Post, Mahuli is to north-west and Jain Teerth is to north.
If you want to have a cross country walk, leave the road 300 m after you exit the highway and follow a footpath across a field and climb a hillock to a tribal hamlet. Past the hamlet, climb the hillock. From here, Mahuli Fort is visible in the north-west. Cross the small hills and ridges in order to come near the Forest Check Post. The road continues to the base of the fort from Mahuli village. Cross the river to reach the temples at the base of the fort. You can camp at any of these temples. From the temples, a trail takes you into the forest and climbs up a spur. From here the climb starts to Mahuli Fort. It is a steep ascent and tops out on to a flat stretch. The trail moves right, then takes a left and ascends steeply. After climbing for an hour or more than that you will come across an iron ladder that leads into the fort. From the temples, the trail is well marked with white arrows painted on rocks and boulders. Another entrance to the fort is via Kalyan Darwaza which involves rock climbing. It is wise not to take this route during the monsoon. From the western edge of the fort, you can catch the joyous views of Tansa Lake. This lake is one of the major sources of water for Mumbai.
For your return, go down the same way through which you came up.Trekking Options
- You can camp in the fort when it is full moon. You can also make your way across to Chhota Mahuli. This is due south of Mahuli Fort. To make your walk easier, take a guide.
- If you want to enjoy just being out in the forests for some days, walk into Mahuli village and then to the temple after the bridge. This can act as your base camp and you can spend some days here. You may catch sight of some animals here and enjoy bird watching to the fullest.
The Mahuli trek in Maharashtra is an easy one which takes you to open fields and meadows. You will witness an ocean of grass waves with the breeze. Sight of several streams chatting is also enchanting. It will be wise to be prepared with food and drinks of your own as Mahuli village does not provide much of them. Be full with all the requirements and enjoy this refreshing trek.