The city of Pune is very popular for its rich culture and heritage and was once the capital of the powerful Maratha Empire.There are several forts near Pune city that attract trekkers and hikers all round the year, who get a chance to relive the history of the powerful Marathas and Peshwas and at the same time get a chance to absorb the wonderful natural environment while they trek.
Trekking during monsoon has a special charm which no other season can provide and even an ordinary walk around the hill is a pleasure during the rainy season.
So If you have not experienced trekking and hiking in the monsoon it is then time to grab your backpack, fill them with the essentials and head towards the below mentioned monsoon trekking and hiking destinations near Pune.
Purandar Fort Trek
The Purandar fort was built, during the 13th century by the Persian invaders. The fort witnessed many tussles between the Marathas and the Mughals over its possession only to later fall in the hands of the British.
Trekking at the Purandar fort can be done at 2 levels. The first level begins at the base of the hill and is locally known as a ‘Full Trek’ which takes about 2 hours to reach to the top. While the second level starts at a midway to the fort and is known as ‘Half Trek’ as the road till this section is motor able hence many first timers prefer this trek as it take about 45 minutes from here to the top.
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Raireshwar Fort Trek
The Raireshwar fort is considered as one of the most historical places in Maharashtra, as it was here, that Shivaji Maharaj had taken oath of Swaraajya, at the temple of Raireshwar at the fort.
The trek is fairly easy, as the path up to the Raireshwar fort is clearly marked, and the trail is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and hills, the entire beauty of nature is worth admiring and experiencing.
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Korigad Fort Trek
The origins of the fort are fairly unknown but according to recent history the Korigad fort was incorporated into the Kingdom of Chhatrapati Shivaji along with other neighboring forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona and Tung.
The trek is fairly easy and one can reach the top after climbing a series of 510 steps. Once at the summit the fort has water reservoirs, temples dedicated to various deities. The walls of the fort are still intact and trekkers can easily walk along its entire perimeter for about 2 km and enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape surrounding the fort.
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Torna Fort Trek
Torna Fort also known as Prachandagad is one of the highest forts in Pune district located at a height 4610 feet. It was captured by Shivaji Maharaj at a tender age of 16.
Trekking the Torna fort is a fascinating experience both during monsoons and winters as it keeps a trekker encapsulated for the entire duration of the trek with its beauty.While trekking up the fort, trekkers will come across a series of temples, old ruins which were once used to accommodate soldiers, water reservoirs and tanks. Once at the summit trekkers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of neighboring forts, beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges.
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Visapur Fort Trek
The Visapur fort was originally built by Bahmani rulers and with the passage of time it went into the hands of the Mughals and the Marathas who were in constant conflict with each other over its possession.
The Visapur Fort trek is a one day trek accessible from both Mumbai and Pune. It shares a common ground with the trail to Lohgad Fort. Visapur fort trek is a bit of confusion as the fort looks intimidating from below and there are huge boulders and rocky paths all the way up to the fort. Furthermore, the trail isn’t marked properly, which makes it even more difficult to find an entry into the fortified plateau. So, the Visapur trek is for those gutsy trekkers, who won’t fret about getting lost and enjoy every moment of the experience.
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Sinhagad Fort Trek
Sinhgad means ‘The Lion’s Fort’. Previously the fort was known as Kondana fort and has witnessed numerous battles in its long history, but the most notable battle was when the fort was recaptured by the brave Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare on behalf of Shivaji Maharaj.
Trekking at Sinhagad fort can be done anytime of the year, the best time is to start early in the morning especially if you are trekking during winters and summer season. During monsoons trekking at Sinhagad is a pleasant experience as there are light showers and cool breeze blowing throughout the day.The trek is very easy as compared to other fort treks near Pune and is enjoyable as one climbs the views only get amazing with beautiful landscapes laden with wild flowers all around .
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So ditch the comfort of your home this monsoon and instead step outside to soak in the majestic grandeur of Mother Nature.
Caution: The roads and trails leading to the fort are quite slippery during Monsoon so be careful while venturing on a trek.For more information read: Precautions to be taken during Monsoon trekking.
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