Mumbaikars enjoy monsoon treks | Mumbai News
Monsoon has always been synonymous with treks. But what had begun as a niche pursuit for seasoned mountain climbers and fitness enthusiasts, has now evolved into mainstream passion for many. With its pretty waterfalls and misty trails, monsoon trekking has become Mumbaikar’s unofficial rejuvenation ritual. It is this rebellion against routine, of nature-hungry urbanites, that has led to a marked rise in monsoon treks. Whether you’re scrambling up mossy forts or splashing through streams, these getaways are all about ditching the city’s chaos for nature’s drama.
‘Treks during rainy season were always popular but now there’s been a steady rise’
The western ghats are at the best during July and August and its the ideal time to connect with nature. Vinay Gupta from Adventure Geek Trekking says, “The rainy season has this special feeling of relaxation, there is greenery all around and we have the most scenic views, right from mountains to rivers to waterfalls which make treks more enticing.” Suraj Parab from Sahyardri Rangers adds, “We have the most active trek groups during this time. One can enjoy trekking all year, but we’ve seen a steady rise of trekkers during monsoon.”
‘Treks should be done only when supervised by trained experts’
Utkarsh Arora of Urban Trekkers says, “There are a few registered, trained trek leaders and certified trek companies, and sadly, there are hundreds of random unqualified trek organisers. They market it all very well, slash prices, and hence their quality, safety, and everything else gets compromised. We stick to quality standards, ensure there is no overcrowding, keep safety a priority.” Suraj adds, “These days, many people are venturing out on treks alone, which isn’t safe unless you are a pro. Treks should ideally be done under the supervision of trained experts. These days anyone is forming a group and taking people on treks at very low prices. The problem is that people don’t check the background or safety measures of these groups. Then when an accident happens, the authorities are forced to shut down the spot completely, which affects everyone, including responsible and experienced groups.”
‘Serious hikers have shifted towards offbeat trails’
Harsh Mandavia, an avid trekker says, “One clear trend among serious hikers this year is a shift towards offbeat trails, hidden gems that aren’t yet overrun by crowds. I went on two such treks this month. One was a short hike to a secluded waterfall deep in a village forest. We were guided by a local, walked over rocky forest paths, and finally reached a stunning waterfall. We even got to swim and cross from one side to the other holding onto a rope, it was cold, thrilling, and deeply refreshing. The second was a trek called Steps to Paradise, a two-hour uphill climb in constant rain and chilling wind. The trail was lush and slippery with rocky patches, and at the top, we discovered a historic fort and the tombstones of Maratha soldiers.”
‘Eco conscious trek is the new cool’
Most trek organisers are pushing for clean treks and their leave-no-trace principles, zero-plastic policies and education on local biodiversity are trending amongst young trekkers. “Bring-your-trash-back while departing from the trek or adventures places, is something that is key for all treks I attend. One has to keep in mind that the next day someone else will go and they too deserve a clean place. Plus, these areas are habitats of wild animals and need to be kept the way nature meant it to be,” says Dharmesh Barai, a trek enthusiast, and eco-warrior who works on conserving mangroves, wetland eco systems.
‘There are multiple options of trek dates’
Trekkers have a wide range of options to choose from and that is what makes monsoon treks popular. “We organize around 50-80 weekend treks from June to September. Apart from this there are also one-day treks to nearby forts and mountains, that is in demand,” says Vinay. Suraj adds, “We have three to four groups of trekkers every weekend during peak monsoon (July–August).”
‘Treks are for all ages’
There are groups of like-minded trekkers where strangers turned into companions. Samiksha Shetty who works in a media studio says, “I have a group of friends now who are my trek buddies apart from being office colleagues. We try to go at least for two or three treks during monsoons.” There are weekend groups, office groups and some women-only treks too that find a shared connection in every trail. Vinay adds, “There are also some treks for kids from age 3-5 with parents’ supervision and some with 50+ trekkers with good health.”
‘Awareness around the importance of the right gear is crucial’
Avid trekkers say that people show up for treks completely unprepared and that a small mistake in the mountains can lead to serious consequences. “I’ve seen first-time trekkers, driven by social media trends and reel culture, turn up in hiking in jeans, casual clothes, and regular sneakers, unaware how risky that can be, especially during the monsoon. The Sahyadris are beautiful but can be dangerously slippery. I’ve seen people slip and injure themselves on wet rocks. A proper trekking shoe is the bare minimum. It’s not about looking “pro,” it’s about safety. Awareness around the importance of the right gear is crucial,” warns Harsh.
‘Trekking is an adventure sport, accidents happen’
There are some treks that are challenging, especially for newbies. “So, we have our trail marked with danger patches and easy ones. When there are danger patches, all the trekkers get together, support each other. We tie ropes and follow all safety measures. The coordination among the trekkers, if it’s done well, everything goes well. Despite that, accidents do happen once in a while. After all it’s an adventurous sport to be honest. Luckily, it hasn’t happened to us yet!” says Utkarsh. Harsh signs off, “Once we got lost mid-hike and it took us two nerve-wracking hours to finally reach base village. This taught us how vulnerable we are in the wild without internet, navigation, or proper guidance.”
‘We like eating local food’
“Majority of trek companies arrange for local food at the base village. And we do this because it provides a good source of income for the locals. After a hike one needs a fresh meal and this is the best option,” says Utkarsh.TOP MONSOON TREKS NEAR MUMBAI:Sondai Fort, Near KarjatTrek Type: Easy to ModerateHighlights: Iron ladders, village views, hidden water tanks, foggy surroundingsBest For: Beginners and quick day hikes with 10/10 Instagram potentialKalavantin Durg, Near Panvel (Base: Thakurwadi)Trek Type: DifficultHighlights: Steep rock-cut steps, vertical thrill, views of Prabalgad & MatheranBest For: Daredevils and adrenaline junkies (not for the faint of heart!)Tikona Fort, Near Pawna LakeTrek Type: EasyHighlights: Triangular hill, Pawna dam views, steep final ascentBest For: Beginners, weekend warriors, couples on a scenic missionDevkund Waterfall Trek, Near Bhira (Raigad District)Trek Type: ModerateHighlights: Hidden plunge waterfall, jungle trail, river crossingsBest For: Waterfall chasers and anyone who wants that one perfect monsoon reelNaneghat Reverse Waterfall Trek, Junnar (Ghatghar base)Trek Type: ModerateHighlights: Historical trade route, wind-blown “reverse” waterfall, misty ghatsBest For: Wind lovers, history geeks, and rain-soaked romanticsKalu Waterfall Trek, Malshej Ghat regionTrek Type: Moderate to DifficultHighlights: One of the tallest waterfalls near Mumbai, ridge walks, roaring water viewsBest For: Waterfall fans who want an offbeat, less crowded trailRajmachi Fort Trek, Near Lonavala/KhandalaTrek Type: Easy to ModerateHighlights: Twin forts (Shrivardhan & Manaranjan), lush forest trail, waterfallsBest For: Beginners and night trekkersKalsubai Peak, Igatpuri (3–4 hrs from Mumbai)Trek Type: Moderate to DifficultHighlights: Highest peak in Maharashtra (5,400 ft), iron ladders, panoramic viewsBest For: A rewarding challenge with epic viewsLohagad Fort, Near LonavalaTrek Type: EasyHighlights: Long fortified walls, “Scorpion Tail” ridge, mist-covered staircasesBest For: Beginners, family treks Visapur Fort, Near Lohagad Fort, LonavalaTrek Type: ModerateHighlights: Waterfall-strewn path, wide fort ruins, views of LohagadBest For: Those wanting a slightly more adventurous alternative to LohagadPeb Fort (Vikatgad), Near Neral (Matheran range)Trek Type: ModerateHighlights: Caves, ladders, rock patches, views of Panorama PointBest For: Adventure lovers, small group hikesGarbett Plateau, MatheranTrek Type: Moderate (Long hike)Highlights: Vast green plateau, waterfalls, panoramic valley viewsBest For: Photographers, landscape lovers