There are a variety of jungle treks near Pune popular among nature lovers and adventure junkies. These wonderful treks in Pune reward you with picturesque views of hills in the background and the beautiful valley below. These trekking places near pune have something for everyone from easy to challenging level treks. Beginners can easily go for the easy to moderate-level trek but you must hire a guide for the challenging level trek. No matter the difficulty, all these jungle treks near pune reward one with stunning views making all the efforts worth it. Some of the popular nature trails near pune are Andharban Trek, Sinhagad Fort Trek, Aadrai Jungle Trek, Rajgad Trek, Lohagad Trek, Devkund Waterfall Trek, Torna Fort Trek, and many others.
The trails of these treks are mostly covered in dense forest and the route is well-marked, making your trekking experience smooth. You must be well-prepared for any kind of challenge. Here we have mentioned more details about the popular jungle treks in Maharashtra to help you choose the best for yourself.
Best Jungle Treks Near Pune
1. Andharban Trek
The name Andharban Trek means dense and dark forest. Located around 70 kilometres from Pune the Andharban forest trek is one of the ideal jungle treks near Pune. This trek is known for its serene beauty and has many things waiting to be explored. While trekking, you will walk on the ridge, enjoying the views of Kundalika Valley, Devkund Waterfall, Bhita Dam, and Tamhini Ghat’s mountain ranges. During the first half of the Andharban trek, you will find yourself covered in the evergreen forest. The difficulty level of this trek is moderate, making it ideal for beginners with good physical health.
Location: Pimpri, Near Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: From June to September
2. Rajmachi Trek
Rajmachi Fort is a great structure from ancient times, situated between the two hills of Khandala and Lonavala. This fort trek is especially popular among the adventure junkies as the fort is only accessible by a trek through the beautiful Sahyadris. You can also place your camps at the base of this trek. Situated in the Sahyadri mountains, rajmachi is a small village known for its history. This trek can be easily done from Pune. You can reach the base village Udhewadi by car from Pune. the total distance between both the places is around 171 kilometers which would take around 3 hours and 36 minutes.
Location: Lonavala, 171 km from Pune
Trekking Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours for one way
Difficulty Level: Easy to medium
Best Time: From June to September and November to February
3. Sinhagad Fort Trek
Located around 29 kilometres from Pune Sinhagad Fory sits on the top of Shayadri’s Bhuleshwar range. The name of this fort translates to the Fort of Lion and it has a lot of rich history waiting to be explored. In the initial days, the fort was occupied by the Mughals until Maharathas took over control. Today this fort has become one of the popular trekking destinations near pune, attracting many advnature and history lovers throughout the year. This is an easy-level trek that takes around 1 hour to complete. This fort offers a great environment for a peaceful getaway for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Pune.
Location: Pune in Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time: Between June and February
4. Torna Fort Trek
The Torna Fort is one of the tallest fort in Pune which is also famous as Prachandagad because of its huge size. The ruins of this fort stand tall as a testimony to the battles fought in earlier times. Surrounded by beauty, this fort offers ideal trekking opportunities, making it perfect for nature and adventure junkies alike. The difficulty level of this trek is moderate and you need to be physically fit for this. The adventure groups arrange the most advanced trekking expedition to the fort from the base. If you are a beginner and want to explore the region but avoid challenging treks then you can take a walk with friends or family. If you are looking for a weekend getaway from Pune, Torna Fort is the ideal Jungle Trek Near Pune offering scenic views and a chance to explore the ruins.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time: Between July and February (winter and monsoon season)
5. Bhimashankar Trek
Get ready to explore a nature lover’s delight, the Bhimashankar Trek. This is one of the loved jungle treks near Pune which takes you through the heart of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctury and the trails pass through a dense forest. This trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure with rock climbing, stream crossing, and ladders all in a single trek. The most suitable time to do this trek is monsoon, it can also be done in other seasons but monsoon provides the best and memorable experience to everyone. If you are an experienced trekker then you can take the Shidi Ghat route, while the Ganesh Ghat route is perfect for beginners which is easier and offers perfect views of the surroundings. While trekking in the jungle you might encounter several animal and bird species and some lucky trekkers might get a chance to spot Shekar or the Malabar Giant Squirrel.
Location: Maharashtra’s Shayadri Hills
Trekking Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: Between July and February
6. Korigad Fort Trek
Located in Maharashtra’s Pune district, Korigad Fort is a beautiful hill fort that rises to a height of 2800 feet from the ground level. Construction of this fort was done in the 15th century and it is dedicated to the goddess Koraidevi, you can also see her temple situated on the top of this fort. The original construction of this fort is still the same even today and the entire wall is completely unspoilt. Within this fort, you will get to see cisterns and caves. There are two routes for this trek, the first one involves climbing up the staircase, you will have to trek for 15 minutes through the dense jungle and get here to start the climb. The second route has short steps carved from the massive rocks, making the trail tricky and adding challenge to this trek.
Location: Aamby Valley, Lonavala
Trekking Duration: Around 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time: From June to February (winter and monsoon)
7. Aadrai Jungle Trek
Do you ever wonder what is the best way to explore the most beautiful jungles of Sahyadri? The answer is the Aadri Jungle Trek near Pune. The trekking trails take you on a journey through the dense forests, where you get rewarded with cascading waterfalls, valleys, caves, shepherd trails, other popular peaks, and many more. All these wonders are combined in just one Asdrai Jungle Trek which can be done in a day. This is one of the best treks near Pune for the trekker
Location: Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 5 to 6 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: Between June to September (monsoon season)
8. Devkund Waterfall Trek
Visit this hidden paradise near Pune and feel the sense of luxury with this amazing Devkund Waterfall Trek located near Maharasthra’s Bhira Dam. This place is ideal for rejuvenating and reconnecting with nature. The location of this waterfall is around 120 kilometres from Pune and the Bhira Village in Raigad is the base for this jungle waterfall trek near Pune. This is a moderate-level trek that requires a good level of fitness. Upon reaching the waterfall, you can dip your tired feet in the cold turquoise water and relax your body and mind while enjoying a natural fish spa. If you are looking for a perfect one-day jungle trek near Pune, then the Devkund Waterfall Trek is a must-do.
Location: Bhira Village, 120 km from Pune
Trekking Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours for a round trip
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: Between October and February
9. Rajgad Trek
Starting from the Gunjavane Village in Pune District, Rajgad Trek is a moderate-level trek which is also one of the famous trekking trails among the trekker’s looking for a place to satisfy their urge for thrill. The Trek to this fort involves climbing through the Murum Dev Dongar which is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Range. This fort sits at a height of 1400 metres above sea level and you will find yourself surrounded by spectacular western Ghats. The most suitable time for the Rajgad Fort Trek is during the monsoon and winter seasons and during this time the weather remains cool and pleasant throughout the day.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 4 to 5 hours for one way
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: Between June and February
10. Lohagad Trek
Lohagad Fort near Pune is a famous historic structure situated at the top of a hill, just 60 km away from Pune. This place is popular among trekkers willing to learn about the history and nature of the region. This is an easy level Trek which can be easily done in 3 to 4 hours. Situated at 3400 feet, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its ancient architecture and natural beauty. This fort was constructed in the 19th century and in ancient times this fort was used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to keep his treasury. If you are a first-timer looking for an easy jungle trek near Pune then Lohahgad Fort Trek is a must do.
Location: Lonavala, Maharashtra
Trekking Duration: Around 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time: Between June and February
What to Expect on Jungle Treks Near Pune
1. Wildlife Sightings
Apart from being a popular destination for jungle treks, pune is also famous for its wildlife that can be seen while trekking. You might come across a few wildlife sanctuaries while trekking where you will get a chance to spot a variety of animals and birds. The first one is the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary which is popular for its diverse wildlife including Indian Bison, leopards, and a variety of avian species. A trek through this wildlife sanctuary passes through dense jungle and provides a unique sense of thrill. If you are fond of birdwatching then the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. It also has some trekking trails where you might spot some small mammals.
2. Waterfalls and Streams
A Jungle Trek Near Pune promises a rewarding experience, especially during the monsoon season when the waterfall and streams are at their peak. Some of the most popular streams and waterfalls that you might encounter while trekking near the jungle of pune are Kataldhar Waterfall, Bhira Waterfall, Plus Valley Waterfall, Devkund Waterfall, and Kalu Waterfall. Although monsoon season is the best visit the streams and waterfalls near pune but you need to be prepared as trekking on the slippery trail can be difficult.
3. Scenic Views
All the trekking points near pune offer some spectacular views of the surroundings. A trek to the highest peak in Maharashtra, the Kalsubai Peak provides scenic views of the valleys and mountains nearby. The Sinhagad Fort Trek offers great views of the entire city and there are a few other treks like Torna Fort Trek, Lohagad Fort Trek, and Rajgad Fort Trek which offer scenic views and make all the trekking spots ideal for a weekend getaway. These are just some places to go for a jungle trek near pune and there are many others. With its rich history and spectacular landscapes, pune is one of the ideal places to enjoy and explore the scenic outdoors.
Best Time for Jungle Treks Near Pune
Monsoon season is considered to be the best time to do jungle treks near Pune and the reason behind this is the lush greenery, pleasant weather, cascading waterfalls, and gushing streams. This region receives ample rainfall which results in transforming this place into a nature lovers paradise. Waterfalls come alive, rivers are in full flow, and you get to trek in a fresh and clean atmosphere. Some of the treks that can be best done during the monsoon season are the Andharban Trek, Aadrai Jungle Trek, and Devkund Waterfall Trek. However, trekking during the monsoon season can be challenging as you will have to trek on slippery trails and there are chances of landslides. You must be prepared for these kinds of unexpected situations and it is considered to trek with an experienced guide.
For trekking in the Monsoon, you must wear waterproof shoes, carry a raincoat, respect the environment, trek with a group, choose an experienced trek leader, and be ready for unexpected weather changes.
How to Reach Jungle Treks Near Pune
By Road: The best and most scenic way to reach Pune is by road. Pune is very well connected by road with all the major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and many others. You can either hire a bus, taxi, or self-drive from these cities.
By Train: Travelling by train is the fastest and most affordable option to get to Pune. The train journey from the prime cities to Pune takes approx 20 to 24 hours only. You can easily book your tickets from the official IRCTC website or app.
By Air: The Fastest and most comfortable way to get to Pune is by air. You can take a flight to the Pune airport from the prime cities and reach here within 2 to 3 hours. It is advised to book your flight tickets in advance so that you can get the best deals and avoid the last-minute rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many jungle treks near Pune, ideal for adventure junkies looking for an ideal getaway from Pune. some of the best jungle treks near Pune are the Rajgad Fort Trek, Sinhagad Fort Trek, Torna Fort Trek, Kalsubai Peak Trek, and Andharban Jungle Trek.
The difficulty level of jungle treks near Pune depends upon the trek that you choose. If you are looking for an easy trek then you must do the Sinhagad Fort Trek, if you seek moderate-level trek experience then you must do the Rajgad Fort Trek or Kalsubai Peak Trek, and go for Andharban Jungle Trek for a challenging level trek. For beginners, it is recommended to start with an easy or moderate-level trek and experienced trekkers can go for challenging treks.
October to May is the most suitable time to plan a jungle trek near Pune. During these months the weather is pleasant and you will get to enjoy the trek with less crowd. You can also do this trek in monsoon but the trails may be slippery and muddy, increasing the challenging level. During monsoon, the jungle is lush green and waterfalls are at their peak. You can choose the time for the trek according to the type of experience you seek and the trek’s difficulty level.
Yes, you can hire a guide for a jungle trek in Pune. When choosing a guide you should make sure that the guide is experienced, Knowledgeable and known about the trekking areas. There are many ways to hire a guide, through a tour operator, online platform, or local trekking clubs.
Jungle Trek near Pune can be challenging in monsoon but it rewards you with some stunning views of the surroundings. The challenges you might face during this time are Flash Floods, low visibility, unpredictable weather, leeches, muddy, and slippery trails. These treks reward you with the views of lush greenery and less crowd.
Yes, there are several overnight camping options near Pune. Overnight camp stay allows you to connect with nature. Some of the popular overnight camping options are tent & treks campsite, Camp Story, Pawna Lake, and Triangle Glamping.
Trekkers might spot a variety of wildlife during their jungle trek near Pune. The chances of spotting wildlife depend upon the time and season of your trek. Some of the animals that can be seen while trekking are Bison, Chital, Sambar Deer, Wild boars, Leopards, and a variety of avian species including Malabar Trogon, Indian Roller, barbets, and woodpeckers.
The total distance between Pune and Andharban Trek is around 68 kilometers which would take around 1 hour and 57 minutes to reach.
One of the easiest treks in Pune is the Sinhagad Fort Trek. This trek is considered easy because of the well-maintained trails, short distance, and easy accessibility and clear visibility making this trek ideal for beginners and families.
The Aadrai jungle trek is considered a moderately difficult jungle trek near pune. This trek involves rocky and incline sections but it is not extremely challenging. This trek is ideal for beginners but you need a basic level of fitness for the trek.