Best Trekking & Hiking Adventure Destinations for Beginners – Around Mumbai
Looking to escape the city chaos and step into nature’s peaceful embrace? If you're new to trekking or simply looking for easy hiking adventures near Mumbai, you're in luck! The Sahyadri ranges surrounding Mumbai are home to numerous hidden gems perfect for beginner-friendly treks and hikes. From serene jungle trails to historic forts and mysterious caves, these destinations offer a perfect weekend escape.
In this guide, we bring you the 7 best trekking and hiking spots around Mumbai for beginners — trails that are easy, scenic, and loaded with adventure, history, and natural beauty. Lace up your shoes and get ready to discover the wild side of Maharashtra!
Looking to escape the city chaos and step into nature’s peaceful embrace? If you're new to trekking or simply looking for easy hiking adventures near Mumbai, you're in luck! The Sahyadri ranges surrounding Mumbai are home to numerous hidden gems perfect for beginner-friendly treks and hikes. From serene jungle trails to historic forts and mysterious caves, these destinations offer a perfect weekend escape.
In this guide, we bring you the 7 best trekking and hiking spots around Mumbai for beginners — trails that are easy, scenic, and loaded with adventure, history, and natural beauty. Lace up your shoes and get ready to discover the wild side of Maharashtra!
???? 1. Sankshi Fort – A Hidden Marvel near Pen
Location: Near Pen, Raigad District
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Nestled quietly just 90 km from Mumbai, Sankshi Fort is a less-explored fort trek that offers a perfect blend of history and breathtaking views. Surrounded by dense forests and hills, the trail is well-marked and ideal for beginners. The fort offers panoramic views of the Pen region and the Arabian Sea on a clear day.
Highlights:
- Minimal crowd, peaceful ambiance
- Rock-cut water cisterns and remnants of old walls
- Ideal for history and nature lovers
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon (June to February)
Keywords: Sankshi Fort trek, trekking near Pen, easy fort treks Raigad
????️ 2. Mruggad Fort – The Wild Trek near Khopoli
Location: Near Khopoli
Trek Difficulty: Moderate-easy
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Located in the forests near Khopoli, Mruggad Fort is one of the most scenic jungle treks near Mumbai. The route takes you through dense foliage, small water streams, and leads up to ruins that narrate tales from centuries past. Beginners will enjoy the trail's adventure vibe without it being too physically demanding.
Highlights:
- Forest walk with a cool breeze
- Rock-cut caves and a small temple at the top
- Ideal for monsoon trekking
Best Time to Visit: July to December
Keywords: Mruggad Fort trek, jungle trekking near Mumbai, Khopoli hiking trail
???? 3. Bhivgad Fort (aka Bhimgad) – The Hidden Gem of Karjat
Location: Near Karjat
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Tucked away in Karjat’s scenic landscape, Bhivgad Fort offers a short yet enriching trek suitable for beginners and families. It’s also known as Bhimgad Fort and features simple trails, lush green surroundings, and stunning valley views.
Highlights:
- Quick one-day trek near Mumbai
- Ancient fort walls and a strategic hilltop location
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and early winter
Keywords: Bhivgad Fort trek, Bhimgad hike Karjat, beginner treks Karjat
???? 4. Aadrai Jungle Trek – Into the Heart of Malshej Ghat
Location: Malshej Ghat
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
For those who want to step into a monsoon jungle fairy tale, the Aadrai Jungle Trek is a dream come true. Located deep in the Malshej Ghat region, this trail winds through dense forest, hidden waterfalls, and misty pathways — perfect for thrill-seeking beginners.
Highlights:
- Waterfalls, caves, and surreal greenery
- Hidden in the heart of the Western Ghats
- Unforgettable monsoon experience
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Keywords: Aadrai Jungle Trek, jungle trek Malshej, monsoon treks near Mumbai
????️ 5. Ganesh Gadad Caves (Ganpati Gadad) – Spiritual Meets Scenic
Location: Near Murbad
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Situated near Murbad, Ganpati Gadad is a series of ancient rock-cut caves carved into the hills. The trail is beginner-friendly and offers spectacular views, making it one of the best one-day treks near Mumbai. The caves are believed to be centuries old and offer a unique trekking-cum-spiritual experience.
Highlights:
- 7 to 8 cave structures with water cisterns
- Ideal for monsoon and post-monsoon treks
- Beginner-friendly with cultural appeal
Best Time to Visit: June to January
Keywords: Ganesh Gadad caves trek, Murbad trekking, Ganpati Gadad hike
????️ 6. Kondane Caves – Ancient History in the Lap of Nature
Location: Karjat
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Just a short ride from Karjat lies the Kondane Caves, a cluster of Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BC. The trek to the caves is easy and scenic, ideal for first-time hikers and history buffs alike.
Highlights:
- Ancient carvings and meditation cells
- Gushing waterfall nearby in monsoon
- Family- and kid-friendly
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon to early winter
Keywords: Kondane caves trek, beginner trek Karjat, Buddhist caves near Mumbai
????️ 7. Ratnadurg Fort – Sea Breeze and Hill Views near Pen
Location: Near Pen City
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 hours
Not to be confused with the one in Ratnagiri, this lesser-known Ratnadurg Fort near Pen offers an easy trekking option close to Mumbai. It’s ideal for beginners looking for a half-day outdoor experience with coastal views and fort ruins.
Highlights:
- Panoramic hill and coastal views
- Remnants of Maratha architecture
- Less crowded, ideal for peaceful trekking
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Keywords: Ratnadurg Fort trek near Pen, easy fort trek Mumbai, coastal hikes Maharashtra
✅ Trekking Tips for Beginners
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- Carry sufficient water and snacks
- Avoid plastic and carry back your waste
- Use insect repellent during monsoon
- Start early and check weather before heading out
- Good Shoes is the key for comfortable walks
- Never go alone - Take local guide OR join known groups to start with
