We decided to go for Lohagad Fort trek on a weekday just to avoid the crowd and enjoy the natural beauty to the fullest. On Tuesday morning after breakfast, we left from Navi Mumbai. Weather was awesome for Lohagad Fort trekking. Last 3 days, continuous rain in Mumbai was forcing me to go for trekking in Lonavala and suddenly plan made to hike with the parents.

Lohagad literally means a fort which is unbeatable & strong like Iron. It is one of the best treks near Mumbai & Pune. Being in Lonavala region, it attracts tourist on weekend due to its easy accessibility. During monsoon, it gets covered with dark clouds creating a good weather for trekkers. Lohagad is a part of western ghats & stands 3400 ft above sea level. Most importantly, it offers commanding view of Pawna Lake and surrounding region. Fort stands strong till date along with its twin fort Visapur. According to history, fort was under Maratha Empire for most of the time except 5 yrs of Mughal reign.

Pawna Lake Camping was on my list from last year but I was waiting for the perfect time. Mostly, winter is considered as the  best season for camping. After Diwali, I went to this Pavana dam for camping along with my wife. Before that, I searched for vendors online.

As a travel blogger, I have personally searched and visited the places around Mumbai. To my surprise, I found many unique places for camping near Mumbai. In the last few years, the concept of camping is getting more famous. Though some say it’s a budget stay option but the overall experience is altogether different and can’t even be compared with the 5-star hotels & resorts. Also, everyone is now bored with typical resort party or restaurant dinner for the weekend. Most of the young crowd prefers to go for adventure camping as a weekend getaway. Overall, the adventure industry is spreading its root across India. 

I was leading this group of 11 participants (kept small group for smooth execution of Dudhsagar Trek). Everyone was supposed to gather at suggested meeting point which was Pune Station around 3:30 PM. We had to catch Goa Express which starts from Pune at 4:20 PM. So Prashant and I took Hutatma (Bhusawal – Pune ) Express from Panvel at 9:00 AM along with the two participants who were unaware of how to reach Pune alone.

It was a countryside drive till we reach Kolad Resort. We started our journey bit early to cover few places on the way to Kolad resort. We crossed Imagica and Durshet resort of Naturetrails. After that road was in worst condition. But before Pali, it was slightly better. Kolad resort is also accessible from Mumbai-Goa highway. Pune people can take Tamhini ghat route to reach Kolad resort for stay and river rafting.

Dudhsagar Waterfall is located on Goa-Karnataka border and it’s a part of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. Yes, it’s a hidden gem of Goa apart from the beaches.Mountain range of Western Ghats is famous for waterfalls and Dudhsagar waterfall is one of them. It recently became more famous among the trekkers and Travellers.

Everyone looks for amazing experiences, and sometimes also with the budget. Mostly, foodies look for best serving outlet during the trip. So, to make your Kaas tour memorable, I have written a Kaas plateau blog – complete guide to Valley of flowers. If you are really interested in exploring it to the fullest, let me first clear that your tour will not be a leisure tour. Rather, I must say it is an adventure tour. One needs to walk a lot across the plateau. But, I assure you that it will be one of a kind heavenly walk which you will remember forever.

It was an overnight Kalsubai trek AKA Kalsubai Shikhar (“Shikhar” means Top in Marathi) during mid-summer of 2016. Most of the Trekkers go for an adventure during monsoon. I preferred summer because I was very much eager to get a bird’s eye view from the top which is not possible in Monsoon or winter.

Irshalgad Trek is a small fort near Panvel. It was used as a watch tower during the bygone era of Maharajas for the Matheran range. Except, the last patch of Irshalgad, it’s an easy trek, otherwise you need equipment to climb till the top. We knew it that it takes 2-3 hours for one side ascend.