Kolhapur is said to be a one-in-a-million town in Maharashtra. It provides visitors with a unique experience with its sacred religious and historical landmarks. It has also some of the best trekking spots in Maharashtra. So lets take at 15 Trekking Places Near Kolhapur.
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Here are 15 Adventurous Trekking Spots Near Kolhapur
Trekking Places Near Kolhapur Within 50km
Panhala Fort
The Panhala fort is a tiny hill fort near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. In the 16th century, the battle of Pavankhind took place here. This is an excellent location for those who enjoy visiting historical sites.
Panhala also served some trekking spots perfect for beginners. It is also absolutely worth seeing because of its historical significance. It is one of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur.
- How to reach Panhala Fort?: It is 21.5 km from Kolhapur. The nearest bus stand is Kodoli ST Bus Stand (12.7 km) so you can take a bus to this bus stand.
- What is Panhala Fort famous for?: The Fort of Panhala was where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent many days of his life. This fort has seen many kings and the rise and fall of dynasties.
- Places nearby Panhala Fort to visit: Teen Darwaja, DYP City Mall, Kalamba Lake, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Vishalgad Fort, New Palace, Panhala Fort, Jyotiba Temple, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, Dream World Water Park, Shalini Palace, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Rajmahal
- Best time to visit Panhala Fort: The best month to visit the fort is between June – March.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trekking Places Near Kolhapur Within 100km
Amba Ghat
Amba is a reserve forest region that is surrounded by the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Dajipur Bison Sanctuary, and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ghat is endowed with a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife.
It is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a diverse range of species. There is a wide range of plants and trees, including the uncommon Tamhan Flower.
The Ghat is a picturesque mountain highway on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri stretch of National Highway 204. Shahuwadi Kolhapur is located near the Ghat and enjoys a pleasant climate all year. It is one of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur.
Vishalgad Fort, Vishalgad Dargah, and Pawankhind Fort are two magnificent forts. The ghat segment attracts many weekend visitors from Kolhapur and is turning into a viable paragliding area.
- How to reach Amba Ghat?: It is 71.1 km from Kolhapur so you can take a bus to Amba Bus Stand (1 km) to visit this place.
- What is Amba Ghat famous for?: The spot is the highest in the Kolaphur and the region beyond this point is known as the Konkan region. The place is also mentioned in history books of Indian Culture.
- Places nearby Amba Ghat to visit: Amba Ghat, Amboli, Ajara, Malvan, Olavan, Panhala, Rajmachi, Tarkarli, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri
- Best time to visit Amba Ghat: The greatest time to see Amba Ghat Waterfall is between the monsoon and winter seasons, which last from July to December. The Ghat looks magnificent green during the monsoon season because of the rain, which pleases our eyes and gives us the sensation of being in paradise on earth. Moreover, during the winter, the environment is so calm and comfortable that the magnificent vegetation captivates you in any way.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dandoba Hills
The Dandoba Hill Forest Preserve is about a 25-minute drive from Sangli. This woodland preserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as a few historically noteworthy ancient structures.
This preserve’s hills are a popular destination for trekking and lengthy excursions. Dandoba Hill Station also hosts an annual mini-marathon race, which is a popular event.
- How to reach Dandoba Hills?: It is 77.1 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Sangli MSRTC ST Depot (30 km) to visit this place.
- What is Dandoba Hills famous for?: The hills of this preserve are a popular location for trekking and long hikes. There is also an annual mini-marathon race held at Dandoba Hill Station.
- Places nearby Dandoba Hills to visit: Ganapati Temple, Dandoba Hills Forest Reserve, Sangmeshwar Temple, Bahubali Hill Temple, Sangli Fort, Chandoli National Park, Gokak Waterfall, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best time to visit Dandoba Hills: The best time to visit is monsoon when everything turns lush green.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Samangad Fort
During his kingdom, Shivaji Maharaj seized and renovated the fort of Samangad. These modest yet well-constructed fortresses were used to store supplies, hence the name ‘Saman-gad.’ This hill fort, located 2600 feet above sea level, is now in disrepair.
However, it is one of the unexplored forts making it one of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur. Add this to your list if you want to explore uncharted forts.
- How to reach Samangad Fort?: It is about 78.3 km away from Kolhapur and the best way to reach there is by taking a bus to Ganesh Nagar Bus Stop (4 km).
- What is Samangad Fort famous for?: This fort is a tomb of famous warrior Shri Prataprao Gujar who fought against the Adil Shahi army of Bahalul Khan with only six soldiers. It is famous for its historical significance.
- Places nearby Samangad Fort to visit: Gaganbawada, Panhala Fort, Teen Darwaja, DYP City Mall, Kalamba Lake, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Vishalgad Fort, New Palace, Panhala Fort, Jyotiba Temple, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, Dream World Water Park, Shalini Palace, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Rajmahal
- Best time to visit Samangad Fort: Every year, the Samangad fair is held on the first Wednesday after Shivratri, which falls in February or March so this along with the monsoon season is the best time to visit this place.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is a medieval fort in Lonavala with two stronghold forts. Shrivardhan and Manaranjan are Rajmachi Lonavala’s forts. A prominent site near Khandala called as Rajmachi View Point is seen from the Mumbai Pune Expressway on the right-hand side of Borghat.
Rajmachi is a prominent trekking destination in the Lonavala Hill Stations. Lonavala to Rajmachi Fort is a 16-kilometer hike from Lonavala, and there are numerous paths to Rajmachi Fort.
The picturesque Kataldhar waterfall can be seen from Shrivardhan Fort. Rajmachi Fort near Karjat contains various caves where trekkers can spend the night. Rajmachi Fort is ideally placed overlooking Borghat, a historic trading route in the Sahyadri Mountains.
One of the top hiking destinations in Maharashtra, according to Indian hikers.
- How to reach Rajmachi Fort?: It is 79.9 km from Kolhapur. The nearest bus stand is Karawadi Bus Station (3 km) so you can take a bus to this bus stand.
- What is Rajmachi Fort famous for?: Rajmachi is well-known for its medieval fortification, which includes two fortified peaks – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts – and is located near the two well-known hills of Lonavala and Khandala. The settlement of Udhewadi, another name for Rajmachi, is located at the base of the fort.
- Places nearby Rajmachi Fort to visit: Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Imagica Adlabs, Celebrity Wax Museum, Rajmachi Fort, Aamby Valley, Amrutanjan Point, Karla Caves, Bhimashankar Trail, Bhaja Caves, Visapur Fort, Ryewood Park, Tikona Fort
- Best time to visit Rajmachi Fort: The months of June to September are ideal for visiting Rajmachi because the monsoon season meets you with water springs and vegetation all around as you ascend the fort.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Vishalgad Fort
The Vishalgad Fort, known locally as “Khelna,” was one of the most significant forts of the Maratha monarchs. The Fort is built at a beautiful elevation of 3,500 feet above the ground, and the sights it offers will melt your heart.
Vishal means “great,” and the fort lives up to its name. The fort was built in 1058 by Chhatrapati Shivaji and was passed down to the Deccan monarchs before returning to the Maratha empire. It is bordered by lush green limits on all sides and offers a perfect mingling of history and environment.
- How to reach Vishalgad Fort?: It is about 80.4 km from Kolhapur. The best way to travel there is to take a bus to Vishalgad Bus Stand (1 km) which is the nearest bus stand to it.
- What is Vishalgad Fort famous for?: The fortress is also known as Khilna fort or Khelna fort. It was one of the most significant forts of the Maratha Empire during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Places nearby Vishalgad Fort to visit: Amba Ghat, Amboli, Ajara, Malvan, Olavan, Panhala, Rajmachi, Tarkarli, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri
- Best time to visit Vishalgad Fort: Monsoon is the best season to visit this place.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trekking Places Near Kolhapur Within 200km
Amboli Waterfall
Amboli is a lovely hill station in the southern range of the Sahyadri hills, 690 meters above sea level, right before the plain coastal beaches of Goa. Amboli is encircled on three sides by the Sahyadri hill valleys, with the Konkan seashore on the fourth.
Amboli’s climate, flora, and fauna make for a wonderful mix for travelers. In addition, the clean and calm hills here provide rich hot biodiversity to enjoy while sightseeing. It is one of the best adventure places near Kolhapur if you like to do hikes and treks near a waterfall.
- How to reach Amboli Waterfall?: This trek is about 118.2 km away from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Amboli ST Bus Stand (2 km) to visit this place.
- What is Amboli Waterfall famous for?: It is popular for its unusual species of flora and fauna.
- Places nearby Amboli Waterfall to visit: Amboli Falls, Madhavgad Fort, Shivgaonkar Port, Hiranya Keshi Temple, Durg Dhakoba Trek, Nangarta Falls, Sunset Point
- Best time to visit Amboli Waterfall: The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February, which is the winter season. This is the time of year when Amboli is at its best.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Pargad Fort
Pargad is a lovely fort on the border between Maharashtra and Goa. The fort covers an area of 48 square kilometers. The fort is surrounded by strong-cut walls on three sides: east, west, and north. On the southern side, there is a steep valley to descend.
While returning from an attack on the Portuguese of Goa in 1676, Shivaji Maharaj spotted this hill and its strategic location and built the Pargad fort atop it to keep a close eye on Adilshah, the Portuguese, and the Sawantwadi Khems.
- How to reach Pargad Fort?: It is 141.9 km from Kolhapur. The nearest bus stand is Pargad Fort Bus Stop (2 km) and you can take a bus to this bus stand to visit this place.
- What is Pargad Fort famous for?: It is known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings.
- Places nearby Pargad Fort to visit: Belgaum Fort, Gokak Falls, Amba Ghat, Amboli, Ajara, Malvan, Olavan, Panhala, Rajmachi, Tarkarli, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri
- Best time to visit Pargad Fort: Monsoon season that is around July to August is the most preferred season to visit this place.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Pratapgad Fort
Pratapgad fort is a massive fort in Maharashtra’s Satara district. This is a wonderful location for those who want to see more than simply Mahabaleshwar. Aside from its historical significance in the Battle of Pratapgad, this fort is currently a famous tourist site.
Pratapgad’s natural beauty is stunning at any time of year, and as a result, this fort attracts a large number of people throughout the year.
- How to reach Pratapgad Fort?: This trek is about 198 km from Kolhapur. The nearest bus stand is Chirekhind Bus Stop (10.1 km) and you can take a bus to this stand to reach this place.
- What is Pratapgad Fort famous for?: It is known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings.
- Places nearby Pratapgad Fort to visit: Ajinkyatara Fort, Kaas Plateau, Shivsagar Lake, Thoseghar Falls, Lingamala Falls, Natraj Mandir, Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Koynanagar Dam, Kaas Lake
- Best time to visit Pratapgad Fort: Because this is a hill location, the temperature will be moderate even in the summer. Tourists should exercise caution during the monsoon season (June-September) owing to slippery steps. Otherwise, the best time to visit is between October and March.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trekking Places Near Kolhapur Within 300km
Tapola
Tapola, a satellite village in Mahabaleshwar, is known as “Mini Kashmir.” It offers some of the most beautiful panoramic features, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a more natural experience.
There are more unknown forts in the dense forest around Tapola’s lake, such as Vasota and Jaygad, which are an adventure in and of themselves.
Jungle hikes, particularly the climb to Vasota Fort, are an exciting pastime in Tapola that is quickly gaining appeal among tourists. You can also canoe in Shivsagar Lake or discover the countless nameless islands that dot this massive 90-kilometer reservoir.
Tapola is the ideal weekend retreat, with a plethora of exciting things to do. It is one of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur.
- How to reach Tapola?: This trek is 203 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Mahabaleshwar ST Bus Stand (16 km) to visit this place.
- What is Tapola famous for?: Tapola is a small village near Mahabaleshwar noted for its scenic beauty, strawberry fields, forest excursions, and water sports.
- Places nearby Tapola to visit: Wilson Point, Mumbai Point, Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Babington Point, Chinaman’s Falls, Elephant’s Head Point, Velocity Entertainmentz, Wax Museum, Mapro Garden, Dhobi Waterfall, Table Land, Falkland Point, Venna Lake, Helen’s Point, Rajapuri Caves
- Best time to visit Tapola: The best time to visit this area and enjoy the surreal splendour of nature is from July to September.
- Trek Difficulty: Hard
Lonavala
Lonavala is a beautiful hill station near Pune. There are some of the most breathtaking trekking sites in Lonavala that will test your mental and physical boundaries and make you fall in love with the breathtaking nature.
Signing up for these exciting paths will allow you to interact with the locals. The beautiful Lonavala treks Bhimashankar Trek and Lohagad Fort Trek lead through idyllic alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and distinctive mountain passes.
Karnala Fort Trek and Lohagad Trek should be your first choices for the best one-day hikes in Lonavala. The view from the summit of these climbs of granite moonscapes and turquoise lakes is spectacular.
You can also trek to Tamhini Ghats and Duke’s Nose, which are densely forested and have multicolored mountains. Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by trekking across these picture-perfect trails.
- How to reach Lonavala?: It is about 290 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Lonavala MSRTC Bus Stop (3 km) or a train to Lonavala Railway Station (5 km) to visit this place.
- What is Lonavala famous for?: It is famous for its forts, beautiful surroundings and Chikki,
- Places nearby Lonavala to visit: Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Imagica Adlabs, Celebrity Wax Museum, Rajmachi Fort, Aamby Valley, Amrutanjan Point, Karla Caves, Bhimashankar Trail, Bhaja Caves, Visapur Fort, Ryewood Park, Tikona Fort
- Best time to visit Lonavala: The best thing about Lonavala is that the weather is lovely all year. The greatest time to visit is from June to September, when the surroundings come alive with stunning lush flora and the lakes fill to the brim with rain.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Khandala
Khandala is a prominent hill station in Maharashtra, located on the Sahyadri foothills in the Western Ghats. With its gorgeous valleys, grassy hills, calm lakes, and misty waterfalls, Khandala is an ideal weekend getaway for the Mumbai populace.
It is one of two hill stations, the other being Lonavala. The location immortalized in the iconic Bollywood song “Aati Kya Khandala” is a must-see for anyone seeking gorgeous scenery, nice weather, and the sensation of mist in the air.
During the monsoons, Khandala’s natural beauty reaches its peak and exhibits a magnificent appeal. Its cascading waterfalls and dazzling lakes add to the grand appearance and overpowering atmosphere.
Khandala is located on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Because of its ease of access, it is a favorite hiking destination for residents of adjacent cities. The Duke’s Nose peak and Karla Hills are two prominent rock climbing locations. Khandala is an ideal hill getaway for both trekkers and young couples.
- How to reach Khandala?: 294.6 km is the distance from Kolhapur. You can take a train to Khandala Railway Station (7 km) or you can take a bus to Khandala Bus Depot (5 km) to visit this place.
- What is Khandala famous for?: Khandala is well-known for its beautiful rock formations. Travelers frequently drive to Tiger’s Leap to demonstrate their rock climbing abilities and to see the Shiv Linga rock. The Shiv Linga rock, which is located in the Sahyadri hills, is best known as
- Places nearby Khandala to visit: Tiger’s Leap, Duke Nose, Kune Waterfalls, Reversing station, Shooting Point, Lion’s Point, Shrivardhan Fort, Bushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Celebrity wax Museum, Shingroba Temple
- Best time to visit Khandala: From October and May is the best time to visit Khandala. In the winter, the temperature in Khandala can drop below 15 degrees. During this time, the hill station is shrouded in mist and fog, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trekking Places Near Kolhapur Within 500km
Durshet
Durshet is a town located between Mumbai and Pune, nestled among the Sahyadri ranges. The property is surrounded by hillocks and plateaus, with rivers and waterfalls adorning it. This instills in the passengers a sense of renewal and wanderlust. Durshet is one of the best offbeat places near Kolhapur.
In Durshet, you can overcome the enormous slopes and catch a glimpse of nature’s ethereal splendor. The luxuriant vegetation and natural beauty all around, as well as the hillocks with waterfalls spanning them, have made it a well-known tourist destination.
Durshet is also a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Because of the recent visitor influx, the area has also become a hub for watersport activities, with the constructed IMAGICA Park nearby. There are a variety of different activities available for individuals looking for excitement and thrills to send their adrenaline soaring.
Walking across the magnificent Burma Bridge, rappelling, wall climbing, or mountaineering along the rocky terrain, nature hikes for nature lovers, laddering, and Tarzan Swing are among these activities.
- How to reach Durshet?: It is about 323.6 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Durshet Bus Stop (3 km) or take a train to Durshet Railway Station to visit this place.
- What is Durshet famous for?: It is known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings.
- Places nearby Durshet to visit: Varad Vinayak Temple, Pali Fort, Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak, Uddhar Hot Springs, Durshet Forest Lodge
- Best time to visit Durshet: Durshet is excellent in the winter, from September to February. The temperature is hovering between 13 and 30 degrees Celsius. As a result, the weather is pleasant and peaceful. Now is the finest time to visit Durshet and engage in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and sightseeing.
- Trek Difficulty:
Karjat
Karjat, a charming tiny village in Maharashtra, is the district’s final station. The river Ulhas originates near Karjat, and trekking and historical sites make it a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers. It is one of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur.
- How to reach Karjat?: It is 325.1 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Karjat ST Bus Depot (550 m) or you can take a train to Karjat Station to visit this place.
- What is Karjat famous for?: Karjat is a vibrant city well-known for its main attractions such as Kondeshwar Temple, Kothaligad Fort, and Kondana Caves.
- Places nearby Karjat to visit: Kondana Caves, Kothaligad (Peth) Fort, Jain Temple, Ulhas Valley, Kondeshwar Temple, Bhor Ghat, Bahiri Cave, ND Studio, Blackwaters of Pali Bhutivali Dam, Bhivpuri Waterfall
- Best time to visit Karjat: Karjat is best visited during the monsoon season. The summer season in the city begins in March and concludes in June. Summers in the city are quite warm, with temperatures ranging from 27 °C to 39 °C. Due to the hot and humid weather, visitors should avoid visiting the region in April and May.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Jog Falls
Jog Falls is India’s second-highest waterfall, located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. During the monsoon season, Jog Falls is a popular tourist and trekking destination.
Along with Jog Falls, other locations of interest to visit are Gokarna beaches, Yana caverns, Mirjan fort, and so on. Jog falls is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka’s Shimoga district.
Jog Falls is generated by the famed Sharavathi River in north Karnataka. It is made up of four separate falls that are united to form the Jog falls. Jog Falls cascades from a height of roughly 253 meters (830 feet), making it India’s second-highest plunge waterfall.
- How to reach Jog Falls?: It is 353.6 km from Kolhapur. You can take a bus to Jog Colony Bus Stop (5 km) bus to reach this place.
- What is Jog Falls famous for?: It is one of India’s highest waterfalls, also known as Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi. During the monsoon season, the falls provide a spectacular picture, with rainbows appearing from time to time.
- Places nearby Jog Falls to visit: Honnemaradu, Karkala, Byndoor, Murudeshwar, Yellapur, Kemmannugundi, Hassan, Agumbe, Kudremukh, Gadag
- Best time to visit Jog Falls: Winter season in Jog falls lasts from November to February. This season is distinguished by pleasant and cool weather, with maximum temperatures about 30 C and lowest temperatures around 15 C. This is the finest time of year to visit Jog Falls for picnics, trips, and sightseeing.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The following Forts are best for trekking in Maharashtra:
1. Ratangad Fort
2. Pratapgad Fort / Pratapgarh Fort
3. Sinhagad Fort
4. Rajmachi Fort
5. Raigad Fort
6. Vikatgad / Peb Fort
7. Harischandragad Fort
Panhala Fort, Amboli, and Dandoba are some of the best spots for picnics and trekking places near Kolhapur.
No, Kolhapur is not a coastal city so it doesn’t have any beaches.
Aside from its cultural and historical significance, Kolhapur is heavily industrialized. The area is well-known for its Kolhapuri Chappals and Kolhapuri necklaces, which are vital to the region’s economy because they are made uniquely in the area and distributed internationally.
Panhala Fort, Vishalgad Fort, Amba Ghat, Amboli Waterfall, and Dandeli Hills are some of the best places for trekking near Kolhapur.