Top 7 attractions to visit near Karjat during monsoon

Kondana Caves Trek: 

Kondana Caves situated in Karjat offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers. Ancient rock-cut
caves, Kondana Caves are very famous Buddhist caves. These caves enclose sculptures, vihara, chaitya, and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture. There was
a natural disaster in the form of an earthquake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and
floor of the caves were damaged. These ancient caves attract lots of tourists and Buddhist devotees all
through the year. Kondana Caves is around 15 KM from Karjat.

Kondane Caves Trek Event Details

• Kondana caves trek difficulty level: Easy.

• Base village Kondana caves: Kondhane.

• Kondana caves height: 60m above Sea Level (Approx.).

• The time required climbing Kondana caves: 1 hour (one way).

Irshalgad Trek:

Irshalgad derived its name from Irshal that means the top and 'gad' means the fort. This fort served as a watchtower in previous times due to its pinnacle. It was easy to keep a check over enemy movements around the fort. This trek to Irshalgad fort will test your endurance all through the trek putting forth various inclines and flat trails.

Irashalgad Fort Details

• Location - Between Matheran and Panvel

• Elevation - 3700 feet above sea level

• Difficulty level - high

Bhimashankar Trek:

Established in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and covering an expanse of around 120 km at an altitude of 3400 feet high up in the mountains. There is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva amidst the forest of the impenetrable jungle which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India that draws pilgrims and followers.

Bhimashankar is of prominent religious significance, and one can witness packs of believers touring here during the month of Shravan. It is said that Lord Shiva killed Rakshas Tripurasura after getting angry. The heat created from their battle created the source of river Bhima. That is why it is described as the Bhimashankar. The Bhimashankar temple is a composite of old and the new architecture. It is a modest yet graceful temple, and it dates back to the 18th century.

Matheran Trek: 

One Tree Hill Point Trek

Matheran is one of the smallest hill stations in India. Located at an elevation of 2625 feet above sea level. It is well connected by Mumbai and Pune. Matheran's proximity to both cities makes it a popular weekend getaway. Matheran means forest on the forehead of the mountains is an eco-sensitive region. It is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station.

One Tree Hill Point is famous in Matheran as it has one tree growing only on top of the hill. Matheran is famous for Horse Riding, Herping, Bird Watching, Handicrafts it has an old-world charm to it where time has stood still. Matheran jungle trek was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850.

Treks In Matheran Event Details

One Tree Hill  Matheran Point Trek Grade: Easy

Matheran One Tree Hill Point Trek Endurance Level: Medium

Height of Mountain: 2600 feet approx.

Location: Matheran, one tree hill Karjat

One Tree Hill Point Matheran Trek time required for climbing: 3 hours

One Tree Hill Point Trek Distance: 8 kms

Peb Fort Trek: 

Trekking near Mumbai to Peb Fort or Vikatgad around four km from Neral Railway Station. Peb Fort is a delightful trek in the Monsoon season. Also known as the Vikatgad Trek, the hike passes through a local village and many waterfalls. The Trek near the Foothills of Matheran's offers all that a trekker can ask for climbing ladders, navigating rock patches, ancient caves, dense forest, ridge walking, pleasant weather. Peb Fort Trek can be combined with a Matheran visit, or you can trek till Panorama point Matheran. Excellent for new trekkers, a village guide or guided tour will make the Trek more enjoyable. 

Peb Fort History

It is assumed that this fort derived its name Peb from the 'Goddess Pebi' at the base of the fort. Historical references indicate that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort as silos for grain storage.

The cave on the fort is occupied by disciples of Swami Samarth, a great saint. They have contributed a lot to the development of this fort for the last ten years. They have managed successfully to keep the cave and the fort clean and maintained the dignity of the Peb fort. Near to this cave are meditation caverns, which are underground. These caverns are still in good condition. One has to crawl into these, and only one man can enter at one time. 

In monsoon, two of these are filled with water. On the top, we can go by climbing the fort's wall; On the top, we can see some remnants. The main attraction here is the bastion on the topmost part. Bastion faces the mountain of Matheran. Here we can see the ridge connecting the mountains of Matheran and Peb. When we stand here, we feel like to be at the top of the world.

On the other side of the fort is a temple of a deity. Here is a big cistern. The disciples are constructing a good temple here. We can reside here for some time. The beautiful waterfall on the way is the main attraction here. The surrounding scenery looks marvellous from the cave in the monsoon. We also see the pinnacles of Navara-Navari, Bhatoba and Irshalgad Fort, and Chanderi Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Kalavantin Durg and Malanggad and also Nakhind Ridge. This trekking is pleasant in all seasons.

Peb Fort Trek Event Details

• Peb Fort Height is 2100 feet above sea level

• Peb Fort Type is Hill Fort

• District Raigad

• Peb Fort Trek Difficulty is Medium and Risky 

• Peb Trek nearest railway station is Neral