Into The Green

Walking trails in the west of India are a great summer getaway option.

Hiking is usually undertaken in the Himalaya and, because of the exodus to high altitudes in the east and north of India; trails in the west have become more attractive to those looking for communion with nature. Here are a few to get you started.

Matheran Maharashtra

At Matheran, there’s no other way to get around but walk. Despite a rush of tourists, the ban on motor vehicles has helped preserve the lushness, and keep the area free of pollution. About 2,500 ft above sea level in the Western Ghats, it is accessed easily from Mumbai (90 km) and Pune (120 km). Of the 38 look-out points, Panorama Point is the most popular because of the 360-degree view of the hills around. Louisa Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point and One-Tree-Hill Point are the other spots worth the trudge. The ecologically sensitive zone is populated by local tree species like Iokhandi, agaswel, dudhvel panphuti and hirda, and many more. Fruit like jamun and mangoes grow in these hills.

The weather is pleasantly chilly throughout the year. Vehicles are permitted up to Dasturi Naka, two kilometres before Matheran. Then, hire a pony or walk along the rail track.

Bhandardara Maharashtra

A few hours’ drive from Mumbai (about 185 km), Bhandardara is the ideal detour if you are en route to neighbouring Shirdi (90 km), Nashik (70 km) or
Trimbakeshwar. This jewel of the Sahyadri range has a sprinkling of nature retreats amidst undulating, wooded terrain. While you could drive to sightseeing locales like Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam (built in 1910), Umbrella Falls, Shivaji’s Ratnagad Fort or the Agasti Rishi ashram, the highlight of your Bhandardara experience would be a trek to Maharashtra’s highest peak— Mt. Kalsubai. It is over 5,400 ft above sea level, with a temple at the summit. The trek requires fitness, and you can opt for a gentler walk to Ratnagad Fort instead. The latter involves a boat ride over a clear lake at Ratanwadi.

Saputara Gujarat

On the Gujarat-Maharashtra border, the area around hilly Saputara abounds with waterfalls, sanctuaries and nature parks. The local government’s zeal in developing the area as Gujarat’s only hill station is apparent in the form of cable cars, step-gardens and a designated sunset/sunrise point. But fear not, you could always escape to the tiny Vansda National Park, reported to have tigers and leopards, or the relatively bigger Purna Sanctuary with its bamboo groves and walking trails. Prior permission is required for hiking and camping expeditions. Gira Waterfalls (52 km) is a nice spot to hike or picnic at, while enjoying conditions typical of this part of the ancient Dang forests. You could drive to Saputara from Mumbai (225 km) or Surat (175 km).

Chorla Ghat Goa

Forsake the sun and sand of Goa for the cool, green hills of Chorla Ghat, a great off-roading destination at the intersection of the Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra borders. About 50 km north-east of  Panaji, the sub-tropical forests of the area abound with rare species like the barred wolf-snake. Since roads into these hills are virtually non-existent, nature-lovers willing to risk taking a ride into Chorla are rewarded with nature’s bounty and total isolation, It’s a great place to spend the day watching birds and butterflies. A local nature conservation facility called Wildernest was set up with the specific intent of learning more about the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, so the area is frequented by genuine ecologists and conservationists. You can stay, take walking tours with experts, and experience nature with a handful of like-minded residents.

Panchgani Maharashtra

This hill town of Maharashtra’s Satara district derives its name from the five hills of the Sahyadri range that surround it. Just 18 km short of Mahabaleshwar, these slopes remain cool and moist through most of the year due to the altitude—over 4,000 ft above sea level. The snaking Krishna river is visible to one side, and the coastal plains to the other. The best way to enjoy these views is on foot, below the canopy of trees that shades walkways through the quaint town. British-era constructions are a common sight, and treks to the Pandavgadh Caves or the ‘Table-Land’ plateau must be undertaken. You could also spend your day learning more about organic farming at one of the commercial farms around the town. It is easily accessible from Mumbai (285 km) and Pune (100 km). Since this happens to be one of Maharashtra’s more popular tourist locales, regular bus connections to the town are also available.

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