Take a yearend trek to Malshej Ghat
Malshej ghat is about 154 km from Mumbai situated in Pune district. Malshej is near Ahmednagar also. But in Mumbai from Kalyan station it can be reached in 1.5 hrs by road via NH3 to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad or take state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhare. From Pune you need to take Pune-Nashik highway (NH-50) to Alephata and turn left on Kalyan-Ahmednagar Highway (SH-222) drive towards Kalyan.
The breathtaking site is snuggled in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats. It is a home to avian population such as quails, rails, crakes, flamingos and cuckoos. The Month of December marks the start of winter season in Malshej Ghat. Temperature ranges between 12°C to 30°C. And the winter lasts till end of February. This mountain pass has a divine clam. You will see shades of green, brown, blues due to variety of flora and fauna. The brightness of the site and the hilly terrain makes it an attractive trekking site too. It’s a superb site for hikers and trekkers. Malshej Ghat offers the trekkers a variety and number of fascinating offshoots of treks because of the breezy ambiance surrounded by dense forest; it offers challenges to daring trekkers to move through the most beautiful places around the pass. It is the perfect place to explore the peaks of hills and the dense forests of the hill station through rock climbing and trekking in winter. The wintery afternoons are simply pleasant to soak in the sunlight.
Malshej ghat is gifted with a range of mountains, waterfalls, hills and forests which as a result provides you with many places to do adventure sport and trekking. Places like the Darkoba peak, Nane ghat, Ajoba hill fort, Jivdhan chawand fort are the favorite spots for trekkers and attracts the travelers and the tourists. However 2 places you should never miss are Harishchandragadh and Nane ghat.
It is one of the most famous sites in rainy season for the fascinating rainfalls. A sightseeing tour of Malshej Ghat is particularly recommended during the monsoons when the falls become more turbulent and the gushing showers rain freshen the tress, the paths, everything in sight. If you like the falling water currents stand under some of the waterfalls; the fresh flowing unpolluted water sprays will energize you for sure. Trek into the forest surrounding Malshej Ghat which boaster verity of dense, tall stately trees, which are an amazing sight to behold. What makes Malshej attractive? It’s a nice view of valleys. The view from behind the MTDC resort is a must-see.
In the rainy seasons Harishchandragadh is a beautiful spot which consists of a wide range of waterfalls in the hilly regions. Nane ghat has its own distinct beauty to offer in different seasons. In summer and winter, when there are no clouds, the view is totally soothing and has a dreamlike experience of passing through it and the view is really captivating. Those who are spiritually inclined can take the route from the Ozar and Lenyadri where you will find two swaymbhu Ganeshas namely Ozar and Lenyadri – both are included in the Ashthavinayaka temples. Swayambhu means “self-manifested” or that which is created in its own form.
The dense forest surrounding Malshej is home to tigers, leopards, rabbits and peacocks etc. The birthplace of legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Shivneri Fort is not very far from Malshej Ghat; it’s hardly 40 kms from the place. Malshej is called the Prince of Shyadri mountain range. You should visit it to find why it is called the Prince.
The year is ending – take a short trip to Malshej to feel rejuvenated.
