Karjat, in the Sahyadri foothills between Mumbai and Pune, is a popular weekend trekking and camping base thanks to its cluster of accessible hill forts.
Top Attractions
- Kondana Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Karjat, dating back roughly 2,000 years, less visited than Maharashtra's more famous cave sites.
- Kothaligad Fort: A moderate trek to a hill fort known for its distinctive rock-cut staircase carved into a massive boulder near the summit.
- Rajmachi Fort: A popular trekking destination accessible from Karjat, with twin forts (Shrivardhan and Manaranjan) and a well-known camping trail.
- Ulhas Valley: The scenic valley surrounding Karjat, especially dramatic and green during the monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for lush monsoon trekking scenery, or October to February for drier, more comfortable trail conditions.
How to Reach
Karjat is on the Mumbai-Pune suburban and mainline railway, roughly 65 km from Mumbai.
