Trikona :
Trikona also known as Vitandgad is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune. The village nearest to the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Trikona means “triangular” The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’, and water tanks
Sinhagad Fort :
Sinhagad (also known as Sinhgarh or Sinhgad) is a hill fortress located at around 25 km southwest to the city of Pune, India. Some of the information available at this fort suggests that the fort could have been built 2000 years ago. The caves and the carvings in the Kaundinyeshwar temple stand as proofs for the same. It is on of the famous destination for trekking for school children.
Visapur Fort :
Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than its twin fort- Lohagad. Within the fort are caves, cisterns of water, a decorated arch and old houses. These two roofless buildings surrounded by outer or veranda walls said to have once been Government offices. The ruins of the large stone-built house are known as the Peshwa’s palace. In addition to a huge carving of Hanuman, there are also several temple dedicated to him scattered all over the place. Hanuman (or Maruti) was likely the patron deity of Visapur fort.
Dukes Nose :
Dukes nose is one of the best place to visit during sunrise or sunset. Its real beauty flaunts during this time. Apart from this, it is also good for photographs as it is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys.
Kanheri Caves :
The Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments formed from a massive basalt outcrop in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on the western outskirts of Mumbai
Tungareshwar (Chinchoti) :
Tungareshwar is one of the highest mountain plateaus in Vasai. It is the temple of Lord Shiva. Students can be taken for the trek right up to the top or else can also go for a jungle trek to the famous Chinchoti waterfalls. Both these treks are enjoyable and have their own charm. No amount of written words can describe this wonderful and picturesque experience for the students.
Rajmachi Fort :
Rajmachi Fort is famous for trekking. The beautiful place has exotic natural locations as well as it being a historic site. Once the students reach the fort, they will realize that the climb was really meaningful. A deep valley on three sides and a thickly wooded lush green forest on the other surround the Rajmachi Fort. Unlike many other forts, this one can only be reached on foot, as a consequence of its quaint location. Since it looks exactly like its right out of a picture postcard, the walk till the fort is usually extremely exhilarating and overwhelmingly picturesque. Located at a distance of about 10 km away from Lonavala, this old fort probably belongs to the Yadav period and has two small forts attached to it, called ‘Shrivardhan’ and ‘Manoranjan’.
Adventure Hill Khandala :
Adventure Hill, Khandala is the sights from top are unique and magnificent as one sees a vast landscape and the winding Mumbai Pune expressway cutting through the ghats and trains chugging along the tracks. The trek starts from Khandala station itself and is a nice 3-4 hour trek takeing you to the top where a simple temple exists. Its famous for rock climbing and valley crossing activities.
Matheran :
The beautiful Sahyadri hill station of Matheran is one of the most popular trekking destinations. The rugged terrain is covered with evergreen forest. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The Louisa Point offers a crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more. You can trek either from Panvel or Neral. Neral to Matheran is an 11 km tar road trek and is an ideal trekking trail for the beginners. From the top, one can have a panoramic view of the lush plains, silver rivers, the undulating hills. The hardcore trekkers can take the Dhudani route, which is 15 km away from Panvel.
Karnala Fort :
Karnala fort (also called Funnel Hill) is a hill fort in Raigad district about 10 km from Panvel city. Currently it is a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It was a fort of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor pass which connected the Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra (Vidharba) and was the main trade route between these areas. Students can be taken at this fort for Hiking. Karnala fort actually consists of two forts one at a higher level and other lower. At the centre of the higher level is a 125 feet high basalt pillar. It is also called Pandu’s tower. This structure was used as a watchtower when the fort was occupied however now it is in a ruined condition. There is a water cistern which provides fresh water all year long. From the top the forts of Prabalgad and Rajmachi are clearly visible.
Lohagad Fort :
Lohagad Fort is one of the forts of Shivaji which is located near Pune. Lohagad in Marathi means “Iron Fort”. Trekking at this fort is very exciting. It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna rivers and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris. The Visapur fort is located on its eastern side. The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact. Historical records show that in the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnavis (1742-1800 AD) built several structures in the fort such as a big water tank and a step-well. On the west side, there is a long and narrow wall-like fortified spur called Vinchukata because of its shape. Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas. Shivaji captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury.