The monsoon season is here. And while it’s the perfect time to enjoy chai pakoda on your balcony while soaking in the pouring rains, you know what else it’s time for! You guessed it right-time for monsoon treks. Trekking in the rainy season takes adventure to a whole new level. It’s the perfect time to inhale the smell of fresh soil and witness lush greenery and gushing waterfalls. And I have embarked on 5 of the deadliest monsoon treks in India, and here’s why you must too!
1. Harihar Fort, Nashik
Nestled 40 km away from Nashik city, Harihar Fort sits 3600 feet above sea level. This is one of the most challenging treks in India due to its vertical staircase which is almost 80 degrees. The trek to Harihar Fort is divided into two parts-base village to the plateau and from the plateau to the top. While it’s a short trek, it’s certainly very demanding. The last 200 feet of the hike are the most nerve-wracking as it involves trekking through steep rock-cut stairs.
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2. Kondana Caves, Karjat
A trek to Kondana caves, reminded our Chief Editor Kamiya Jani of the Amazon. But why visit Amazon when Maharashtra is so beautiful right? Don your trekking shoes and go on an adventurous monsoon trek to Kondana Caves. Perched 33 km away from Lonavala and just 15 km away from Karjat, these caves were discovered in the 1st century BC. This is a cave group comprising 16 Buddhist caves. Reach the stunning caves by embarking on an adventurous monsoon trek from Rajmachi village.
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3. Laitlum Canyon, Meghalaya
If you wish to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Shillong, there’s no place better than the Laitlum Canyon, nestled 20 km from the capital city. Laitlum Canyon offers hiking trails that will offer you stunning views of the mountains, grasslands and valleys. During the monsoons, it’s foggy and quite a scary view of steep gorges below. Laitlum translates to ‘end of hills’, and it definitely does justice to this name.
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4. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya
Living Root Bridges are one of the most popular tourist spots in Meghalaya. A sight to behold, these bridges are built by weaving together the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. The 100 percent naturally made bridges are so strong that they can hold the weight of 35 people at a time. The double-decker bridge in Cherrapunji is the most famous one. To reach the bridges you need to trek through the dense forests of Meghalaya. During the monsoon season, it’s quite a cumbersome yet satisfying trek.
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5. Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Mussoorie
Jabarkhet Nature Reserve is a private forest reserve in Mussoorie that offers tourists various experiences like wildlife viewing, hiking trails and nature viewing. You can definitely add Jabarkhet Nature Reserve to your list of natural attractions to explore in the Queen of Hills. Your monsoon trekking experience is made memorable by professional guides who’d help you navigate the dense forests and get up close to nature in style.
First Published: July 04, 2022 5:55 PM