The moment the monsoon arrives, most of us can’t wait to plan a trek or take a drive to chase the waterfalls. But in the monsoon, this fun journey also brings a risk to life! The slippery roads, the overflowing of streams during heavy rainfalls and countless lives are lost every year due to low visibility caused by fog. Enjoying the Mumbai rains is surely a heavenly experience, but precautions and safety are a must. So, for your safety, we have created a list of the most dangerous sites in Maharashtra to avoid during the monsoon.
Here Is A List Of The Most Dangerous Sites In Maharashtra To Avoid During Monsoon
1. Chanderi Fort Trek
Chanderi Fort Trek, near Badlapur, is considered one of the most difficult treks to hike. This fort holds a rich historical significance, as the Chanderi Fort was once under the rule of the Marathas. Why is it risky to visit this fort during the monsoon? The roads to reach the base village, Chinchvali, are in poor condition. The terrain is very slippery with loose rocks, and the hill is inclined at an 80-degree angle, making it tough to climb. Many incidents have happened in the past where people either got lost because of the confusing route, lost their lives, or had to be rescued by the police.
2. Harihar Fort Trek
Harihar Fort is one of the most challenging and dangerous treks in Maharashtra, especially to be avoided during the monsoon season. Also known as Harihar Kila or Harshagad, this fort in Nashik will surely offer you breathtaking and panoramic views of the Sahyadri Hills, but it is also one of the most dangerous trails. From the base village, the fort seems rectangular, leading many people to think it is easy to climb. However, the actual shape of the fort is built on a triangular prism of rock. The fort is often crowded during weekends, making it difficult to climb the rock-cut steps, and for safety concerns, it remains closed during the peak monsoon season.
3. Kalavantin Durg Trek
This place in Mumbai is prone to accidents, as people might fall off the hill because of the overcrowding during the weekends. The lush greenery and small cascades will surely offer an immersive experience, but it is one of the most dangerous sites in Maharashtra that you should avoid visiting during the monsoon. The hike here is difficult because the hills are steep and slippery without any barricades that could protect you from falling. So, nature lovers, plan accordingly, as this fort is not safe, and people often stand in queues to climb, making it less spacious.
4. Tikona Fort
Monsoon season often brings with it unfortunate news of accidents, particularly from tourist areas like Lonavala. To reach the hilltop, you need to climb the narrow and steep paths, which are challenging and life-threatening. Tikona Fort gets its name from the triangular (‘Trikon’) shape of the hill it stands on. For when it is safe to visit, the fort provides a historical backdrop, as it was sieged by the Maratha rulers in the bygone era. History buffs can explore the caves, water tanks, and temples. It also offers a lake view of Pavana Dam from the top.
5. Chinchoti Waterfalls
Waterfalls have always been risky during the rainy season, as the water currents can instantly become unimaginably strong. We’ve all heard or read the news, where one moment it’s calm, and the very next moment, the water rises, and people don’t even get a chance to escape. It just takes 20 minutes of heavy rainfall, and the place turns into a flood-prone zone. The waterfall is located inside a dense forest, which makes it difficult for the rescue operations, too. Many tourists have been stuck here or swept away in the deep pools, thereby making it one of the most dangerous sites in Maharashtra.
6. Prabalgad Fort
If you’re not a professional trekker, then climbing Prabalgad Fort is quite challenging. During the monsoon, the Prabalgad fort that stands at an elevation of 2,300 feet gets foggy and makes it difficult to climb the steep slopes. Back in 2023, according to the Times of India, a married woman died after falling from 200 feet while clicking selfies. Horrifying news of accidents will never stop, but taking precautions for your safety should be your priority. Visible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, this fort is a favoured and accessible spot for weekend outings among Mumbaikars. However, it’s best to avoid visiting Prabalgad Fort to stay safe and avoid unnecessary trouble.
7. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is at the top of the list when you search for the most difficult treks in Mumbai. It usually takes two days for the trekkers to finish their trail (ascend and descend). Back in history, this fort was famous among the Maratha rulers, from where they used to keep an eye on the trade between the Mumbai and Pune Highway. According to the Times of India, rural police have imposed restrictions, prohibiting trekkers from hiking the Rajmachi Fort during nighttime hours. The flash flooding in the ponds at this fort has even taken the life of a 21-year-old trekker, reported the Indian Express. With so many tragic incidents already occurring in the past, this site is surely the most dangerous site that you should avoid during the monsoon season.
8. Dhak Bahiri Trek
The Dhak Bahiri Trek is one of the most difficult treks to do because of its steep incline hills. One wrong step can lead you to tumbling down the mountainside in seconds. With no protection on the edges to climb, the approximate time to reach the Dhak Bahiri Caves on top will take 6-7 hours. At the hilltop, mesmerising and serene views will amaze you, but heading to the caves is quite scary too. The slippery surface during heavy rains makes it unmanageable to hike. It’s better to stay at home and avoid taking risks during the peak monsoon season.
Also Read: 5 Beginner-Friendly Treks In And Around Mumbai That You Should Try
9. Pandavkada Falls
This waterfall in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, is considered unsafe due to the lack of safety measures and its vulnerability to flooding during heavy rains. This spot is declared as the most dangerous site by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). This site is considered dangerous because 12 students lost their lives here in 2010 by drowning in the waterfalls. Local police usually do not allow tourists to visit during peak monsoon season, and even if you wish to visit, you have to hike at your own risk.
10. Alang Madan Kulang Trek
Alang Madan Kulang, also known as the ‘AMK’ trek, is one of the toughest trekking spots. To hike, one should have mountaineering knowledge and must be aware of how to use the climbing equipment. Unlike most trekking sites that have stone-cut steps, this one requires proper rope-climbing equipment, as there’s no alternate route to reach the top. The unpredictable climate in the monsoon season adds a higher level of risk to your trek. It’s best to avoid such risky sites during the monsoon in Mumbai.
Also Read: 8 Offbeat Things To Do In Goa During Monsoon
11. Gorakhgad Fort
This fort has small, narrow pathways and does not have enough space to accommodate a massive crowd. Monsoon weekends in Mumbai usually mean escaping to the hills, soaking in the serene beauty and getting lost amidst the clouds, right? During this time, people often forget to prioritise their safety and hiking here during the weekends will make you feel as if you’re walking in the bustling streets of Mumbai. One has to always keep an eye on their footsteps as the terrain is steep and rocky.
12. Tamhini Ghat
Located near the Western Ghats, Tamhini Ghat stretches between the bustling city of Pune and the tranquil town of Mulshi. The ghat comes alive during the rainy season with lush greenery and small cascades all around. Highways are often prone to accidents because of heavy traffic in Mumbai, and a recent major accident of a hydraulic tanker happened on these ghats in 2025. Avoid trekking here in the monsoon as the dense forests and slippery paths will make it difficult to hike.
As tempting as monsoon getaways might seem, it’s always better to prioritise safety over adventure. These sites, though scenic, may turn extremely risky during heavy rains. So, stay home and save these trips for safer seasons.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia/