One-day treks in Maharashtra
Asherigad, Palghar
Built by Raja Bhoj of the Shilahara Dynasty nearly 800 years ago, Asherigad towers above the other forts in the Palghar region due to its sheer size and height. It takes approx 1.5 hrs to reach the col and then half an hour to reach the top. Remains of settlements, a ruined entrance, fortification symbols, an ancient Portuguese shield, water cisterns, lakes, a cave and a temple are the things to see on top, apart from views of the Adasul & Kohoj forts.

Duke's Nose, Khandala
As one drives up to Khandala, Duke's Nose is hard to miss. It is the prominent rock structure which looms to the right - the very top of this is our destination! Legend has it that it was named after the Duke of Wellington whose nose allegedly resembled the shape of the cliff. The trek starts at Kurvande village, after which the walk becomes slightly steeper stepping over craggy rocks to scale the top. This is a beautiful trek especially when accompanied by wind and rain

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Trek to Kondana Caves, Karjat
The Kondana Caves are 2000-year-old Buddhist caves at the base of Borghat in the Ulhas river valley near Karjat. They retain the interior and octagonal pillars of the Chaitya facade, all of which indicate B. C. antiquity. During the monsoons, there are several waterfalls around, one right across the cave. The trek to the caves meanders through a dense forest and takes at the most 2 hours. A trek steeped in history!

Umberkhind Trek, Lonavala
This is a trek steeped in history. It is in these ravines or "khind" that Shivaji Maharaj defeated the Uzbek general Kartalab Khan by trapping, ambushing and attacking his armies from all sides in the dense forests. We retrace his steps by The trek starts from Umberkhind, where we cross meadows and streams and climb to reach the plateau below Duke's Nose. A trek that combines all kinds of terrain and makes the most of the rains! The total walking duration is 4 to 6 hours.

Travel essentials

5 essential things one should take on a trek
On a trek, it is very important to carry certain things with you to ensure maximum comfort and safety in the outdoors. This way, you can make the most out of your time in the outdoors.

Safety tips to keep in mind while going for a trek
The outdoor is a wonderful and magical place! On a trek, you get to discover its many facets. However, it is not without its fair share of risks. Nature is very unpredictable - if you are not cautious, things can go wrong before you even realising it! Hence it is necessary to be as cautious as you can.

Here are some tips for safety during a trek

Three things one learns from a trek
Apart from being a very popular adventure activity, trekking is a great way to explore the outdoors no matter what your age. Who doesn’t love spending some time in the midst of nature, soaking in some fresh air and being absolutely rejuvenated? Trekking apart from being a great stress-buster and rejuvenator, also gives some very important life lessons. It is aptly said that there is no greater teacher than the outdoors - trekking is a real-life example of this. Milind Bhide, Founder, Countryside Adventure Holidays tells you what exactly is there to benefit from a trek.

Awareness of, and appreciation for the world outside:
There exists a whole other world apart from our glowing smartphone and laptop screens, and a trek is the best way to discover it. Going on a trek instills in us a renewed sense of appreciation for the environment - for the verdant hills, for the fresh air, and the beauty of nature. It teaches us to enjoy the small things - a starry sky, sunrises, sunsets, and grass beneath our feet.
Trekking gives us an insight into virtually every aspect of the region - be it the history, geography or culture or simply being away from the cacophony of urban life. All of this collectively contributes to broadening our horizons and making us well-rounded human beings.

Team building skills and confidence:
On a trek, you have to follow a set of rules and regulations and abide by safety guidelines. One such rule is always keeping your eyes and ears open, and looking out for the person walking in front of you. This instills a sense of responsibility in each person to ensure the safety of the group as a whole.

Improved health and strength:
The health benefits of trekking are numerous. The walking involved is a good form of exercise that increases cardiovascular strength and endurance. Being in the outdoors improves your immunity and stamina.

Also Read: Planning to go for a trek to Himalayas? Here's what you need to carry

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