Trekking in Kamshet

There are several trekking trails in Kamshet. Here are some of the more popular trails that you must not miss when you are in this hill-town:

1. Tikona Fort

- Tikona Fort is not only a picturesque viewpoint in the Western Ghats but also one of the most historically significant places in the region.
- The intricately constructed fort offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and the beautiful Pawna Lake.
- You can avail treks to Tikona Fort from Mumbai and Pune where you can maneuver your way through challenging as well as serene landscapes.
- A local guide, who will assist you through the trek will also help you learn more about the history and geography of the place.

Location: Tikona, Tikonapeth Tal, dist Mulshi, Maharashtra 412108

Price: 1,000 INR approx.

2. Visapur Fort Day Trek

- Visapur Fort is another historical fort that was originally built in the 18th century. However, it has since remained a historical attraction and is now frequented by trekkers and adventure-seekers from across the country.
- A trek to the summit of the hill on which the fort is located is both pleasant and versatile.
- One has to climb a semi-steep hill and a forest to get to the destination from where you can get the majestic views of the surrounding areas.
- This trek also includes a jeep ride that you can sign up for, to tour the surrounding greenery.

Location: Malavli, Maharashtra 410406

Price: 1,200 INR

3. Pawna Lake trek

- Pawna Lake is a man-made lake which is a popular camping and trekking site in the area.
- It is one of the most picturesque and scenic attractions in Kamshet and is known for the golden sunsets that occur on the horizon of the lake. 
- If you plan to go trekking but you are not looking for something very physically taxing, then you can definitely check out the trek that occurs on the banks of the Pawna Lake.
- You can trek through the adjoining jungles and plateaus and observe the beauty of the lake from various vantage points before converging on the banks of the lake once again, at the time of sunset.

Location: 17-22 kilometres from Kamshet railway station and Lonavala

Price: 2,200 INR approx.

4. Trek to Bedse caves

- The Bedse Caves are one of the oldest standing structures in the area, dating back to the 1st century BC. It is a group of Buddhist caves, which are entirely carved out of rocks and from the face of the mountain on which they rest.
- The caves face eastward, which is the direction in which prayers used to occur.
- Located at a distance of 30km from Kamshet, a trek to these caves is both an exciting and rewarding experience.
- Most people travel to these caves for the altitude that offers some of the most beautiful sunrise views you will ever witness.

Location: 30 km from Kamshet

Price: 1,800 INR approx.

5. Bhairi Caves

- One of the most versatile tours and treks you can take when you are in Kamshet includes the trek to the Bhairi caves, which is also a popular campsite. However, the trek to and from the caves is what makes the experience truly rewarding.
- The Bhairi Caves are a series of caves carved into the face of a mountain that can accommodate about 50-100 people at a time, making it ideal for trekking and camping.
- To reach the caves, you have to trek through lush green forests, a scenic plateau and then a slightly steep hill as well which you have to climb to reach the caves.

Location: 8km from Jambhivali village

Price: 1,800 INR approx.

The best time to go trekking in Kamshet is during winter, which lasts from December to February. You can also visit during the autumn season which is between October and December as it sees the least amount of rainfall.

Summer: The summer months in the area last from March and April, and although they are very short in duration, they are very intense. The temperature during summers can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius during the day, making it hot and humid. Although trekking is feasible during this time, it is still avoided because of the heat and humidity.

Monsoon: Monsoon occurs in the region from May to November, when the Western Ghats experience some of the heaviest rainfall in the country. Ideally one should avoid trekking during this time because the terrain is muddy and slippery, the hills are wet and the overall climate remains misty.

Winter: The best time to go trekking in Kamshet is during winter, which is between December and February when the weather is cool and pleasant and the terrain is dry and ideal for the activity.

Irrespective of your expertise in the activity, trekking in Kamshet is very safe. There are areas and trekking trails that cater to everyone- starting from novices to expert trekkers and climbers.

When you book your trek, you can also avail of the services of a local guide who will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure maximum safety.

To prepare yourself for trekking in Kamshet, make sure you research thoroughly about the weather and landscape of the place before you go. Kamshet is a relatively rainy area which sees heavy rainfall through most part of the year.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, it is best to travel during the safest time, which is winter. It is also important for you to carry the necessary equipment and clothing to make your trip a comfortable one.

If garbage is produced during the trek, make sure you do not litter. There will be bags and baskets that will be provided for the proper disposal of your food packets and other litter.

If you have to dispose-off something during the trip, then it is recommended that you keep the item with you till you reach a resting point where you can dispose of it in a proper trash can.

Kamshet is a small hill-town that is located on the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is at a distance of about 45 km from the city of Pune, and around 210 km away from Mumbai. It is easily accessible through various modes of transportation including cars and buses.

By bus: If you are planning to go trekking in Kamshet, you can book a bus from Pune or Mumbai. There are regular buses that travel to the area at frequent intervals, and a journey of 2-5 hours should allow you to reach Kamshet without any hassle.

By road: If you are traveling to Kamshet from Mumbai or Pune, you can also book a car or a taxi. The town is located on the Mumbai-Pune Highway and is very easy to locate, making it very convenient to travel to the hill station by car- whether it is your own or hired.

By train: The station that is nearest to Kamshet is located in Lonavala. There are lots of trains throughout the day that come from all parts of the country and stop at Lonavala station.

From there, you can hire a car which will take you to Kamshet after a short drive of 17km. You can also hire a car from the railway station at Pune, or even Dadar Railway station in Mumbai, although that entails a longer drive.