If Delhi has the hills of Himachal, Mumbai has the ghats of Maharashtra. Long weekends for Mumbaikars are incomplete without a weekend trip to either Lonavla or Karjat. While Lonavla is a good option if you are looking to just soak in the ghat views and chill with a gang of friends or bae, Karjat pushes the envelope a little further by throwing in the charm of adventure.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a Mumbaikar or Punekar who has not been to Karjat, once a favourite of Buddhist monks, at least a dozen times in their life. And why not? It’s a great place to just drive down to during the weekend and explore the outdoors. Or just find a good property and chill with the fam. But can you call yourself a Karjat veteran even though you may have been there more than a few times? Let’s see how many in this checklist you can tick off.

Done the Rajmachi Trek
This trek is especially beautiful just after or during the monsoon. The route is surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. The end reward? Exploring the fascinating Kondana Caves, home to beautifully-carved Buddhist stupas and sculptures. And yes, it’s a super-easy trek to do.

Camped at Ulhas Valley

 

 

 

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Have you ever ditched the fancy homestays for the raw beauty that Ulhas Valley in Kune village is? And camped there in the lap of nature, surrounded by pretty streams and rushing waterfalls? Yes? Well, your Karjat trip has been a good one then.

Gone off the route to Bhor Ghat

It would take an adventurous soul to visit the hills of Bhor Ghat, a section which falls in between Khandala and Karjat (best of both worlds, see?). Once you criss-cross across the dense forest to reach the top of these hills located along the Konkan coast, we guarantee you the view of a lifetime. 

Been to the Pali Bhutivali Dam
Liked the waterfalls at Bhivpuri? Okay then, have you been a little further to the still under construction Pali Bhutivali Dam? With misty hills and waterfalls surrounding the lake, this gorgeous place in the small town of Diksal will legit give you a teeny bit Ladakh feels, minus the snow.  

Climbed up to the Bahiri Caves

 

 

 

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This one is definitely not for the fainthearted. You will have to climb a long wall to reach the Bahiri Caves near Ulhas Valley. Once you climb up, you get spectacular views of the Sahyadri mountains, and the twin posts of Rajmachi and Shrivardhan.

Visited the Kondeshwar Temple
It doesn’t matter whether you are religious or spiritual, a visit to this ancient temple which is situated on the banks of a river will give you all that inner peace you have been seeking.

 

 

 

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Built at the lap of the Sahyadri mountains in Bhoj in Karjat, this stunning temple boasts of rock-sculpted architecture that will leave you wide-eyed. Have you also been to the Kondeshwar lake nearby?

So, how did it go? Are you a Karjat veteran?