Mumbai and Pune inhabitants are particularly interested in weekend excursions and experiences. Aside from its lovely weather, Pune drew me in by promising a lifestyle I could create for myself. It had everything, including job prospects, sports, dance, music, nightlife, friends, and outdoor activities. Having resided in Pune and Mumbai, I’ve had the opportunity to experience various sites and adventures in the Western Ghats on weekends. Maharashtra’s lengthy Konkan coastline, concealed behind the Sahyadri mountain, creates diverse scenery.  Monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are my favourite times to visit this region because the clouds descend to kiss the lush green mountain range and gorgeous streams of water flow through them.

​1. Kaas Plateau – Valley of Flowers

The Kaas Plateau is Maharashtra’s very own valley of flowers. This biodiversity hotspot is a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, with over 850 flower types blooming throughout a 10-square-kilometer area throughout the seasons. The most colorful spot in the Sahyadris is fully blooming shortly after the monsoons, around the end of September. Kass Plateau, also known as Kaas Patthar in local language, is a great weekend destination located about 125 kilometers from Pune and 280 kilometers from Mumbai, heading towards Satara. Along with the valley of flowers, you can see the Thosegar waterfall and camp at the Kaas lake. The Kaas Plateau is home to numerous endangered species, and it is the responsibility of all visitors to safeguard them and prevent extinction.

​2. Hike to Lohagad Fort

One of Maharashtra’s most famous monsoon locations is Lohagad Fort.  On monsoon weekends, nature enthusiasts of all ages, from children to seniors, can be seen hiking up to the picturesque fort. It is accessible from Malavali station on the Lonavala train route. You can begin walking from the station itself, either by following the crowd or asking for instructions from locals. The fort is accessible by a short two-hour climb. Climb the fort’s stairs for a spectacular view from the summit. A longer trek to the scorpion tail provides amazing views of the Sahyadri range. If you’re going hiking during the monsoon season, bring plenty of rain gear. On your way back, you can stop for a home-cooked local Maharashtrian lunch of zunka bhakhari and mutton. Residents of villages along the road serve food in their own homes. It’s a short, pleasant half-day hike.

3. Waterfall rappelling in Igatpuri

I had one of the most memorable experiences during the monsoons in the Sahyadris when I went waterfall rappelling. It is a 15-20 minute activity that involves hiking up to the waterfall from the backside and then descending through it. Climbing specialists plan these experiences during the monsoon season, when the waterfalls are at their best. It is difficult to travel through the heavy flow of water when the rocks are slick and the only sound you hear is the gushing waterfall. Vihigaon, Igatpuri, offers one of the best waterfalls for rappelling.

4. Trek to Rajmachi

Trekking in Sahyadris is a particularly popular pastime in the monsoons. Rajmachi Fort is one of the numerous historical forts in the Sahyadris. Rajmachi Fort consists of two fortresses: Shriwardhan and Manaranjan. The hiking route to Rajmachi begins in Lonavla. It is a highly gorgeous trip that may be completed in two days.  You can trek the first day, spend the night at one of the top homestays, visit the forts, and then descend the next day. The Rajmachi trek’s biggest feature is the waterfall. The waterfalls are some of the most pristine I’ve ever seen.

5. Camping in western ghats

The Western Ghats provide the ideal camping grounds for a fun-filled weekend. On one of these monsoon weekends, I took a long journey with my friends to Tapola Lake, located a wonderful site, set my tent, and spent the evening watching the changing colors of the sky. We talked all night while we heard the rain patter on the tent’s ceiling. It was an excellent chance to reconnect with my best friends, as we were entirely separated from everything else for the entire weekend.

6. Drive to Konkan Beaches

I’ve made numerous journeys to the various Konkan beaches in Maharashtra, including Kashid, Harihareshwar, Dapoli, Guhagar, Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, and Malvan, each with its own distinct character. While touring the stretches, I discovered some virgin beaches that are breathtakingly gorgeous.  Some beaches were so barren that I could drive my car through the softly splashing surf. Most of these beaches lack sophisticated eateries and shacks. They provide very limited food and lodging options, which helps them remain immaculate.

7. Paragliding in Panchgani / Kamshet

My first paragliding flight was at Panchgani, and it was my first time extending my wings and flying like a bird. The professional pilots take you on a tandem trip over the picturesque valley. It’s beautiful to admire the beauty of Mother Earth from 1000 feet up. I was enticed to learn to glide on my own, so I enrolled in paragliding training with Niravana Adventures in Kamshet later on.