If you are planning a one day picnic around Pune or even around Mumbai, Malshej Ghat is one of the best destinations. The site is perched in the craggy hills of the famous Western Ghat. Any time a trip to Malshej Ghat could be arranged; but during the rains and that too in the months of August and September when the greenery and the scenery in and around Malshej are at its best, you shouldn’t miss the sight.

During the rainy season the hills and mountains all around are clad in the lush green shade of grass and thus the area becomes an irresistible temptation for the tourists and trekkers. The misty tops and the cold cascades of Malshej Ghat invite the lovers of nature to this excellent weekend getaway.

Malshej Ghat lies in the Pune district and not too far from Ahmednagar and Thane districts. To be precise it is 130 km to the north of Pune and 154km Northeast of South Mumbai. If you are going to Malshej from Pune, go on NH50 Pune-Nasik Highway and take a left turn at Narayangaon and pass through Junnar. Instead of hiring an auto rickshaw which would be the costliest option of all, one should avail of the bus service from Pune available at regular intervals of time.

The unending rolling hills of Malshej Ghat offer a thrilling experience which every trekker dreams of. When the dense fog covers the hills, trekking may prove dangerous. As compared to most of the other tourist spots in and around Pune, Malshej Ghat is devoid of the mad rush of misbehaving tourists and hence preferred by the nature lovers for blissful weekends.

Hundreds of different species of birds nestle in the hills of Malshej Ghat. But especially during the rains this shelter of birds turns into their graveyard as in the heavy gusts of wind these birds hit against the big cliffs of mountains and die. Many more get disoriented in the heavy rains.

As the Ghat is one of the remotest areas, you won’t find too many good places for accommodation here. But a resort Flamingo Hill run by MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) is a good option. Apart from that there are a few private resorts available at cheaper rates. The rates however may hike during the rainy season when the rush is at its peak.

You must plan a trip to Malshej Ghat and enjoy some of the valuable moments of your life.

If you have visited Malshej Ghat in Pune, please tell us more about it through comment.