Scenic Bhimashankar to Kothaligad Trek

The renowned temple town of Bhimashankar, located about from 110 km away from Pune is the perfect mix of natural beauty and historic sites. Bhimashankar’s beautiful temples, densely-covered forests, lush greenery and cascading waterfalls make it one of the most sought-after tourist spots near Pune.

You can reach Bhimashankar from Pune in 3 hours by taking a MSRTC bus. Or else you can go to Karjat first and take an auto from Karjat Railway Station to reach Bhimashankar. From Bhimashankar, you can reach the base village of Kothaligad via Karjat.

Kothaligad, also known as Peth Fort is located near Ambivali Village in the Karjat District. The Kothaligad trek starts at Ambivali village. The route from Ambivali to the base village of Peth has a slow ascend, and a few rocky and muddy patches. The views along this route are simply stunning, especially during monsoon, when there is an abundance of lush greenery and gushing waterfalls. After walking for about an hour, you finally reach Peth village.

From the base village of Peth, it is an easy 1 hour-climb to the top of the fort. Kothaligad is small in size but was important Military Outpost during the rule of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, utilised for storing ammunition.

Pre-monsoon and monsoon are the best times to do this trek as this is the time when the forests and the trail comes alive with the glow of fireflies. Witnessing the mesmerising natural spectacle of fireflies flying all across the region is an experience you will cherish forever.