Few tourist destinations exist in India where one can truly enjoy the monsoons and, one such destination is Malshej Ghat a mountain pass located in the Western Ghats in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This mountain pass is at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. It is famous for its beautifully flowing waterfalls and the magnificent view of the fog covered green valley. The landscape of this beautiful mountain pass is also such that it attracts a large trekker and bikers every year. This mountain pass is also known for a variety of exotic birds particularly Flamingoes. This beautiful and scenic mountain pass is also known to receive heavy rainfall. So if you are nature lover, a bird watcher, or an adventure enthusiast then “MalshejGhat” is certainly a destination that you need to explore.
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How to reach Malshej Ghat ?
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Malshej Ghat Map
By train:
The closest railway station to Malshej Ghat is in Kalyan. The Kalyan Railway Station is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad etc.
By road:
There are a number of Maharashtra State owned buses that are operate from Kalyan to Ahmednagar that can be used to travel to Malshej Ghat. Ahmednagar and Mumbai are starting points located in close proximity to Malshej Ghat.
a. How to reach Malshej Ghat from Ahmednagar : The shortest route to reach Malshej Ghat from Ahmednagar is via NH61 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Malshej Ghat from Mumbai : There fastest route from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat via NH61 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By air:
The closest airport to MalshejGhat is in Mumbai. The ChhatrapatiShivaji International Airport, in Mumbai is approximately a three hour drive from MalshejGhat. This airport is also well connected to most of the major cities in the country. Taxi services from the Mumbai airport to MalshejGhat are available.
Climate and the best time to visit Malshej Ghat
The temperature during the summer months of March to May ranges 22 degrees to 40 degrees and can be extremely hot. During monsoons which begin in June and end in November heavy rainfall is witnessed. While during the winter months of December to February the temperature ranges from 12 degrees to 30 degrees. The best time to visit is during winter and monsoons.
Places To Visit Around Malshej Ghat
Shivneri fort: The birth place of Shivaji is located about 25 kms from the Ghat. Located 3,500 feet above sea level, the fort has a temple inside and is very well maintained. At the foot of the fort is the Junnar town. This area is covered with dense forests and has a sizeable leopard population.
Khireshwar village, Harishchandraghad: This is an ideal base for a trek, just 10 kms off Malshej. A 9-km climb will take you to the top, an ideal spot for viewing the cloud bursts.
The Taramati Peak: The second highest in Maharashtra is located in these hills. Other forts located here are the Tringalwadi Fort dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Avandha Fort known for its rock-cut caves.
ShriVigneshwar Temple: An AstaVinayaka (Ganesh) Temple famous for its golden dome is located at Ozar, about 35 kms from the Ghat.
ShriGirijatmaj (mountain-born) temple: Yetanother templededicated to Lord Ganesha is one of the 30 Buddhist caves located in Lenyadri near Junnar town in Pune district. This temple is situated 35 kms away and is an important place of worship as part of the AshtaVinayaka (8 temples where Ganesha is worshipped) destinations in Maharashtra. The Shivneri fort is visible from this location.
Lakes in Malshej: Arescenic and worth the visit. It is also a popular spot for shooting movies.
Pimpalgaon – Joga dam: Is a dam builtover the Pushpavathi River about 10 minutes from the Ghat. It is famous for bird species like flamingos, quail, whistling thrush, alpine swift, cuckoo, and green pigeon. Is also ideal location for a bird watcher.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Malshej Ghat :
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra on Google Maps.
Also Read: TOP 10 HILL STATIONS IN THE WESTERN GHATS