JUNNAR MALSHEJ GHAT

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Getting There:

Malshej ghat, with average height of 700 mts^[1] is situated in Pune district near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. It is at a distance of 130 km north of Pune and 154 km from Mumbai towards northeast. The nearest railhead is Kalyan in Thane District or Karjat near Mumbai. From Kalyan Rail Station, one can take state buses that commute frequently between Kalyan and Ahmednagar. State Bus Station is right next to the railway station. Any Ahmednagar Bound Bus will stop at Malshej Ghat. It will approximately take 1.5 hrs by Bus from Kalyan. To go to Malshej ghat by road From Pune, take Pune-Nashik highway (NH-50) to Alephata and turn left on Kalyan-Ahmednagar Highway (SH-222) towards Kalyan. From Mumbai, take NH3 to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad or take state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhar

A nice view of valleys is one of the major attraction here. The view from behind the MTDC resort is a must-see. It is also famous for dark woods and the animals inside. These animals includes tigers, leopards, rabbits and peacocks etc. But truly a famous place near Malshej Ghat is Khireshwar which is 2/3 km from rest house. Through Khireshwar village, one can visit the famous Harishchandragadh also. One of the beauties here are many waterfalls in the hilly regions. Various waterfalls from small up to the huge ones are really worth to see and many are right next to the highway.

The birthplace of legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, The Shivneri Fort is not very far (approximately 40 km) from Malshej Ghat.

• Harishchandragad
• Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
• Malshej falls
• Shivneri Fort

For Whom

        Malshej is a huge attraction for trekkers and photographers who wish to explore nature. The city is a popular weekend getaway for people from Pune and Mumbai who want to relax in a calm environment.  

Hotels In Malshej Ghat             

   As it is a small town, not a lot of accomodation options are available here. MTDC resort and a few other resorts are available here. Madh, a village 6kms away from Malshej is the best place to find accommodation at for your stay

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The pass for birds lovers

Situated in the Western Ghats, at an elevation of 750 m above sea level, Malshej is a stunning mountain pass located in Maharashtra. Favourite among bird watchers, this pristine hill station is home to a myriad of birds. The serene and tranquil environment of the hill station adds charm to the place and is rejuvenating for tourists. Popular among hikers and trekkers, the actual magic of the site is experienced while exploring the region on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene place.

Flora and Fauna

Malshej Ghat has a beautiful scenery comprised of valleys, waterfalls, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The wildlife here includes different species of tigers, leopards, rabbits, peacocks etc. Mashlej Ghat is especially popular for it avian population and it is home to many exotic birds such as the pink flamingo, alpine swift, whistling thrush, quail and purple moorhen, among others. It is thus a particular favourite among birdwatchers.

Trekking in Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is a popular trekking destination and offers a variety of exciting trekking opportunities along its scenic hilly routes and waterfalls. One can go for a bird watching trek along the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam on the beautiful Pushpawati river. The most famous tourist attraction of Malshej Ghat is the 6th-century Harischandragad Fort, located over 1400 kms above sea level. It is also frequented by devout worshippers of Lord Vishnu who come to pay their homage at the temple located here. The Buddhist caves nearby also attract many tourists. Other attractive trekking trails include rock climbing at Ajoba Hill Fort, Darkoba Peak and Jivdhan Chawan Fort.

Itinerary

Day 1: Start your day early with bird watching at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam. Visit the Shivneri Fort in the afternoon. Later you can visit Darkoba Peak.

Day 2: Trek up to Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hill Fort, Jivdhan Chawand Fort or Nane Ghat.

Restaurants and Local Food in Malshej Ghat

Being a small gateway retreat, its options for food are very limited and almost scarce. It is advisable to carry food for one day trip to Malshej or eat at the dhabbas alongside national highway on your way to the ghat.