Karjat, Maharastra

Karjat, situated in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, is a hidden gem 60 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune. This scenic town, nestled in the valley of the Ulhas River, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure sports, historical sites, and cozy farmhouses, making it an ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers.

There are gushing streams and fascinating waterfalls that one can experience in this area. 

Blessed by nature:

• Trekking and hiking trails – Situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, Karjat is quite a popular trekking destination too and the 3 leading trails lead from Matheran via Rambagh point, Peth Fort, and Chanderi Fort are trekked throughout the year. If you are up for it check out the Dhak Bahiri Cave trek too.
  For trekking in Karjat visit these recommended sites:
  https://www.thefreebird.net/treks/all-treks-near-karjat
  https://www.treksandtrails.org/collections/karjat-treks
  https://www.thrillophilia.com/cities/karjat/tags/trekking
• Waterfalls in Karjat:
  Bhivpuri Waterfalls, Karjat Falls, Vagni Falls, Bekare Falls and Palasdari Falls
  
  There’s a Sai Baba temple at Bhivpuri, that is believed to be one of the oldest and among the first temples of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.

Adventure:

– White water rafting on the Ulhas River (July-September)
– Trekking, hiking, river zipping/flying fox, zorbing, and parasailing
– Rock climbing and rappelling at Kondana Caves
– Horse riding – Tudo Cavalo, India’s sole Equine Services Company, offer a distinctive opportunity for horse riding adventures in Karjat.
– For picnic you may visit Pali Bhutivali Dam (Blackwaters).

Historical Sites:

Kondana Caves:
Located 14 km from Karjat, these ancient Buddhist caves date back to the 1st Century BC (approximately 200-100 BC). They comprise a group of 16 rock-cut caves featuring a Stupa, Chaitya (Meditation Hall), Vihara (Monastery), and numerous carved sculptures. Read One-man’s cycling trip to the Kondana Caves, an interesting blog.

Peth Fort (Kothaligad):
Located 21 km northeast of Karjat in Shahapur Taluka, Peth Fort, also known as Kothaligad, served as a defensive outpost during Sambhaji’s era. Surrounded by forts like Bhimashankar, Padargad, Rajmachi, and Siddhagad, Peth Fort offers a relatively easy trek due to its modest height and manageable ascent.

To reach Peth Fort, you can either start from Ambivli village or take a bus from Karjat station to Jambrukh village. From there, follow a path through the forest until you reach a bridge leading to Devpada hamlet. Locals can assist with directions along the way. An intriguing feature of Peth Fort is its ascent through a cave, where climbers navigate a funnel-shaped staircase carved inside the pinnacle to reach the summit.

Kondeshwar Temple:
A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in the old Hemadpanthi style. The Main temple site is surrounded by smaller shrines and a waterfall. Please avoid visiting the temple during monsoons as the area becomes slippery and dangerous.

Bhimashankar Temple: Bhimashankar Temple, situated at an impressive elevation of 3,296 feet and surrounded by lush forests, holds a special place among the 12 jyotirlingas in India. This revered pilgrimage site attracts devotees from far and wide.

Mythological legend of Bhimashankar Temple

According to ancient legend, Bhimashankar Temple is believed to be the sacred site where Lord Shiva took rest after his victorious battle against Tripurantaka, a powerful and feared demon. This mythological tale adds to the temple’s mystical aura and attracts devotees who seek to connect with the divine energy associated with Lord Shiva’s presence.

Some devotees and storytellers believe that the Bhima River, which originates near the temple, is actually formed from the sweat of Lord Shiva himself. This belief adds a layer of divinity to the river and further enhances the spiritual significance of Bhimashankar Temple.

The temple is situated within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning an area of 131 sq km, abundant with diverse flora, fauna, and numerous medicinal herbs. The sanctuary is also home to the Mahadeo Koli Tribe, who safeguard the sacred groves in the area. Watch out for the Giant Indian Squirrel, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hyena, and even a Wild Boar! Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Quaker Babbler, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Green Pigeon to name a few.

After visiting the temple, visitors can explore Hanuman Lake, Nagphani Tok (point) or the Serpent’s hood, Gupt Bhimashankar, the origin of River Bhima, Bombay Point, and Sakshi Vinayak. Nagphani Point, the highest point in Bhimashankar, resembles a cobra’s hood and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, forts of the Matheran range, and Padar Killa below.

Mahavir Jain Tremple:
Visit the elegant white Jain Temple at Mahavir Peth. This temple is meticulously crafted by the Jain community and stands out prominently as the sole Jain Temple in the region.

Visit the ND Studios:
A state-of-the-art film production center founded by Nitin Desai (a highly accomplished Production Designer/Art Director). It is famous for hosting the sets of movies like Devdas and TV series like Shivaji, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, and Jodhaa Akbar.

Stay options in Karjat

Karjat is renowned for its extensive range of accommodations, including the largest chain of farmhouses in India. Additionally, the area boasts private villas with scenic views of hills and lakes, heritage bungalows, luxurious resorts, and numerous health resorts. These beautiful accommodations offer a variety of activities such as camping, bonfires, farm trails, and barbecues for guests to enjoy.

Meher Bakery is celebrated for its fresh bread and delightful Khari biscuits, along with chocolate nankhattie! At the Irani homestay, Pervin aunty prepares nourishing home-cooked Parsi dishes. For a taste of cheesy pasta and delicious pizzas, head over to Dada’s Grill. Lucky’s Korner offers simple dhaba-style food, as well as seafood and Chinese dishes.

Meanwhile, Baba’s Diary tempts with yummy paneer parathas and a menu rich in dairy products sourced from their own dairy. Don’t forget to try their specialties like Malai sandwiches, Peda, Milk Cake, and Rabadi—a must-pack treat for the journey home!

Best Time to Visit: June-November

Distance Guide to Karjat

By Road: Karjat is well-connected with all the major National Highways (Pune, Nasik, Goa, Mumbai-Pune Expy and state highways of Raigad District and Kharghar).

• Mumbai to Karjat: 62 Kms (2-3 hours via National Highway 4/NH 4)
  Follow the Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, Sion-Panvel Expressway and Mumbai – Pune Expressway to Panvel Bypass Road in Bherle. Take the exit from Mumbai – Pune Expressway. Then, Take NH4 and MH SH 79 to your destination in Karjat.
• Pune to Karjat: 99 Kms (Via Mumbai-Pune Express Way)

By Rail: Karjat railway station is a major rail terminus, connected via local trains to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai, Khopoli and Panvel.

By Air: The nearest airports – Mumbai Airport and the Navi Mumbai International Airport (under Construction).

Other Tourist Attractions near Karjat

Matheran: 23 Kms (via Karjat – Murbad Rd and Neral – Matheran Rd)
Lonavala: 37 Kms (via Karjat Khopoli Marg and NH4)
Khandala: 34 Kms (via Karjat Khopoli Marg and NH4)
Karnala Bird Sanctuary: 36.2 Kms (via  NH4)
Aamby Valley to Karjat: 58.5 Kms (Via Karjat Khopoli Marg)
Karjat to Kolad: 78 Kms