Trekking is a sport that is gaining fast popularity in the recent days, so much so that there is a huge community who have come together sharing their love for this alternative sport. Yet, trekkers have their love for the sport divided by the kinds of terrains and places they choose as their tracks. Places of nothing-but-nature are one of the top choices to trek by a lot of people, closely followed by the love of trekking to a historical place or route.

Trekking to a place that has some bit of history attached to it often gives some trekkers their goosebumps and thrill. Knowing that you are treading along a route where kings or dynasties have left their mark is an enthralling experience in itself. Of a lot of places, Maharashtra is one place that has a range of trekking destinations laced in rich history.

Panhala to Pawan Khind trek is one of the most popular treks

Unlike the other treks, this is a popular trek as the starting point and the end point both are enriched with the bravery of the Marathas – Panhala Fort to Pawan Khind. The Maratha army took it on themselves to rescue their Great Maratha Warrior – Shivaji who was held a captive in Panhala Fort, till Pawan Khind. This route has become so popular that the Rugged Sahyadri Ultra Trail Run attracts a huge number of participants every year. The gorgeous route is a complete package with treading village backroads, through thick vegetation, and rugged trails. Mr Deepak R Harane, Regional Manager, MTDC Pune, says, “Kolhapur is blessed with the rich history and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The natural beauty, forts, and dam built by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, cascading waterfalls are the great attraction for tourists. Strong and historic fort of Panhala is closer to Kolhapur city, which reverberates with the courage of Bajiprabhu Deshpande. Shivaji Maharaj courageously escaped from the clutches of Siddhi Johar, with the help of Bajiprabhu Deshpande who was martyred during the escape. Today’s youth should not forget the bravery of Bajiprabhu Deshpande. Ruggedian has brought ‘Rugged Sahyadri’ marathon from Panhala to Pawankhind with the option to explore the tracks. We feel Panhala fort which is filled with the beauty of nature & Kolhapur district should be seen impressively on the maps of Maharashtra and India. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is whole hardheartedly supporting and assisting the Rugged Sahyadri Ultra Trail Run.”

Prabalgad Fort and Irshalgad Fortress are two popular ones in Matheran

A lot of trekkers love to go on a Matheran trek because of its amicable climatic conditions. Throughout the trekking route, there are about 28 viewpoints in different places around the area. The Prabalgad Fort and the Kalavantin Fort are the two places where the crowd flocks. The Prabalgad Fort was originally called the Murarjan before the Marathas took it over and renamed it, under Shivaji’s rule.