Note : – These routes have not been tested personally . Explore at your own risk .
The Kharghar Hill Base trek is an accessible and scenic trail in Navi Mumbai, popular with locals for its pleasant nature and views. It’s a moderate trek, suitable for most fitness levels, with various access points offering different challenges, including a main route near the Sector 35 Golf Course entrance and another near the Gurudwara by Owe Village. The best time to visit is typically during the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-October) to see seasonal waterfalls.
Trekking routes
Several starting points offer different trekking experiences and difficulty levels:
Sector 35 Entry Point
: This is a popular and well-regarded option, as it provides a moderately challenging trek with excellent views. It is located near Hyde Park Society in Sector 35G.
Kharghar Hill Base Trail
: An out-and-back trail, this route is about 6.8 miles (approx. 11 km) and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. It begins near the Sector 7 Metro Station on the Sion Panvel Highway.
RBI Colony (Belapur Entry)
: This is considered the easiest path but takes a bit more time. The trail starts from near the RBI Colony Metro Station and passes the CIDCO Nature Tourism Centre.
RBI Colony, Sector 3A, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
CIDCO Nature Tourism Centre, Fanaspada, 323W+HFQ, Forest Area, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Kharghar (Owe Village) Loop
: This is an easier 3-mile loop (approx. 5 km) that begins near the Kharghar Gurudwara. It’s suitable for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.
Kharghar Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha, 3367+HM3, Owe Camp, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Getting Started
Meeting Point:
Many guided treks start at Kharghar railway station at 8 AM, with the trek beginning at the base shortly after.
Trek Entry Points:
Sector 35 Entry: This is the most recommended path, offering a slightly challenging ascent and great views of Navi Mumbai.
Gurudwara Entry: A path starting near the Kharghar Gurudwara at Owe Village provides a different route with good bird-watching opportunities.
Best Time to Visit:
While it’s an evergreen place for adventure, the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-October) is especially beautiful, with lush greenery and small waterfalls.
The Trek Experience
Difficulty:
The Kharghar Hill Base trek is generally considered moderate, featuring gradual climbs and some natural obstacles like roots and rocks.
Duration:
A moderate hike can take around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete, though this can vary depending on the specific route and your pace.
Highlights:
Views: From the top, you can get breathtaking panoramic views of Navi Mumbai and the surrounding area.
Nature: The hills are home to beautiful green environments, diverse birdlife, and various trees.
Waterfalls: During the monsoon, you can witness small streams and waterfalls cascading down the hills.
Important Tips
Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Hydration: Carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
Respect Nature: Please dispose of your waste responsibly and be mindful of the natural surroundings.
Guided Treks: Consider joining guided treks offered by local groups for an organized experience, which may include breakfast and transport from the station.
Kharghar Hill Base trek
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The Kharghar Hill trek
offers a refreshing and accessible escape into nature in Navi Mumbai, with lush greenery and scenic views. The trails are generally considered easy to moderate and are ideal for beginners and casual hikers. The monsoon season is the most picturesque time to visit, but extra caution is needed due to slippery and unstable trails.
Trekking routes
Several starting points offer different trekking experiences and difficulty levels:
Sector 35 Entry Point
: This is a popular and well-regarded option, as it provides a moderately challenging trek with excellent views. It is located near Hyde Park Society in Sector 35G.
Kharghar Hill Base Trail
: An out-and-back trail, this route is about 6.8 miles (approx. 11 km) and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. It begins near the Sector 7 Metro Station on the Sion Panvel Highway.
RBI Colony (Belapur Entry)
: This is considered the easiest path but takes a bit more time. The trail starts from near the RBI Colony Metro Station and passes the CIDCO Nature Tourism Centre.
Kharghar (Owe Village) Loop
: This is an easier 3-mile loop (approx. 5 km) that begins near the Kharghar Gurudwara. It’s suitable for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.
Best time to visit
While the hills are accessible year-round, the experience varies by season.
Monsoon (July to early September): The most popular time to visit, when the landscape is lush and seasonal waterfalls like Pandavkada and Arjun Kada are in full flow. Due to potential landslides and very slippery paths, official restrictions may be in place during heavy rains.
Post-Monsoon (September to December): The hills remain green, but the trails are drier and safer for trekking.
Morning (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.): The best time of day to avoid crowds, especially on weekdays. The heat can become intense after noon.
What to see and do
Waterfalls: During the monsoon, visitors can see the seasonal Pandavkada and Arjun Kada waterfalls. However, access to the base of Pandavkada is often restricted due to safety concerns.
Bird Watching: The hills are home to a wide variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.
Shiv Mandir: A peaceful temple named Jay Bholenath Mandir Paalishwar is nestled deep within the forest and offers a serene setting.
Viewpoints: Reaching the top of the hills provides breathtaking views of Navi Mumbai and the surrounding green landscape.
Safety precautions
Footwear: Wear proper trekking or sports shoes with good grip. Avoid sandals, especially during the monsoon when trails are wet and slippery.
Solo trekking: Avoid trekking alone, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. It is safer to go in a group.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go. Heavy rains can lead to trail closures and unsafe conditions due to landslides.
Hydration: Carry enough water, as the heat can be draining even during the monsoon. Light snacks are also recommended.
Leave no trace: Do not litter and help keep the area clean. Carry all your waste back with you.
Monsoon rules: Strictly follow any restrictions or warnings from police and forest officials, particularly regarding waterfalls during heavy rains.
Pandavkada Waterfall trek – Banned during monsoon season and heavy rains . DO NOT GO DURING THIS PERIOD
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Duration: A short trek of 30–45 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
Details: During the monsoon season, this 107-meter-high plunge waterfall is a spectacular sight. The trail can be rocky and slippery, so proper footwear is essential. The viewpoint is safe for families, but approaching the waterfall’s pool is extremely dangerous and restricted due to strong currents and past accidents.
Best time to visit
Monsoon (June to September): The best time to visit, when the hills are vibrant and green, and the waterfalls are flowing powerfully. Be cautious of slippery trails during heavy rains.
Post-monsoon (September to December): The trails are less slippery, and the greenery is still lush. This is a great time for a more comfortable hike.
Avoid the dry season: The waterfalls are seasonal and dry up in summer.
How to reach Kharghar Hills
By local train: Take a local train to Kharghar Station
.
By road: From the station, you can take a bus or auto-rickshaw to the starting points near the Kharghar Golf Course
or Sector 35
.
What to bring
Water and snacks: Essential for all treks.
Sturdy shoes: Trekking or good grip shoes are necessary, especially during the monsoon.
Rain gear: If trekking during the monsoon, carry a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
Plastic bag: Use this to protect your phone and wallet from rain.
Safety tips
Check for local restrictions, especially during the monsoon, as some areas may be closed for safety.
Never enter the water at Pandavkada Waterfall
, as it is extremely dangerous.
Avoid trekking alone; it’s safest to go with a small group.
Follow the main trails to avoid getting lost.
How to reach Kharghar Hills
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You can reach Kharghar Hills from Mumbai or Navi Mumbai
using a combination of train, metro, bus, or private vehicle. The route you choose depends on your starting point and preferred mode of transport.
From Kharghar Railway Station
This is a convenient option if you are traveling by local train.
Take the Harbour Line: Board a train on the Mumbai suburban railway network’s Harbour Line and get off at Kharghar station
.
From the station: The hills are about 5–7 km away from the station. You can complete the rest of the journey by:
Auto-rickshaw or taxi: Auto-rickshaws and local cabs are readily available outside the station and will take you to the Sector 35 entry point or another trailhead.
Shared cab: Look for shared Eeco taxis for a more economical option.
NMMT Bus: Take NMMT bus routes like 53 or 54, which will drop you near Sector 35, close to the hills.
Via Navi Mumbai Metro
The Navi Mumbai Metro provides a fast alternative to the railway.
Ride the NMM-1 Metro: This line offers stops near the hills.
Nearest station: Get off at the RBI Colony station, which is just a short walk from some trail entry points.
By bus
If you are coming from other parts of Mumbai or Navi Mumbai, several buses can take you close to the hills.
NMMT Buses: Look for NMMT bus services running towards Kharghar.
BEST Buses: Some BEST bus routes from Mumbai’s central areas (like Sion, Chembur, and Dadar) terminate in Kharghar.
Walking from the bus stop: Many buses will drop you on the road near an entrance, requiring a short walk to reach the trailheads.
By car or two-wheeler
Driving to Kharghar Hills offers more flexibility and access to different entry points.
From Mumbai: Follow the Sion-Panvel Expressway, which connects to the Mumbai-Satara Highway.
Within Navi Mumbai: Use the Palm Beach Road or the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to reach the Kharghar area.
Find the trailheads:
Sector 35: Follow the Mumbai-Satara Highway and take the Kharghar Three Monkey Point exit. Continue on Raintree Marg (also called Taloja Jail Road) towards the Sector 35 entry point.
Central Park area: The hills are located directly opposite Central Park and the golf course.
Parking: Be aware that on weekends, particularly during monsoon season, the area can get crowded, and you should try to arrive early.
Important considerations
Best time to visit: The hills are most scenic during the monsoon season (June to October) when they are lush and green.
Trekking routes: Kharghar Hills has several trekking paths, including a moderately challenging one from Sector 35 and an easier one near RBI Colony.
Safety: The area is patrolled by security, but be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are alone or visiting after dark. Some reports also suggest that vehicle access may be restricted during peak monsoon.
Hyde Park Society, Sector 35G, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
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