Karjat is a beautiful city in Maharashtra, India, known for its lush green forests, scenic waterfalls, ancient forts, and tranquil temples. It is a popular trekking and camping destination, and also offers a variety of other activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and cycling. Karjat has a number of temples and forts that are worth visiting, and is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
Here are 10 things to do in Karjat
Kothaligad (Peth) Fort
Kothaligad (Peth) Fort is a small fort situated to the east of Karjat near Karjat-Murbad Road in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a famous trek in the Karjat area, because of its small height and easy climbing. It is also known as the Fort of Peth because of its vicinity to Peth village at its base.
The fort is believed to have been built by the Marathas in the 17th century. It was used as a watchtower and a strategic point to defend the surrounding area. The fort is not very well-preserved, but it still offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The trek to Kothaligad is relatively easy and takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top. The trail is well-marked and there are a few places to rest along the way. Once you reach the top, you can explore the fort ruins and enjoy the panoramic views.
Kondana Caves
The Kondana Caves are a group of 16 Buddhist caves located in the village of Kondana in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. They are believed to have been carved out in the 1st century BC and are one of the earliest examples of Buddhist cave architecture in India.
The caves are located on a hilltop and are accessible by a short trek. The main cave is a Chaitya, which is a hall of worship with a stupa at the far end. The other caves are Viharas, which are monasteries where the monks lived and studied.
The Kondana Caves are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The Chaitya hall has a beautiful wooden ceiling and the Viharas have carved pillars and doorways. The caves also have a number of inscriptions, which provide information about the donors and the purpose of the caves.
The Kondana Caves are a popular tourist destination and are also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. They are a valuable archaeological site and offer a glimpse into the early history of Buddhism in India.
Kothaligad Trek
Kothaligad Trek is a popular day trek located near Karjat in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a relatively easy trek, making it a good option for beginners and families. The trek takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top, depending on your fitness level.
The trail to Kothaligad is well-marked and passes through lush green forests and meadows. There are a few places to rest along the way, but it is a good idea to carry plenty of water and snacks. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
On a clear day, you can see the Sahyadri Mountains in the distance. There is also a small temple at the top of the fort, where you can rest and pray.
Ulhas Valley
Ulhas Valley is a beautiful valley located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its lush green forests, scenic waterfalls, and tranquil rivers. The Ulhas River flows through the valley, adding to its beauty and charm.
Ulhas Valley is a popular tourist destination, especially during the monsoon season (June to September), when the waterfalls are at their best. One of the most popular waterfalls in Ulhas Valley is the Bhivpuri Waterfall. This waterfall is located in a dense forest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Other popular tourist attractions in Ulhas Valley include the Rajmachi trek, the Kondhane Caves trek, and the Morbe Dam. The Rajmachi trek is a challenging trek that takes you to the twin forts of Rajmachi and Manaranjan. The Kondhane Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist caves that are located on a hilltop. The Morbe Dam is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by hills.
Ulhas Valley is also a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. You can go river rafting on the Ulhas River or go trekking in the Sahyadri Hills. You can also go camping or fishing in the many lakes and rivers in the area.
Kondeshwar Temple
Kondeshwar Temple is a beautiful ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the village of Kondeshwar, near Karjat in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century and is known for its intricate Hemadpanthi style of architecture.
The main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram, which is a tall gateway with ornate carvings. The temple complex consists of a sanctum sanctorum, a mandapa, and a Nandi mandap. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone lingam of Lord Shiva. The mandapa is a large hall where devotees congregate to pray and chant hymns. The Nandi mandap is a smaller hall where the Nandi statue is located.
The Kondeshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, especially during the Mahashivratri festival. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, as it is located in a scenic spot on the banks of the Ulhas River.
Sondai Fort
Sondai Fort is a small hill fort located near Karjat in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular trekking destination, known for its scenic views and relatively easy trek.
The fort is believed to have been built in the 17th century by the Marathas. It was used as a watchtower and a strategic point to defend the surrounding area. The fort is not very well-preserved, but it still offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Morbe Dam, Prabalgad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and the Matheran mountain range.
The trek to Sondai Fort is relatively easy and takes about 1-2 hours to reach the top. The trail is well-marked and there are a few places to rest along the way. Once you reach the top, you can explore the fort ruins and enjoy the panoramic views.
There is also a small temple at the top of the fort, dedicated to the goddess Sondai Devi. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for locals.
Bhivpuri Waterfall
Bhivpuri Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located near Karjat in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the monsoon season (June to September), when the waterfall is at its best.
The waterfall is located in a dense forest and is surrounded by lush green hills. The water falls from a height of about 10 meters and forms a pool at the bottom. The pool is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
There is a small temple at the base of the waterfall, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for locals.
To reach Bhivpuri Waterfall, you can take a train to Karjat station and then take a taxi or auto rickshaw to the waterfall. The trek to the waterfall takes about 15-20 minutes.
Bahiri Caves
The Bahiri Caves, also known as the Dhak Bahiri Caves, are a series of ancient caves located near Karjat in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. They are believed to have been carved out in the 1st century BC and are one of the earliest examples of Buddhist cave architecture in India.
The caves are located on a hilltop and are accessible by a short trek. The main cave is a Chaitya, which is a hall of worship with a stupa at the far end. The other caves are Viharas, which are monasteries where the monks lived and studied.
The Bahiri Caves are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. The Chaitya hall has a beautiful wooden ceiling and the Viharas have carved pillars and doorways. The caves also have a number of inscriptions, which provide information about the donors and the purpose of the caves.
The Bahiri Caves are a popular tourist destination and are also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. They are a valuable archaeological site and offer a glimpse into the early history of Buddhism in India.
Bhor Ghat
Bhor Ghat, also known as the Bhor Pass, is a mountain pass located in the Western Ghats mountain range in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic views and challenging drive.
The Bhor Ghat is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is one of the main routes connecting the two cities. The pass is about 70 kilometers long and has a maximum elevation of 550 meters. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp turns and steep climbs and descents.
The Bhor Ghat is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. On a clear day, you can see the Sahyadri mountain range in the distance. The ghat is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, and gaur.
The Bhor Ghat is a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. You can go trekking, cycling, and mountain biking in the area. The ghat is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
Mahavir Jain Temple
Mahavir Jain Temple is a beautiful Jain temple located in Karjat, Maharashtra, India. It is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. The temple is known for its intricate marble carvings and its peaceful atmosphere.
The temple is located in the heart of Karjat and is easily accessible by road and rail. The temple complex consists of a main temple, a dharamshala, and a garden. The main temple houses a white marble statue of Lord Mahavira. The statue is surrounded by intricate marble carvings of various Jain symbols and deities.
The dharamshala provides accommodation for pilgrims and visitors. The garden is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the temple complex.
The Mahavir Jain Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Jains from all over India. It is also a popular tourist destination, as it is located in a scenic spot and offers a glimpse into the Jain faith and culture.
To Summarize…
Karjat is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the natural beauty of Maharashtra. With its stunning scenery, ancient forts, and tranquil temples, Karjat has something to offer everyone.