The Malshej Ghat is a beautiful mountain pass in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Situated in the Thane district, the site is a well-known weekend place near Mumbai. It is best recognized for its natural beauty.
Being a part of the Western Ghats, the Malshej Ghat abounds in flora and fauna, especially birdlife which includes species such as cuckoos, flamingos, crakes, rails and quails. The scenic place is situated near the borders of the Thane and Ahmednagar districts.
Distance from Malshej Ghat to major places
Mumbai: 154 Kms
Pune: 130 Kms
Malshej ghat attracts tourists from all over the country and the world because of its breath-taking beauty. It is from here, you can view the lush valleys of the Western Ghats. The region is also famous for its dark woods and the wildlife residing in them. The wildlife here includes animals and birds such as peacocks, rabbits, leopards and tigers.
The monsoon months of August and September are a magical time to visit Malshej Ghat. During this time of the year, the hills are soothing; with calm and cool weather, misty tops, waterfalls and lush green surroundings. The flora and fauna are at its best during the monsoons and so it makes a visit to Malshej Ghat a must. Carry your raingear- umbrella, raincoat etc. During the monsoons all hotels get full so book well in advance.
During the winters, between December and February, the lofty hills of the Western Ghats are a paradise for trekkers and hikers. You can go about exploring the mysterious trails and make your own way in and out of the forests. Summers, between March and May are a pleasant time to visit the Ghats. Malshej Ghat can be visited at anytime of the year- the weather is quite pleasant.
Things to do in Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a paradise for the adventure seeker, there are trekking trails in the surrounding hills to be traversed, for the nature lover there are gushing waterfalls and the verdant flora and fauna to be enjoyed, and bird enthusiast will be thrilled at the sight of the pink flamingoes that swoop down here during July and September. Malshej Ghat is set in sylvan surroundings and is perfect getaway from busy city life.
Sightseeing places in Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is particularly recommended during the monsoons when the falls become more beautiful and the rain freshens everything in sight. If you are brave enough, get under some of the waterfalls the spray will definitely revive you. Trek into the forest surrounding Malshej Ghat that bear tall stately trees, which are a wonderful sight to behold.
The Harishchandragad Peak (1424 mts) is a favourite with trekkers. It is unique because here lie the semi-circular rock wall of the Konkan Kada.
Pimpalgaon-Joga Dam is a long bund, which blocks the Pushpavati River that springs out of Malshej Ghat and creates a lake in the monsoons. Several species of birds including the alpine swift, purple moorhen, pitta, quail, whistling thrush, green pigeon, pied crested cuckoo have been spotted by ornithologists around the dam.
Honeymoon couples can spend hours together on the banks of the many monsoon filled lakes in Malshej Ghat. And do the done thing in Malshej Ghat - spend some time watching the antics of the flamingoes in season.
How to Reach Malshej Ghat from Mumbai ?
How to Reach Malshej Ghat by Air
Mumbai is the closest airport 150 kms away. From here one can hire a taxi or a bus to Malshej Ghat.
How to Reach Malshej Ghat by Rail
The nearest railhead is Kalyan (86 km -1 1/2 hrs), from where you can take a bus to Malshej Ghat.
How to Reach Malshej Ghat by Bus
From Mumbai Malshej Ghat is 150 kms and the journey time is 3 hours.
Getting Around Malshej Ghat
The town is well geared for tourists and private and public transportation are available.