If you’re living in Mumbai and looking for a great weekend getaway, what are your options? Sure, Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, and Mahabaleshwar are great options. But look beyond the more common weekend getaways – you also have the underrated gem of Karjat! This town, once a small village, has now become the go-to weekend destination for many people, thanks to its proximity to Mumbai and the plenty of fun activities to do here. If you too are searching for a place to relax and unwind near Mumbai, Karjat is just for you!
Exploring Karjat: Best Places, Activities, And Things To Do
About Karjat
Nestled amidst the lush green Sahyadri ranges and the Deccan Plateau, Karjat is a town drowned in lush green landscapes, especially during monsoon. The town has been an important strategic point in the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. There are numerous small and big temples, historic forts, scenic valleys, and small hamlets and villages scattered in Karjat.
From Mumbai city, Karjat is accessible via trains and road, and is roughly 62 kilometers (km) away. Today, it has its own railway station, making it easy for travelers and daily commuters to travel between Mumbai city and Karjat. Karjat is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik via road.
Now that you have a brief overview of Karjat, let’s deep dive into all the various attractions and activities you can experience while you’re here.
Places To Visit In Karjat
Kothaligad Fort
Situated near the Karjat-Murbad road and close to Ambivali village, the Kothaligad Fort is an underrated gem in Maharashtra. While you must’ve heard of many forts like Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad, Kothaligad is comparatively less known. However, the fort is also quite easy to trek.
It has a small temple and a cave at its base, while its top resembles a chimney-like shape. Aurangzeb captured the fort in 1681 and for many years, was successful in not letting it go to the Marathas. In 1817, the Marathas captured the fort after much effort, but it was soon captured by the British – just a month after Marathas had gained control of it.
Kondeshwar Temple And Waterfall
The Kondeshwar Temple and the adjoining waterfall are quite famous amongst locals. The temple has a lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is constructed in the traditional Hemadpanti style of architecture. Many devotees visit the Kondeshwar Temple regularly as well as during important festivals like Maha Shivratri.
Right next to the temple is a waterfall cascading from the mountain top. It flows down near the temple and collects in a reservoir also called Kondeshwar Lake. The beauty of this location multiplies in the monsoon season. This is because of the lush green vegetation that grows here and the abundantly flowing waterfall. If you’re visiting Karjat, stop by the Kondeshwar Temple to seek blessings. Then, jump straight into the waterfall!
Kondana Buddhist Caves
You must’ve heard of the Kondana Caves in your history textbooks, but it’s time to explore them firsthand! The Kondana Caves are intricately carved in the rugged Sahyadri mountains. These caves are located at the base of the old Rajmachi Fort. While a few facades of the cave are still intact, many parts of the cave have been damaged by natural forces like rain. Here, you will find four caves filled with intricate details and carvings. Some seasoned trekkers also trek to the Rajmachi Fort here. We highly recommend visiting the caves during the monsoon season or just before it for a pleasant experience.
Ulhas Valley
The next place on our list of places to visit in Karjat is none other than Ulhas Valley. It is a well-known destination amongst trekkers, nature lovers, and adventurers. Why, you may ask? The valley is home to lush green landscapes that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Pair it up with cascading waterfalls and a terrain that gives many trekkers an instant dopamine rush. Ulhas Valley during monsoon is a particularly heavenly sight to behold, attracting many photographers as well. So, if you too are looking for a peaceful yet thrilling experience, Ulhas Valley must be on your list.
Things To Do In Karjat
Have A Weekend Staycation
Karjat, over the past few years, has made significant improvements in the sense that there are plenty of staycation properties popping up here. There are plenty of budget resorts as well as high-end experiential stays for you to stay. These properties offer you an opportunity to live a life in nature’s lap – away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many of these properties have facilities like on-site farms, spa and meditation centers, yoga studios, farm-to-table restaurants, and other interesting activities.
Oleander Farms, Green Jungle Resort, Tooth Mountain Farms, Modi’s Resort, and U Rivergate are some great places to spend the weekend enjoying the slow life!
Go Trekking
If you’re someone who loves adventure more than spending their weekend tucked away in their beds, Karjat has got you covered. Here, there are plenty of forts like Rajmachi, Kothaligad, Sondai, and Songiri. Most of these forts aren’t as popular as other forts, but they make for a good trekking experience. These forts aren’t too high or difficult to traverse, so even a beginner can easily go trekking here. Reach to the top and you’ll be greeted with majestic views of the Sahyadris.
Go Temple Hopping In Karjat
Karjat has plenty of temples – both old and new, that you can visit for a spiritual experience. The town is famous for the Kondeshwar Temple and the Shri Badrinath Vishal Temple. The former is located next to a waterfall while the latter is known for its gigantic standing statue of Lord Shiva. However, there are many other temples like the Kapaleshwar Temple, Vithhal Temple, Shri Kshetra Panchayatan Mandir, etc.
How To Reach Karjat
By Air
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the closest airport to Karjat. It is located about 69 km away and you can hire a cab from the airport to reach Karjat.
By Road
Karjat enjoys excellent road connectivity, through major highways and expressways running through it. There are local buses and rickshaws that you can hop into to navigate in Karjat.
By Train
Karjat has its own railway station located on the Central Line of the Mumbai Local Train Network. Many long distance trains also halt at and depart from Karjat Junction.
Summing Up
Karjat is not just a little town outside Mumbai, it is the perfect weekend getaway for those living in Mumbai. Located just a two-hour drive away from the city, it is a haven for those looking to unwind from the noise of the city. Waterfalls, temples, luxurious retreats, and much more – when are you visiting Karjat?
FAQs
What Is The Speciality Of Karjat?
Karjat stands out as a destination soaked in nature’s glory. The town has several breathtaking waterfalls, hills and mountains, forts, caves, and temples that make Karjat an ideal place to unwind. During monsoon, Karjat weather becomes pleasant and the place fills up with lush green vegetation.
Is Karjat Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a weekend destination near Mumbai. Thanks to better connectivity to Mumbai and Pune, Karjat is a preferred destination for spending the weekend and holidays.
Which Month Is Best To Visit Karjat?
The months of June to September are ideal for visiting Karjat. The monsoon season lends a breathtaking verdant hue to its landscape and the weather becomes cool and pleasant.
