Things to Do in Karjat-Mumbai’s Weekend Getaway Spot

Located in Raigad district of Maharashtra, Karjat is a scenic destination at a distance of approximately 68 km from Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. The residents of Mumbai and other cities around the area often visit Karjat to escape the monotony of city life. One of the things to do in Karjat are the various adventure sports that one can try here. Otherwise, the city is full of rich vegetation, several waterfalls, and rocky terrain that make it the perfect abode for a weekend getaway. Also, the somewhat mixed terrain of Karjat makes it one of the most sought-after destinations for all kinds of people.

There are numerous things that a tourist might want to explore and experience in the city of Karjat. There is endless greenery complemented with temples that boast of some interesting architecture. The city also boasts of rich history, and visitors often take an interest in learning about the past of the city during their stay here. Devotees, families, as well as young travelers, visit this city in the heart of Maharashtra for different purposes. Let us talk about the most popular activities among tourists during their stay in Karjat.

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1. Trekking

Trekking is one of the most popular activities in Karjat, and treks range in their level of difficulty. The treks that are most liked by tourists are Chanderi Fort Trek, Matheran Trek, and Peth Fort Trek. After one has walked for several kilometers, the stunning view that greets them is absolutely mesmerizing. Due to its easy climbs, the trek to Kothaligad Fort is one of the most popular treks here. Other treks, such as the one to the Bahiri Caves, also prove to be very interesting trekking options. Bahari Caves can be visited between 6 am to 7 pm on all days.

2. Camping

There are numerous jungle camps that one can choose from for their weekend stay. The camps are replete with all facilities with meals being included in the package. Visitors can also try their hands at various activities during camping, like ATV bike rides, rope courses, zip-lining, etc. You should contact a company providing camping services and book your stay in advance for the best rates and options.

3. Sightseeing

Karjat is one of the most popular places to visit in the region with numerous residents of Mumbai treating it as their go-to weekend getaway destination. Here are the different places you can go to when in the mood for some sightseeing.

4. Kondana Caves

These caves are almost 2000 years old and are divided into different Suptas, Viharas, and Chaityas. There’s a lot to be learned about the ancient lifestyle of the Buddhists at the Kondana Caves. Although the entrance of the Kondana Caves was ruined by an earthquake in the past, the caves still hold their spot as one of the most popular places to visit in Karjat.

5. Peth Fort

One of the major tourist attractions in the city of Karjat, the Peth Fort is located in a small village in the vicinity of Karjat. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and forms the backdrop of the quaint village of Matheran. The entire Konkan countryside can be viewed from this fort. The fort is said to have been constructed by Maratha rules to protect their kingdom against foreign invasion. It is interesting to note that there is an idol of Lord Bhairoba close to the fort. Although Peth Fort is now almost in ruins, the water cisterns around the fort remain undamaged. These cisterns, along with the ruins of the fort, are an interesting sight to behold.

6. Kondeshwar Temple

A must visit for devotees, Kondeshwar Temple is one of the most revered temples in the city of Karjat and attracts visitors from all across the country. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has several shrines that surround the main site. Maha Shivratri is the best time to visit this temple. The road leading up to the temple is rocky, and during monsoons, there is a slight risk of slipping, so it is advised that visitors walk up vigilantly.

7. Jain Temple

The Jain Temple has very interesting architecture and is one of the most important places of worship for people of the Jain faith living nearby. The passage to the main temple is embellished with carvings of figures that depict the beliefs of the Jain community. Multi-hued stones have been used to design the staircase leading to the temple, making it a visual delight. The timings to visit the Jain Temple are from 6 am to 6 pm every day.

8. Ulhas Valley

This is one of the most serene locations in the region and is blessed with great natural beauty. The valley is located close to Rajmachi and Karjat-Khandala course. There are gushing streams and fascinating waterfalls that one can experience in this area. A train ride through this area is an especially magical experience as the train tracks are cut through the mountains making the view from your window very beautiful. One of the most fun activities in this area is river rafting on the Ulhas River.

9. Bhor Ghat

Bhor Ghat is located along the Konkan coast. It is situated between Karjat and Khandala in a mountainous region. One cannot help but admire the magical beauty of the roads which traverse through the greenery of Bhor Ghat. Historically, Bhor Ghar was very significant as it was the connecting point for the ports at Choul, Revdanda, Panvel and other important places.

10. Bahiri Cave

Bahiri Caves is tremendously popular among trekkers. However, it also witnesses an equal number of pilgrims every year, as it is the home of Lord Bahiri. The caves are situated at an elevation of 600m and overlook the Ulhas Valley.

It is important to note that the trek is not a very easy one, and one should be fully prepared before coming on this trek. The Bahiri Caves can be visited every day between 6 am and 7 pm.

11. ND Studios

ND Studios is also a popular destination as it serves as the shooting location for many films and television shows. Within the studio, one may witness open spaces, Havelis, etc. Some of the popular movies to have been shot here are Devdas, Slumdog Millionaire, and Jodhaa Akbar. For Bollywood fanatics, this is a must-visit destination as one gets an opportunity to witness the sets of great films with their own eyes!

12. Blackwaters of Pali Bhutivali Dam

This dam is very peculiar for the fact that it has been under construction for the last 25 years. However, it is the perfect spot to visit on a weekend trip, as the scenery is a perfect combination of green outfields and gigantic mountains. There are also some waterfalls flowing out of these mountains, which makes the scene even more enthralling. The dam is situated in Diksal, a small town in Kajrat and lies near Bhivpuri and Matheran.

13. Bhivpuri Waterfall

Bhivpuri is a residential area in Kajrat, extremely popular for its waterfalls. Since this area has several waterfalls, and greenery all around, it is best to visit it during monsoons. During your time spent at the waterfall, you will also find small stalls where you can treat yourself to some snacks and hot tea. Another interesting fact about Bhivpuri Waterfall is that locals offer home-cooked meals to the tourists, and thus tourism supports the locals of the area directly.

In addition to the above, there are also other activities available in Karjat. The most notable among these, and preferred by families, is a visit to the water park. There are several water parks in Karjat, which offer wholesome entertainment to all. Also, there are some movie theatres in the city, which regularly play the latest movies. Visitors can also choose to visit some of the nearby places if they’re visiting Karjat for more than a couple of days. Matheran can be reached from Karjat in just a few minutes as it is located at a distance of only 10 km. Panvel is another destination that takes less than an hour to reach from Karjat. In a nutshell, Karjat is a great place to have a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Yet, there are enough activities for one not to be bored during one’s time in Karjat.