Matheran Sun set point Trekk , Maharashtra, India & Peb Fort - (Vikatgad) Trekk , Maharashtra, India Complete Guide to Travel (2026 )

Trekk to Matheran Sunset point

Trekk to Matheran Sun set point from base village Dodhani near Panvel.Matheran Sunset Point height 2,000 feet above sea level.

Grade: Easy Beginners level

Duration: Matheran Sunset Point Trek 2 hrs of Ascend from base village Dodhani near Panvel.While trekking you get a chance to see diversified flora and fauna with a mesmerizing waterfall and enjoy glimpses of the scenic beauty and the tranquillity of this entire place during monsoons.If you are starting your trek from base village Dodhani near Panvel from Dodhani one can ascend to Matheran Sunset point, during monsoons the trek route might be a little slippery so please wear a good shoe which gives a good grip. Incase if you are comming from Neral station there are sharing cabs available at 100 Rs per head which will take you till the entry point of Matheran,try to Matheran sunset point and start your trek and descend to Dodhani village from Dodhani village you can avail autos.Please carry plenty of water while trekking.
From Matheran Sunset Point you can see Kalavantin Durg, Prabalgad, Vikatgad and nearby forts.
After checking out the Sunset point you can explore Matheran plenty of Stay options eateries both Veg & Non- Veg available in Matheran.

Best time to Visit: June to Feb (Best during Monsoon & Winters)

Note:
Please wear good Grip Shoes while trekking during monsoons & Winters the red mud whould be little slippery.

Trek time : 2 hours Trek . Best in Monsoon when it rains one can enjoy

By Car / Bike: if one is coming from Neral railway station then 100 Rs per head Cab charges you can reach Matheran sunset point and start to descend to the base Village Dodhani

By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Panvel & Neral.

Trek time : 2 hours Trek . Best in Monsoon when it rains one can enjoy

-Nearest Airport : Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) or Pune International Airport

By Autos: From Panvel Railway Station there are Sharing Autos Available for till the base of the starting point of Trek.

Food: Many food stalls, eateries options available near Panvel railway Station & in Matheran & Neral railway Station

Suggestion: Please have breakfast or Lunch or Dinner near Panvel Station or in Matheran or Neral railway station or carry ample water & food along with you & first aid box

If you are Starting your trekk from Dodhani village to Matheran Sunset Point.

From Panvel railway Station take Sharing Autos till Base Village : Dodhani village

By Car or Bike :

To reach Dodhani village base from Mumbai City by road and Start the Trek, you can follow these directions:

1. Route via Mumbai-Pune Expressway:
- Start from Mumbai City and head towards the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan
Mumbai-Pune Expressway) and continue towards Pune.
- After covering a distance of around 45-50 km on the expressway, take the Khalapur exit. - After exiting, follow the road towards Panvel.
- From Panvel, take the Panvel-Matheran Road towards Matheran.
- Dodhani village is located near Matheran, so you might need to inquire locally for specific directions to reach Dodhani from Matheran.
2. Route via NH 48 (Mumbai - Bangalore Highway):
- Another route option is to take NH 48 (National Highway 48), also known as the Mumbai
- Bangalore Highway.
- Start from Mumbai City and head towards NH 48.
- Follow NH 48 towards Panvel.
- After reaching Panvel, take the Panvel-Matheran Road towards Matheran.
- As Dodhani village is near Matheran, you may need local guidance to reach
Dodhani from Matheran.
Make sure to check the current road conditions and traffic before starting your journey. It's also a good idea to have a map or GPS navigation to assist you along the way.

To reach Dodhani village base from Pune City by road and Start the Trekk, you can follow these directions:

1. Route via Mumbai-Pune Expressway:
- Start from Pune City and head towards the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway) towards Mumbai.
- After covering a distance of around 55-60 km on the expressway, take Khalapur exit.
- After exiting, follow the road towards Panvel.
- From Panvel, take the Panvel-Matheran Road towards Matheran.
- Dodhani village is located near Matheran, so you might need to inquire locally for specific directions to reach Dodhani from Matheran.
2. Route via Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48):
- Another option is to take the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48).
- Start from Pune City and head towards NH 48 (National Highway 48), also known as the Mumbai - Bangalore Highway.
- Follow NH 48 towards Mumbai.
- After reaching Panvel, take the Panvel-Matheran Road towards Matheran.
- As Dodhani village is near Matheran, you may need local guidance to reach Dodhani from Matheran.
Ensure to check the current road conditions and traffic before starting your journey. Having a map or GPS navigation can also be helpful for your trip.

Peb Fort-Vikatgad Trekk

Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, is a hill fort located near Neral in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It's a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts due to its accessibility from Mumbai and Pune, as well as its scenic beauty and historical significance. Here's a detailed overview of Peb Fort:

Location:
Peb Fort is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range, close to Matheran hill station and approximately 3 km west of Neral village. It stands at an elevation of about 640 meters (2100 feet) above sea level.

Trekking Route: From base village like Anandwadi or Maldunga

The trek to Peb Fort usually starts from a base village like Anandwadi or Maldunga. The Anandwadi route is more common and here’s how you can reach Peb Fort via this route:
1. Starting Point: Begin your journey from Neral, which is accessible by train from Mumbai (Central Line) and Pune. From Neral, you can take local transport like shared jeeps or tum-tums to reach the base village of Anandwadi.
2. Anandwadi to Peb Fort: The trek from Anandwadi to Peb Fort takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions. The trail is moderately challenging, with steep sections and rocky terrain, so wearing sturdy trekking shoes is recommended.
3. Scenery: As you ascend, you'll pass through lush forests typical of the Sahyadri range, offering scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
4. Fort Exploration: Once you reach the top of Peb Fort, you can explore the remnants of the fortifications, including a small temple and caves carved out of the rock. The fort offers panoramic views of the Matheran range and the nearby valleys, making it a rewarding experience for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike.
5. Return: After exploring the fort and enjoying the views, descend back to Anandwadi and then to Neral.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Peb Fort is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking. Avoid monsoon season (June to September) as the trails can be slippery and risky.

Tips for Trekkers:
- Carry sufficient water and snacks as there are limited facilities along the trail.
- Wear comfortable trekking clothes and sturdy footwear.
- Check weather conditions before starting your trek, especially during the monsoon season.
- Respect the environment and avoid littering.
Historical Significance:
Peb Fort has historical importance dating back to the Maratha Empire and was strategically significant due to its location overlooking the trade routes in the region.
Trekking to Peb Fort via Anandwadi offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and historical exploration, making it a popular destination for day treks from Mumbai and Pune.

To reach Anandwadi village from Mumbai city, you have a few options depending on your preference for public transport or private vehicle:

By Train and Public Transport:
1. Mumbai to Neral:
   - Take a local train from Mumbai (Central Line) towards Karjat.
   - Get down at Neral station, which is approximately 70 km from Mumbai and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by train.
2. Neral to Anandwadi:
   - From Neral station, you can find shared jeeps (tum-tums) or private taxis that operate to Anandwadi village.
   - The distance from Neral to Anandwadi is around 7-8 km and takes about 20-30 minutes by road.
By Road (Private Vehicle or Taxi):
1. Mumbai to Anandwadi:
   - If you're driving from Mumbai, take the Eastern Express Highway or the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH 48) towards Karjat.
   - After reaching Karjat, continue towards Neral.
   - Anandwadi village is a short drive from Neral; follow directions once you're in the vicinity.
Important Tips:
- Public Transport: Local trains from Mumbai to Neral are frequent, especially on the Central Line. Check the schedule for the most convenient departure time.
- Shared Jeeps: In Neral, shared jeeps (tum-tums) are a common mode of transport to reach villages like Anandwadi. These are typically available near the station or can be arranged through local contacts.
- Private Vehicles: If you're driving, ensure you have a map or GPS navigation to guide you through the route from Mumbai to Neral and then onwards to Anandwadi.
- Timing: It's advisable to start early in the day to avoid traffic and make the most of daylight hours for your trek or visit to Peb Fort from Anandwadi.
Anandwadi serves as a gateway to several trekking routes in the Sahyadri range, including Peb Fort (Vikatgad), offering trekkers a convenient starting point from Mumbai and its suburbs.

To reach Anandwadi village from Pune city, you can follow these directions:

By Train and Public Transport:
1. Pune to Karjat:
   - Start by taking a train from Pune to Karjat. Karjat is well-connected to Pune via local trains and express trains.
   - The journey from Pune to Karjat typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by train.
2. Karjat to Neral:
   - From Karjat, take a local train towards Mumbai. Neral is a stop on this route, and the journey from Karjat to Neral by train takes about 30-45 minutes.
3. Neral to Anandwadi:
   - Upon reaching Neral, you can find shared jeeps (tum-tums) or private taxis that operate towards Anandwadi village.
   - The distance from Neral to Anandwadi is approximately 7-8 km and takes about 20-30 minutes by road.
By Road (Private Vehicle or Taxi):
1. Pune to Anandwadi:
   - If you prefer to drive, take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH 48) towards Mumbai.
   - After crossing Lonavala/Khandala, take the Karjat exit and follow the road towards Neral.
   - Anandwadi village is a short distance from Neral; follow local directions once you reach the vicinity.
Important Tips:
- Train Schedule: Check the train schedules from Pune to Karjat/Neral in advance. Trains are frequent, especially towards Mumbai, and you can find options throughout the day.
- Shared Jeeps: In Neral, shared jeeps (tum-tums) are readily available for transport to villages like Anandwadi. These are usually found near the Neral station or can be arranged through local contacts.
- Private Vehicles: If driving, ensure you have a map or GPS navigation to guide you through the route from Pune to Neral and then to Anandwadi village.
- Timing: Plan your journey to start early in the day to avoid traffic and maximize daylight hours for your trek or visit to Peb Fort from Anandwadi.
Anandwadi village provides a convenient starting point for treks to Peb Fort (Vikatgad) and other nearby attractions in the Sahyadri range, making it accessible from Pune for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.