Monsoon Road Trip Through the Western Ghats – Route 2:
- jeevan marketing
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Pune → Manchar → Malshej Ghat → Shivneri Fort → Return
Keywords: Monsoon road trip Malshej Ghat, Hotel Jeevan Manchar, Malshej Ghat itinerary, Shivneri Fort trip, Western Ghats monsoon, best road trip from Pune, Manchar travel blog, scenic drives Maharashtra, historical forts near Pune, monsoon tourism Maharashtra
Why This Route is a Hidden Gem for Monsoon Road Trips
The Western Ghats burst into a lush green paradise during the monsoon, and the Manchar → Malshej → Shivneri circuit is a route less traveled yet brimming with dramatic cliffs, cloud-wrapped passes, and ancient history. With Manchar and the comfortable Hotel Jeevan at the heart of your journey, you get the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Quick Overview• Route: Manchar → Malshej Ghat → Shivneri Fort → Manchar Total Distance: ~210 km round-trip Ideal Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night Best Time: Mid-June to September (Monsoon Peak)
Day 1 – Arrival at Manchar: The Base Camp of the Western Ghats
Morning: Depart from Pune (60 km | ~1.5 hours)
Begin your monsoon adventure from Pune by heading north on NH-60. Early morning drives offer misty views and less traffic. By 9:00 AM, you reach Manchar, a peaceful agrarian town flanked by sugarcane fields and gentle hills.
Check-in: Hotel Jeevan, Manchar
Nestled at the town's edge, Hotel Jeevan is your premium yet pocket-friendly stay. With sweeping views of rain-soaked valleys and personalized service, it’s the ideal monsoon pit stop. The hotel provides:
Deluxe Rooms with valley views
Pure-veg restaurant featuring authentic Maharashtrian thalis
Covered parking and 24x7 power backup
Pro Tip: Order hot ginger chai while checking in. You won’t regret it.
Drop your bags and relax. The rain tapping against your window and mist outside set the perfect tone for a monsoon escape.
Afternoon: Local Manchar Explorations
Instead of heading out immediately, explore local Manchar gems:
Weekly Bazaar: If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, explore the vibrant local market filled with seasonal produce, handwoven baskets, and farm-fresh corn.
Panna Jewellers Heritage Workshop: Observe local artisans creating custom gold jewellery.
Dinner at Hotel Jeevan
Enjoy a wholesome dinner at Hotel Jeevan. Try their piping hot pithla-bhakri, spicy thecha, and creamy shrikhand. The flavors are bold and locally sourced.
Rest early for a big day ahead.
Day 2 – Malshej Ghat and Shivneri Fort: Mist, Majesty, and History
Early Morning Drive: Manchar → Malshej Ghat (65 km | ~2 hours)
Depart from Hotel Jeevan by 6:00 AM. Head north via NH-222 towards Malshej Ghat, the crown jewel of monsoon drives in Maharashtra. The road zigzags through high-altitude cliffs wrapped in thick fog.
En Route Sights:
Pimpalgaon Joga Dam: Spot hundreds of migratory flamingoes here.
Ephemeral Waterfalls: Cascades pour off the cliffs and occasionally splash the road itself. Slow down for photos and rainbows.
Late Morning: Malshej Ghat Exploration
Spend time at the Malshej viewpoint. Popular with bikers and bird-watchers, the ghat also hosts rare sightings of quail, crag martins, and Indian vultures.
Walk down towards the ledges (safely) to witness waterfalls crashing beside you.
Enjoy boiled corn or hot vada pav from local stalls.
Photography Tip: Bring a microfiber cloth to keep your lens dry—the mist is beautiful but relentless.
Midday: Return Drive to Junnar (25 km | 45 min)
From Malshej, head south to the town of Junnar, the gateway to the mighty Shivneri Fort.
Lunch in Junnar
Dine at a small dhaba-style eatery. Recommended: Zunka-bhakri, tambda rassa, and matki usal with fresh curd.
Afternoon: Shivneri Fort Trek
Begin the moderate trek up to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The trail has:
Stone-cut steps
Green moss-covered ramparts
Panoramic views of the Junnar valley
Key sights within the fort:
Shiv Kunj: Birthplace chamber of Shivaji Maharaj
Ganga Jamuna Cisterns: Still hold water after 400 years
Kadelot Point: Execution point offering dramatic views
The monsoon adds an eerie yet awe-inspiring atmosphere to the ancient stone structures. The wind whistles through the old gates, and clouds roll across the walls.
Evening: Return to Manchar (38 km | ~1 hour)
The drive back is relaxed. You’ll reach Hotel Jeevan by sunset. Unwind in the lobby . Request hot tea and reflect on the journey.
Dinner and Stay
End the day with Hotel Jeevan’s signature thali or go simple with varan-bhat and ghee.
Packing Essentials for a Monsoon Western Ghats Road Trip
Item | Reason |
Rainproof backpack | Keeps essentials dry |
Poncho or rain jacket | Sudden showers are frequent |
Trekking shoes with grip | Forts and ghats are slippery |
Torch/headlamp | Useful during power cuts or foggy treks |
Power bank | Limited charging points on roads |
Natural mosquito repellent | Especially around dam/lake areas |
Responsible Travel Tips
Avoid littering plastic on ghats or forts
Use refillable water bottles
Stick to marked trails at forts and cliffs
Support local food vendors and artisans
Final Thoughts
This monsoon road trip from Manchar to Malshej Ghat and Shivneri Fort offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and regional cuisine. With Hotel Jeevan in Manchar as your comfortable hub, explore some of Maharashtra’s most scenic drives and iconic Maratha heritage sites. This blog is ideal for those searching for offbeat monsoon itineraries, road trip ideas from Pune, or weekend escapes in the Western Ghats.
In every sense, this monsoon route celebrates the spirit of the Sahyadris. The sweeping cliffs of Malshej, the courageous stories echoing from Shivneri, and the restful warmth of Hotel Jeevan, Manchar, make for a trip that refreshes both body and soul.
Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or monsoon chaser, this itinerary is your perfect getaway blueprint.
So grab your raincoat, fire up the engine, and let the Western Ghats monsoon magic lead the way.
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