Shivneri, Chavand Fort & Kukdeshwar Temple Trek: Birthplace of Swarajya & Monolithic Rock-Cut Ascent
Walk into the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and climb one of the Sahyadris’ most dramatic rock-cut staircases - all in a single day. The Shivneri & Chavand Fort Trek pairs the grand hill fort of Shivneri with the monolithic sentinel of Chavand (Prasannagad), both in the historic Junnar valley, followed by a serene visit to the ancient Kukdeshwar Mahadev Temple.
Looking for Upcoming Heritage Treks from Mumbai or Pune? Join Touriko
Explore the historic cradle of Maratha history and ancient Sahyadri architecture with Touriko Trek & Travel. A curated 1-day double fort trek and heritage temple tour tailored for beginners, history lovers, and solo women travelers.
Shivneri, Chavand Fort & Kukdeshwar Temple Trek
Weekend Batches (Saturday Night Departure)
Badlapur Railway Station (11:00 PM) → Private Bus via Malshej Ghat
Katraj → Chandani Chowk → Wakad → Bhosari (01:30 AM Direct Bus)
Pune: ₹1,599 | Mumbai: ₹1,999
Touriko Trek & Travel
Quick Trek Facts
- Base Villages: Junnar town (Shivneri) & Chavandwadi (Chavand)
- Fort Altitude: Shivneri ~3,500 ft | Chavand ~3,400 ft
- Ascent Time: Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours each fort
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (Beginner-friendly with basic fitness)
- Endurance Level: Medium (Double fort climb in 1 day)
- Total Duration: 1 Day (Weekend Excursion)
Trek Packages & Cost
- Pune Batch (With Private Bus): ₹1,599 per person (Includes direct private bus travel from Pune to Junnar and return, inter-fort transfers, breakfast, unlimited village lunch, evening tea, and guide fees).
- Mumbai Batch (With Badlapur Bus): ₹1,999 per person (Includes dedicated private bus travel from Badlapur Station to Junnar via Malshej Ghat and return, inter-fort transfers, breakfast, unlimited village lunch, evening tea, and guide fees).
Trek Highlights
- Shivneri Fort (Birthplace of Swarajya): Walk through the 7 historic defense gateways, pay respects at Shivai Devi Temple, and stand inside the revered birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Chavand Fort (Prasannagad): Climb the thrilling, steep rock-cut steps chiseled into the cliff face, secured safely with iron railings.
- The Saptatake: Witness the ancient row of seven rock-cut cisterns holding clear water on Chavand plateau.
- Kukdeshwar Mahadev Temple: Discover the peaceful 12th-century Hemadpanthi stone-carved temple at Pur near the source of the Kukadi river.
- Authentic Gavran Meals: Savor piping hot village breakfast, unlimited Maharashtrian lunch, and evening tea prepared fresh by local villagers.
Detailed Trail Itinerary
Day 0: Saturday Night (Departure)
Mumbai Trekkers:
Take the Central Railway local train to Badlapur Railway Station.
• 11:00 PM: Gather outside Badlapur Railway Station. Meet our team and board our dedicated private bus to Junnar via the scenic Malshej Ghat highway corridor.
Pune Trekkers:
Board our dedicated private bus from Pune with pickups along the major highway corridor:
• 01:30 AM: Katraj
• 01:50 AM: Chandani Chowk
• 02:15 AM: Wakad (Hinjawadi Flyover)
• 02:35 AM: Nashik Phata / Bhosari
(Travel directly to Junnar via Narayangaon with a brief highway comfort stop).
Day 1: Sunday (Trek & Heritage Exploration)
05:30 AM - 06:30 AM | Arrival at Junnar & Breakfast
Both Mumbai and Pune batches arrive at Junnar. Freshen up and enjoy a hot Maharashtrian breakfast with village chai. Trek leaders conduct a briefing and gear check.
07:00 AM - 09:30 AM | Shivneri Fort Heritage Walk
Climb the wide stone steps passing through the 7 historic defense gates (Mana Darwaja, Pir Darwaja, Hatti Darwaja, etc.). Explore the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivai Devi Temple, Ambarkhana, Badami Talav, and Balekilla. Descend back to the base.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM | Drive to Chavandwadi
Board our buses for a scenic 15 km drive around the backwaters of Manikdoh Dam to Chavandwadi base village.
11:00 AM - 01:30 PM | Chavand Fort Ascent & Rock-Cut Steps
Begin the hike towards Chavand (Prasannagad). Climb the thrilling rock-cut staircase chiseled into the vertical rock face, fully protected with iron safety railings. Visit the Chamunda Devi Temple, granary plinths, and the famous Saptatake (seven cisterns in a single line). Enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of Jivdhan, Naneghat, and Hadsar Fort. Descend safely to the base village.
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM | Celebratory Village Lunch
Relish an authentic, freshly prepared unlimited Maharashtrian village meal (Veg / Non-Veg options) hosted by local villagers.
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM | Ancient Kukdeshwar Temple Heritage Visit
Drive to Pur village. Admire the intricately carved stone pillars, stone-ceiling mandapa, and tranquil riverside surroundings of the 12th-century Hemadpanthi Kukdeshwar Mahadev Temple.
05:30 PM | Departure for Mumbai & Pune
Board your respective private buses. Enjoy evening tea and light snacks en route.
09:30 PM - 10:30 PM | Arrival Back in Pune & Mumbai
Pune group drops off at respective highway stops; Mumbai group reaches Badlapur Station / Central line stations.
Inclusions
- Dedicated private bus transportation:
- Badlapur to Junnar and return (Mumbai batch)
- Pune to Junnar and return (Pune batch)
- Inter-location transfers between Shivneri, Chavandwadi, and Kukdeshwar Temple
- Morning hot village breakfast with chai
- Unlimited authentic Maharashtrian lunch (Veg / Non-Veg options)
- Evening tea and light snacks
- Certified and experienced trek leaders from Touriko Trek & Travel
- Guided heritage walkthroughs across Shivneri, Chavand, and Kukdeshwar Temple
- Basic first-aid medical support
Exclusions
- Local train fare up to Badlapur Railway Station
- ASI monument entry fees at Shivneri Fort (if applicable, payable at gate)
- Packaged mineral water, cold drinks, or personal expenses
- Individual medical or travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
Things to Carry
- Trekking shoes with proper sole grip (rock steps can be wet and slippery)
- Minimum 2 to 3 liters of drinking water
- Light backpack (20-30L) with rain cover / plastic wrap
- Quick-energy trail snacks (dry fruits, dates, glucose bars)
- Raincoat or poncho (seasonal)
- Sun cap, sunglasses, and personal medications
- Valid government-issued Photo ID
Guidelines & Cancellation Policy
- Eco-Friendly Trail: Shivneri and Chavand are protected historical monuments. Littering plastic wrappers, bottles, or non-biodegradable trash is strictly prohibited.
- Zero Substance Policy: Consumption of alcohol, smoking, or any illegal substances is strictly banned throughout the journey.
- Cancellation: 80% refund if cancelled 7+ days prior; 50% refund between 3 to 6 days prior; non-refundable within 48 hours of departure (seat transferable to a friend).
Distance and travel time
- From Mumbai: about 165 km by road, roughly 3.5 hours one way. All treks near Mumbai
- From Pune: about 95 km by road, roughly 2 hours one way. All treks near Pune
- Base village: Junnar, Pune · Open in Google Maps
Transport from Mumbai and Pune is arranged by us on most departures - the booking box above shows the pickup options for this date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Shivneri, Chavand and Kukdeshwar trek cost?
We provide two booking options: ₹1,599 per person for Pune Batch (private bus from Pune) and ₹1,999 per person for Mumbai Batch (private bus from Badlapur Station via Malshej Ghat). Pricing covers transport, breakfast, unlimited lunch, evening tea, and certified guide support.
How do Mumbai participants join this trek?
Mumbai participants board a Central Railway local train and assemble at Badlapur Railway Station by 11:00 PM on Saturday night. From Badlapur, our dedicated private bus transports the group directly to Junnar via Malshej Ghat.
How do Pune participants join this trek?
The Pune group boards our dedicated private bus departing starting at 01:30 AM with pickups at Katraj, Chandani Chowk, Wakad, and Bhosari, traveling directly to Junnar via Narayangaon.
Is this trek suitable for beginners and families?
Yes, this is one of our most accessible heritage batches. Shivneri Fort is climbed via wide stone steps, and Chavand’s steep rock-cut staircase is equipped with strong iron railings along its full length. Children aged 10 and above can easily complete it under parental guidance.
What is the rock-cut staircase on Chavand Fort?
It is an iconic flight of steps carved directly into the monolithic rock cliff. Continuous iron safety railings run beside the entire flight, and our trek leaders remain stationed along the ladder to guide each trekker safely.
What is the Kukdeshwar Temple?
It is an ancient 12th-century Hemadpanthi Shiva temple situated at Pur village near the origin of the Kukadi river. It features intricately carved stone pillars, a stone-ceiling mandapa, and a tranquil riverside pushkarni.
How do I book this trek?
Click the Book Now button on this page or message us directly on WhatsApp at +91 8976874681. Advance payment confirms your seat.
