- Level
- Challenging
- Trek time
- About 3 hours up to the caves
- From Pune
- About 130 km, 3 hours by road
- Starts at
- Chinchavali (Vangani side) or Tamsai (Panvel side)
- Best months
- October to February
Chanderi rises between Badlapur and Panvel. Most groups climb to the caves below the summit, a good destination on its own. Going on to the top means steep scree and rock patches that are much harder than the climb to the caves.
Our trips to Chanderi Fort
We have been once in Apr 2024. Photos from the day:
10 photosHow to reach Chanderi Fort from Pune
By car or bike: Drive to Karjat and Neral, then towards Vangani and Chinchavali.
By bus or train: Take a train to Karjat, then a Mumbai local train to Vangani. From Vangani, take a rickshaw to Chinchavali.
The trail
From Chinchavali, the trail crosses fields and climbs through forest to the cave level. The route can be confusing; take a local guide the first time.
Above the caves, the route to the summit crosses steep scree and rock patches. It is not a walk; turn back if your group is not confident on loose ground. Our community went on to the summit in April 2024.
What you will see
- The Chanderi caves, with views across the Badlapur plain
- Views of Mhaismal, Peb and Matheran
- A quiet trek compared with the forts near Lonavala
Food and water
There is nothing to buy on the trek. Carry 2–3 litres each; water in the caves is not reliable in the dry season.
Is it right for me?
Fit beginners can go up to the caves with a group. The summit is for experienced trekkers.
Best time to go: October to February. In the monsoon the rock patches above the caves are dangerous.
Good to know
- Take a local guide the first time; the route is easy to lose.
- Wear shoes with dependable grip for the scree.
- Turn back at the caves if anyone is unsure on loose rock.
- The caves are a shelter used by trekkers and herders; carry out everything you bring in.
New to trekking? Read your first trek and our safety basics.
Go with us, for free
Join the Pune Trekkers WhatsApp group to hear about the next trip. Everyone splits the real cost; nobody makes money.
Similar treks
Written by our volunteers from our own trips and Trekshitiz: Chanderi. Times are for a steady group; conditions change, so check on the day. Something wrong? Tell us.