Top Adventure Trips in Maharashtra for Friends and Families in 2025
From monsoon-soaked forests to sunlit coasts and starry lakes, Maharashtra is packed with year-round adventures that work beautifully for both gangs of friends and family getaways. Planning for 2025? Here’s a handpicked list of trips—with ideal seasons, who it suits best, and practical tips—so you can pick the perfect thrill.
1. Kamshet Paragliding (near Lonavala/Pune)
Why go: Tandem paragliding here gives first-timers a safe, soaring taste of flight over the Sahyadris—no prior training needed. Great as a short, high-impact adventure on a Lonavala weekend.
Best for: Friends who want an epic reel; families with teens who meet weight/age limits.
Good to know (2025): Operators recommend advance booking and will assign morning/afternoon reporting times based on wind. Expect an additional jeep transfer to the take-off point and weekend surcharges.
Trip tips:
- Club it with a Lonavala stay or Pawna camping.
- Wear snug sports shoes and a light jacket; carry sunglasses with a strap.
- If you’re planning with a larger group, look for an ertiga car on rent in pune to make the road journey smoother and more cost-effective.
2. Kolad White-Water Rafting on the Kundalika
Why go: The Kundalika is dam-controlled, so you can raft most of the year; in monsoon (June–Sept) the flow spikes, making rapids extra punchy. Perfect for thrill-seeking friend groups and sporty families.
Best for: Friends who want peak adrenaline in the rains; families who prefer gentler flows outside monsoon.
Good to know (2025): Prior booking is compulsory; rafting typically starts after the daily dam release in the morning.
Trip tips:
- Minimum age/fitness applies—check with your outfitter.
- Pair rafting with riverside camping or a short detour to Tamhini Ghat waterfalls in monsoon.
3. Tarkarli & Malvan: Scuba, Snorkeling, and Beach Days
Why go: Clear waters, a laid-back Konkan vibe, and access to Sindhudurg Fort make Tarkarli/Malvan a terrific introduction to scuba for beginners.
Best for: Families with water-loving kids (age/health rules apply) and friend groups who want a sunny coastal chill + adventure mix.
Best season (2025): October–March/April typically offers the calmest seas and best visibility; activities are often limited in the monsoon.
Trip tips:
- Add dolphin-spotting and a Malvani thali crawl.
- Book operators with proper briefings, lifejackets, and certified dive masters.
4. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Chandrapur): Safaris & Nature
Why go: Maharashtra’s flagship tiger reserve offers gypsy safaris, birding, and nature time—fantastic for children and multi-generational trips.
Best for: Families who prefer wildlife over high-octane thrills; friends who love photography.
Important 2025 update: Safari prices were revised in late June 2025; the core zone typically closes during peak monsoon (July 1–Sept 30, 2025), with selected buffer gates open. Book only via the official portal.
Trip tips:
- For monsoon visits, pick buffer-zone experiences or plan post-Oct core safaris.
- Carry binoculars, neutral clothing, and stay quiet on drives—better sightings!
5. Della Adventure Park, Lonavala
Why go: A controlled environment with 50+ activities—flying fox, ATV rides, swoop swing, and more—so everyone in the group finds “their” thrill.
Best for: Mixed-interest groups; corporate offsites; families with kids who want safe, supervised fun.
2025 snapshot: Multiple pass types (including family options); day-trip friendly from Mumbai/Pune.
Trip tips:
- Arrive early, shortlist must-do rides, and hydrate.
- Combine with Khandala viewpoints or a café crawl in Lonavala.
6. Andharban Forest Trek (Mulshi)
Why go: A unique “reverse” forest trek that descends through misty woods, waterfalls, and cloud banks—monsoon magic at its best.
Best season (2025): June–September is prime for lush greenery and flowing streams; winter offers a calmer, drier experience.
New crowd-management move: The forest department trialed an online booking system in Aug 2025 to curb overtourism—expect visitor caps and gate-control on peak weekends.
Best for: Friends who enjoy long, scenic hikes; fit families with older kids.
Trip tips:
- Start early, carry rain protection, trekking poles, and snacks.
- Parking and trail logistics can be split between different start/end points—plan transport accordingly.
7. Sandhan Valley (Samrad, near Bhandardara): Canyon Trek & Rappelling
Why go: A dramatic slot-canyon experience with boulder sections, water pools, and optional rappelling—memorable and very photogenic.
Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate, but endurance can feel “high” due to boulders and long hours; many groups do this as a 2-day trek with camping.
Where: Samrad village, Ahmednagar district (Bhandardara region).
Best for: Fit groups of friends; families with older teens comfortable with scrambling and basic rope sections (guided).
Trip tips:
- Wear grippy shoes; pack a headlamp and dry bags.
- Winter and post-monsoon offer clear skies; monsoon conditions can alter the route—go with experienced organizers.
8. Bhandardara Lakeside Camping & Stargazing
Why go: Calm lake views, boat rides, and dark skies for Milky Way spotting—an easy, cozy adventure with kids or seniors.
Best for: Families and chill friend groups; also great during the pre-monsoon “fireflies” season (late May–June).
What to expect: Many camps facilitate telescope-based sessions; typical experiences run as overnight packages with tents.
Trip tips:
- Pack warm layers for night temps and a red-light torch for stargazing etiquette.
- Combine with a day visit to Randha Falls or a quick hike to Kalsubai if your group is fit.
- For hassle-free arrangements, consider booking through the best travel agency in pune that specializes in adventure and family tours.
How to Choose the Right Adventure (Friends vs Families)?
For friends:
- High-adrenaline picks: Kolad rafting in peak monsoon, Sandhan Valley with rappelling, Kamshet paragliding, Della’s extreme rides.
- Weekend combos: Lonavala base + paragliding + Della; Pune base + Andharban trek; Konkan road trip + Tarkarli scuba.
For families:
- Wildlife & low-impact nature: Tadoba safaris, Bhandardara camping and stargazing, Tarkarli snorkeling/boat rides in season.
- Managed thrill: Della Adventure Park with age-appropriate activities.
2025 Planning Essentials
- Seasonality matters:
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Peak for Kolad rafting and Andharban; expect trail caps on crowded weekends.
- Post-monsoon to winter (Oct–Mar): Prime for Tarkarli scuba and Tadoba core safaris.
- Book officially & early:
- Tadoba: Use the official forest portals for gate choice and tatkal options.
- Kolad & Kamshet: Confirm dam-release timings, reporting slots, and jeep transfers.
- Safety first:
- Go with reputable operators that provide certified guides, helmets, and emergency support.
- Check age/weight/health restrictions for paragliding, rafting, scuba.
- Carry rain gear, hydration, and basic meds in monsoon; avoid risky selfies near waterfalls.
