This Hidden Gem Near Mumbai Left Anand Mahindra in Awe — You’ll See Why!

Kokankada, the breathtaking ‘Konkan Cliff’ near Harishchandragad Fort — the hidden gem that recently left Anand Mahindra in awe.

Weekend getaways have a way of surprising even the most seasoned travellers — and this time, it was business tycoon Anand Mahindra who stumbled upon one such hidden gem.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the Mahindra Group Chairman expressed genuine regret at not having known earlier about Kokankada — a breathtaking camping and trekking destination tucked away just a few kilometres from Mumbai and Pune.

Sharing his amazement, Mahindra wrote, “Another weekend, and the #SundayWanderer in me makes another discovery. Once again, I’m reminded of my ignorance about the breathtaking landscapes that lie just a short journey from where I live.”

Another weekend, and the #SundayWanderer in me makes another discovery.

Once again, I’m reminded of my ignorance about the breathtaking landscapes that lie just a short journey from where I live… Kokankada, in the Harishchandragad Fort region of Ahmednagar district, is about… pic.twitter.com/U3OUhR52Au — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 26, 2025

That simple reflection struck a chord with travellers across India — and sent weekend explorers searching for this little-known wonder.

A Cliff That Touches the Sky

Located in the Harishchandragad Fort region of Ahmednagar district, Kokankada sits about 3,500 feet above sea level. True to its name, which translates to “Konkan Cliff,” the spot overlooks the dramatic valleys of the Sahyadri range, offering sweeping views that stretch endlessly across the Western Ghats.

For travellers craving a mix of adventure and tranquillity, Kokankada delivers both. The vast cliffs, mist-wrapped peaks, and serene landscapes make it an ideal destination for trekking, camping, photography, and stargazing.

A Trail That Challenges and Charms

The Kokankada–Harishchandragad via Kedareshwar trail is among the most thrilling treks in Maharashtra. Trekkers describe it as both humbling and awe-inspiring — not only for its physical challenge but also for the rare natural phenomena it reveals along the way.

Here, nature puts on a spectacular show: vertical cloudbursts, circular rainbows (known as Brocken Ghosts), and cliffs that disappear into rolling fog. During monsoon, the terrain transforms into a lush green paradise dotted with wildflowers, waterfalls, and endless mist — a dream come true for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

A Photographer’s and Camper’s Haven

With its dramatic drop and panoramic vistas, Kokankada feels tailor-made for photography and slow travel. Whether you’re pitching a tent under a starlit sky or capturing the fiery hues of sunrise and sunset, every frame here looks straight out of a postcard.

For weekend campers, the site offers an easy escape from city chaos — just 170 km from Mumbai and 160 km from Pune — making it one of the most accessible offbeat destinations in Maharashtra.

A Call for Responsible Tourism

While mesmerised by Kokankada’s beauty, Mahindra also raised a thoughtful concern — visitor safety. He suggested that while the cliff’s raw appeal should remain untouched, introducing eco-friendly infrastructure like defined trekking trails, solar-lit pathways, and safety railings could help preserve its natural charm while ensuring visitors’ wellbeing.

His message resonates deeply: progress doesn’t have to compromise nature — it can protect and enhance it.

A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Kokankada isn’t just a destination; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences lie quietly in our own backyard. With its blend of adventure, serenity, and accessibility, it’s fast emerging as Maharashtra’s next must-visit weekend escape.

As Anand Mahindra’s discovery proves, you don’t always need to cross oceans to find wonder — sometimes, all it takes is a short drive and a curious spirit.