What is the story about?
If you’re constantly searching for your next offbeat weekend getaway near Mumbai and Pune, here’s one that comes with a personal stamp of approval from
none other than Anand Mahindra. The Mahindra Group Chairman, who often shares inspiring stories and glimpses of life on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, recently revealed a hidden gem for travellers: the breathtaking Mangi-Tungi trek in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. Perfect for those who love road trips, adventure travel, and Instagram-worthy views, this destination is just a 6-7 hour drive from both Mumbai and Pune. Despite visiting Nashik frequently for work, Mahindra admitted he had never heard this trek until now—and once he did, he called it nothing short of “incredible.”
The Mangi-Tungi Trek
The Mangi-Tungi hills, standing about 4,300 feet above sea level, is a gorgeous and spiritual trekking challenge where nature and history meet in symphony. The trail is not a wilderness hike but a pilgrim’s path, where over 3,500 stone steps lead upward in a seemingly endless ascent. Each step brings into view sweeping vistas of the Satpura ranges, and in the monsoon months, mist clings to the cliffs like a veil.Travellers will notice shrines dotting the climb: ancient Jain temples and caves carved into the rock face, some dating back centuries. For the faithful, this is a sacred yatra. For others, it is an encounter with the sheer perseverance of those who once built these structures into unforgiving terrain.
At the summit, the journey culminates in an arresting sight: the Statue of Ahimsa, a 108-foot monolith dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara. Unveiled in 2016, it is considered the world’s tallest Jain statue. Standing before it, one is struck not just by its scale, but by the stillness it radiates, a moment of silence that feels earned after the arduous climb.
Do you find this article useful?
