heres what you need to keep in mind trekking and hiking in maharashtra is a popular activity almost throughout the year with hikers making the most of the states beautiful terrain and numerous hill stations while the cooler months of november to january are most favoured summer and monsoon are also a popular seasons places like matheran kalsubai peak sinhagad fort raigad shivneri fort ratangad and rajgad are some of the most popular destinations among trekkers if youre thinking of going for a trek in summer though you need to keep certain things in mind one of the first things you need to do is to make yourself familiar with the place that you will be visiting read up about where you will be heading how difficult or easy the trek is and how you can get there if youre a novice speak to experienced trekkers and ask them your doubts and questions this way youll have an idea of what to expect and be better prepared your hiking gear is also equally important make sure you wear the right clothes and shoes carry sunglasses a first aid kit nutritious snacks a sturdy backpack torch with extra batteries pocket knife map powerbank for your smartphone compass spare clothes and of course plenty of water dont hesitate to take a break when you feel tired its better to go slow and steady instead of walking at a fast pace always keep your family or friends in the loop about where you plan to go this way if you get hurt or lose your way you can always be traced remember that when youre out hiking youre a part of natural habitat which could do without your litter keep a spare plastic bag to collect any trash that you discard