If you are looking for Malshej Ghat sightseeing, having booked your stay at MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat, this is your perfect guide. One of the biggest advantages of staying at any MTDC resort is its proximity to several natural viewpoints, historic forts, and important pilgrimage sites, and the same holds for the Malshej–Junnar region.
So, while we were at MTDC Malshej Ghat Resort, we explored a few nearby attractions that were easily accessible from the resort. This blog covers the places to visit near the MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat.
Malshej Ghat sightseeing from MTDC Resort
Malshej Ghat Thumb Point
Distance from MTDC Resort: ~5 minutes
This is within walking distance of the resort. In fact, Malshej Ghat Thumb Point is one of the closest viewpoints, and you can even spot it from the valley view rooms.
We visited this place during the early morning hours, and the view was magical — the Sahyadri hills, deep valleys, and winding mountain roads stretched endlessly before us. I am sure sunset is also a great time to head to this beautiful viewpoint, right in the middle of the mountains. I can only imagine the view this place would offer during the monsoon, with innumerable waterfalls cascading through the valley. It is truly a wonderful spot for aesthetic pictures.
Best Time to Visit Thumb Point
- Early morning or sunset
- Monsoon season for waterfalls and greenery
Junnar Region Sightseeing from Malshej Ghat
Junnar, the first Tourism Taluka in Pune district, is a historic town known for its forts, ancient caves, and religious significance. The region is well connected by road and can be easily explored while staying at MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat.
Junnar offers a diverse landscape unlike any other town in Maharashtra. Besides religious and historical places, it is also home to the world’s largest radio telescope — GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope).
We spent two days exploring the Junnar region, covering Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of the great Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and two Ashtavinayak temples.
Shivneri Fort
Distance from MTDC Resort: ~25 km
I had been to Shivneri Fort in the summer of 2022, and due to the heat, I could not trek all the way up. This time, being the winter season, we were able to explore it in its entirety.
This place holds immense historical importance as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. No wonder that on a Monday morning, the fort was extremely crowded — so much so that we feared we wouldn’t get parking and might have to return to the resort without climbing the fort. Fortunately, we managed to get a parking spot, though the struggle was real.
A lot of school children were trekking alongside us, probably on picnics, and we tagged along too. The fort is situated on a hill near Junnar, and the trekking route is very well designed, with well-maintained stairs at regular intervals. The ascent is gradual and suitable for most visitors, including senior citizens.
We had a senior in our group who could easily climb up to the temple area, which is halfway through. While she rested there, we climbed all the way to the top of the fort. For kids, this is a great experience to get a closer view of the life of the great Maratha warrior.
Time Required: Half day to full day
Lenyadri Caves & Ganapati Temple (Ashtavinayak)
Distance from Shivneri Fort: ~7 km
Distance from MTDC Resort:~25 km
Although this place is close to Shivneri Fort, due to all the climbing involved, we decided to explore it on Day 2 after a good night’s rest at the MTDC Malshej Ghat Resort.
Lenyadri is a unique Ashtavinayak Ganapati temple in Maharashtra, as the Girijatmaj Ganapati Temple is located inside a series of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. This makes it the only Ashtavinayak temple situated on a mountain and within caves.
The good thing is that there are well-maintained stairs to reach the top. The bad thing is that there are too many stairs — approximately 350. Another downside is the presence of too many monkeys. Even if you are carrying just a water bottle, they may try to snatch it.
Best tip: Leave all your belongings in the car or at the resort and climb hands-free. Stay alert and beware of the monkeys. It’s best to walk in groups or stay close to family.
The surroundings are otherwise quiet and scenic, offering a peaceful atmosphere — though I personally couldn’t enjoy it fully because of the monkeys.
Ozar Vighnahar Ganapati Temple (Ashtavinayak)
Distance from Lenyadri: ~15 km
Ozar was our second stop on Day 2, but only after a pit stop at a restaurant for a pure vegetarian meal. It’s not worth mentioning the hotel, as the food was below average. Ozar is home to Vighnahar Ganapati, another important temple in the Ashtavinayak circuit. Not much walking is required here, and there is no mountain climbing involved. The temple is located on the plains, and the premises are spacious and well maintained.
Depending on the day you visit, the crowd levels may vary. We visited on a Tuesday, so it was crowded but manageable. We were able to complete darshan in about 30 minutes. The drive from Lenyadri to Ozar is hardly 15 – 20 minutes.
Why MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat Is an Ideal Base
You can read the full review of MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat here. It works well as a base for Malshej Ghat sightseeing because all key attractions are easily reachable, and you can return to a peaceful hill-station setting after a day of exploration. Also, in the past I have stayed at HMMBRR Agro Resort Junnar which was amazing.
Travel Planning Tips
- Start early for Junnar sightseeing to avoid the afternoon heat
- Wear comfortable footwear for Shivneri Fort and Lenyadri steps
If you are staying for two nights at MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat, the following day-wise Malshej Ghat sightseeing itinerary helps you cover all nearby attractions comfortably.
Malshej Ghat sightseeing: 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Malshej Ghat & Shivneri Fort
| Time | Activity | Details |
| Early Morning | Visit Malshej Ghat Thumb Point | Walking distance from resort; best for sunrise views and photography |
| Morning | Breakfast at MTDC Resort | Relaxed start before travel |
| Late Morning | Drive to Shivneri Fort | Approx. 25 km from MTDC Resort |
| Midday | Trek & explore Shivneri Fort | Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; gradual ascent |
| Afternoon | Lunch | Near Junnar or back at the resort |
| Evening | Return to MTDC Resort | Relax and enjoy the hill-station surroundings |
Day 2: Ashtavinayak Temples – Lenyadri & Ozar
| Time | Activity | Details |
| Early Morning | Drive to Lenyadri Caves | Start early to avoid crowds |
| Morning | Visit Girijatmaj Ganapati Temple | Approx. 350 steps; beware of monkeys |
| Late Morning | Drive towards Ozar | Short scenic drive |
| Afternoon | Lunch (Vegetarian) | En route stop |
| Afternoon | Visit Ozar Vighnahar Ganapati Temple | Darshan usually completed within 30 minutes |
| Evening | Return to MTDC Resort | Wind down after the day’s travel |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat close to major sightseeing places?
Yes, MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat is located within driving distance of Junnar attractions like Shivneri Fort, Lenyadri Caves, and Ozar Temple.
How many days are enough to explore the nearby attractions from Malshej Ghat?
Two days are sufficient to cover Malshej Ghat viewpoints and key attractions in the Junnar region while staying at MTDC Resort.
Is Shivneri Fort trek difficult?
The trek to Shivneri Fort is easy to moderate and suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels. For senior citizens, it may be a little challenging to climb all the way up, though many do manage depending on their fitness levels.
Can Ashtavinayak temples be visited from Malshej Ghat MTDC Resort?
Yes, Lenyadri (Girijatmaj) and Ozar (Vighnahar) Ashtavinayak temples can be comfortably visited from MTDC Resort Malshej Ghat.
