Metatale to Ambavli

A regular daily commute for locals — people from Birwadi hike up to Metatale each morning and return by evening. Birwadi sits at the foothills of the Mahabaleshwar plateau.

A ridgeline approach with very old rock-cut steps carved into the mountain, through beautiful forest, to Karvialewadi — just south of the main Mahabaleshwar plateau.

A short descent brings you to Kumbaljai Mandir, a large temple deep in the forest.

Kumbaljai Mandir can serve as a night shelter in an emergency, with a large ground nearby for camping. No water source nearby.

A thin but continuous trail contours through dense forest — if you find yourself off it, backtrack rather than push forward. A couple of water streams/springs along the way offer refill points.

Just before Manghar, the trail passes strawberry farms — part of the belt supplying Mahabaleshwar's famous strawberries.

Manghar is a strong vantage point, with views to the fort of Madhumakarandgad. From here the EST sticks to the main ridgeline down to Goroshi — side trails also drop to Birwadi and Dudhgaon, but aren't part of EST. The descent has sweeping hairpin turns and open views throughout. The same Indian Gaur hazard applies on this stretch as well.

The only way through is by road, crossing the Koyna backwater on the road bridge. Chaturbet has a dhaba that also works as a homestay.

6 km on tar road, ~500 m of gain — a tiring stretch with no water springs along the way. Carry at least 2 litres. Hitchhiking is technically possible but traffic on this road is close to nonexistent.

A well-used path leads to Madhumakarandgad, which has a temple on top and a striking arete to explore.

The fort is known for spectacular sunsets and near-360° views — Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgarh, the forts of Mahipatgad, Sumargad, and Rasalgad, and south to the Koyna backwaters.

The trail drops south along a ridge into a valley, then climbs back to the same altitude through dense forest. Several trail offshoots branch off — hold your orientation south and you'll reach Jhadani without trouble.

Before descending, the trail passes Nirapji Mandir — an old, peaceful temple built into volcanic rock, deep in the forest, with a small well and a cattle water puddle alongside. From the temple, a clear ridgeline trail — forest first, then open scrub — descends southwest with strong valley views, bringing you down to Kandat, which is road-connected.

A small trail leads from Kandat to the isolated dwelling of Satvinpeda.

A ridgeline trail climbs to the first Padar level — a wide, flat plateau with heavy cattle grazing (cows and buffalo) and a single thin trail to follow. Reminiscent of the Koleshwar plateau (Stage 36).

A single trail sticks to the nose of Parvat's main ridgeline, reaching Mallika Arjun Mandir on top.

Parvat sits at 1,100 m; Valvand at 700 m. A heavily used local trail with iron railings installed on the rock steps. After the descent levels out, the trail runs through quiet, lush forest before a final ridgeline-nose approach into Valvand.

The trail continues south through farmland and a short road section to Shindi — the southernmost settlement on the EST.

A quick out-and-back on a well-signposted, lightly used trail. Mahimandangad holds an old Bhavani Mata Mandir and sweeping views south over the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary — the southernmost point of the entire EST, and your turnaround point.

Brings you onto the flat plateau of Chakdev.

About 1 km across the plateau west of Chakdev brings you to the main ridgeline, where a fixed iron ladder descends an almost-vertical wall — the route locals from Chakdev use to reach the market town of Khed to the west.

Once you're back on the main ridgeline past the ladder, the major danger is behind you — just keep careful footing through the remaining rock patches.

You may see Dhangarwadi ahead as you continue west; just before it, a lightly used side trail sticks to the main ridgeline (dense dry leaf cover underfoot). Stay on the mapped line and you'll reach Ambavli without much trouble.