How about a trek to the highest point in Mumbai? It leads us to the Jambulmal Watch Tower. This tower offers a mesmerizing view of the city. It is located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Many Mumbaites don’t realize Mumbai has a highest point. That point is Jambhulmal.
The Jambulmal Watch Tower trail is famous. It is also known as the highest peak trail. The peak stands about 1535 feet or 468 meters above sea level. The trek to Jambulmal starts 500 meters before the Kanheri Caves. The trail is about 9.5 kilometers long. It passes through streams and rocky paths. You will also see plateaus and bamboo jungles. Ashoka Van and Karvi plants line the route. These plants flower once every eight years.
The Jambulmal Watch Tower trek offers a 360-degree view. You can see Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake. Powai and Dahisar are also visible. This trek is ideal for nature lovers. It is also good for amateur trekkers.
You will need permission from the Nature Information Center or NIC. A naturalist must accompany you. The NIC is near the main gate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The naturalist will guide you. They share knowledge about the park’s biodiversity.
Gaumukh comes before Jambhulmal. If you reach Gaumukh you have covered a third of the trail. There was a Gaumukh temple here. Government authorities razed it. On the way to Gaumukh are cave-like structures. Very old steps are here. They may have been in use during the Satvahana period.
After breakfast, continue toward the bamboo huts. The bamboo hut is a jungle of bamboo grass. The trail goes through canopies of bamboo grass. After the bamboo huts, you reach Ashok Van. It is a lush green forest. It feels cold even at midday. Little streams flow here. The forest seems untouched by seasonal changes.
The Jambulmal Watch Tower trail ends at a fork. The left path goes to the Air Force receiving station. The watch tower lies to the right. The Air Force Station is a restricted area. Karvi plants are abundant near the watch tower.
Climb the Jambulmal Watch Tower for breath taking views. Powai, Tulsi, and Virar lakes are visible. The view is truly awesome. Be careful of monkeys near the Jambulmal Watch Tower. They may attack without reason. Refrain from eating here. Carry a stick for protection. Bring enough drinking water. Water is not easily available on the trail. You might be surprised to get network connection at the highest peak. Call someone and hear your echo.
The return from Jambulmal to Kanheri is descending. The ascending part is a little tiring. You need to climb rocky mountains. It takes less time to descend. Be careful of slipping.