Overview

Kusur Plateau Trek Overview

Kusur Plateau Trek is an offbeat monsoon jungle trek in the Sahyadri Mountains of Maharashtra, located in Maval Taluka near Lonavala and Kamshet. Unlike the more popular Jambhavali route to Kusur, this trek follows the lesser-known Kusur Village → Kusur Valley → Kusur Plateau → Bendewadi Waterfall route.
The trail passes through dense jungle, mist-covered landscapes, open plateau sections and scenic valley views before reaching the spectacular Bendewadi Waterfall, making it one of the more adventurous hidden trails near Pune.
At around 3,296 feet (1,005 metres), Kusur Plateau offers beautiful monsoon views of the surrounding Sahyadri ranges and valleys. The plateau is also home to the Waghoba Temple, a small local shrine that adds a cultural element to the trek.
The trail is approximately 8–10 km and is rated Easy to Moderate, with medium endurance requirements.
What makes this route special is its relatively secluded character. During the monsoon, fog can cover large sections of the trail, the jungle becomes extremely lush and several trail junctions can be difficult to identify. Because of this, the Kusur Valley route is best explored with an experienced local trek leader or guide.


Kusur Plateau Trek at a glance:

  • Location: Kusur, Maval, Pune, Maharashtra
  • Altitude: 3,296 ft / 1,005 m
  • Trek Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Endurance: Medium
  • Trail Type: Jungle trail, valley trail, and plateau walk
  • Starting Point: Kusur Village
  • Ending Point: Kusur Village
  • Best Season: Monsoon and flowering season
  • Main Attractions: Kusur Valley, Kusur Plateau, Waghoba Temple and Bendewadi Waterfall

Kusur is located in Maval Taluka of Pune district, with Lonavala and Kamshet among the nearby towns.


Why Trek the Kusur Plateau?

  • If you are looking for an offbeat trek near Pune during the monsoon, Kusur Plateau is an excellent choice.
  • The route is much more about the journey than simply reaching a summit. You walk through dense green forests, misty sections, open grasslands, and the remote Kusur Valley before reaching the plateau.
  • And the highlight comes towards the end — Bendewadi Waterfall, a spectacular monsoon waterfall in the Khandi region.
  • The Khandi–Bendewadi region is known for numerous waterfalls during the monsoon, and Bendewadi Waterfall itself is described as a relatively hidden attraction in the area.

Batches : 

  • June 2026: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
  • July 2026: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
  • August 2026: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
  • September 2026: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
  • October 2026: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31

 Cost: 

  • Pune Package: 1399/-
  • Base Village Package: 899/-
1 Day 22 Aug, 23 Aug, 29 Aug, and more Kusur, Maharashtra
Itinerary

Pune: (Via Bus Transport)
Day 1

  • 04:30 AM: Novotel Hotel, Viman Nagar ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/ooiRmYvZeR8iL1ju5 )
  • 05:00 AM: Report to The Trekleaders at Fergusson College Main Gate, FC Road.  (https://goo.gl/maps/53XNsyDPwcSVReZW9
  • 05:20 AM: Pick-up from Bremen Chowk- Shivneri Bus Stop, Aundh. (https://goo.gl/maps/8a26z5EVzbH4v8U28
  • 05:30 AM: Pick-up from Wakad-Hinjewadi Flyover (Near Sukhwani Indian Oil Petrol Pump)  (https://goo.gl/maps/bwg9SECAAx7JRXPG9)
  • 08:00 AM: Reach Base Village and Have Breakfast 
  • 09:00 AM: Start our trek from the Kusur Valley to Bendewadi Waterfall
  • 11:30 PM: Reach Kusur Plateau
  • 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM: Relax and explore the Plateau & Waghoba Mandir
  • 12:30 PM: Start descending via Bendewadi Waterfall route
  • 02:30 PM: Reach Bendewadi Waterfall, enjoy the waterfall.
  • 03:00 PM: Head to Kusur village and have Lunch 
  • 05:00 PM: Start Return Journey to Pune 
  • 09:00 PM: Reach Pune

Note:

Also, If you're going to book Return Journey train/ bus/ flight tickets to your respective cities in advance, kindly concern with Sales and Operations team once so that you will not face any inconvenience in your return journey.


Inclusions:

  • Private Bus Transportation (Pune to Pune)
  • Breakfast & Tea
  • Lunch ( Veg Thali Unlimited)
  • Trek Leader Charges.
  • Permit and Forest Entry Charges.
  • Trek Expertise Charges. 
  • First Aid Charges.

Exclusion :

  • Lunch
  • Travel till Lonavala
  • 5% GST
  • Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
  • All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
  • Any kind of personal expenses
  • Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the inclusions above
  • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
  • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
  • Insurance

How to Reach Kusur Plateau from Pune:

  • By Road: Kusur Village is located in Maval Taluka, Pune district, and can be reached from Pune by road via the Pune–Mumbai route and the Maval/Kamshet region. The village is approximately 65 km from Pune, although the actual distance depends on your starting point and route. For this trek, the trail begins from Kusur Village, not from Jambhavali.
  • From Lonavala: Kusur is approximately 15–20 km from Lonavala by road. Lonavala is one of the closest well-known towns to the Kusur region.
  • From Mumbai: Kusur Village is approximately 120–135 km from Mumbai, depending on the starting location and road route.
  • By Public Transport: Public transport connectivity to the exact trailhead is limited compared with major tourist destinations. Trekkers travelling independently should plan their last-mile transport to Kusur Village in advance. For first-time visitors, joining a guided trek from Pune is recommended because the Kusur Valley trail is less established than the more frequently used Jambhavali route.

Things to carry:

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

  • ID proof
  • backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover) 
  • trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
  • Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
  • Water Bottle (1- 2 ltr)
  • Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
  • Torch 
  • Personal Medicines and Personal First aid 

(Required but Optional Things)

  • Sleeping Bag/ Shawl etc
  • To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
  • Sweater For bus journey
  • Electoral or Glucose D powder. 
  • Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
  • Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
  • Proper face mask or shield 
  • Sanitizer 
  • Extra Pair of clothes.

Note:

  • Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants,  this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc.

Best Time to Visit Kusur Plateau

Monsoon – June to September: The monsoon is the best season to experience Kusur Plateau. The landscape turns intensely green, streams become active, waterfalls are at their best and the plateau is frequently covered in mist and clouds. This is also when Bendewadi Waterfall becomes one of the major attractions of the route. The wider Khandi region is known for its numerous monsoon waterfalls.

Flowering Season: After the peak monsoon, the plateau and surrounding grasslands can also be interesting for nature and wildflower enthusiasts.

Winter: October to February can offer clearer views and more comfortable trekking conditions, although the dramatic monsoon waterfalls and fog are usually absent.


Is Kusur Plateau Trek Difficult?

  • Kusur Plateau Trek is rated Easy to Moderate with medium endurance requirements for our route.
  • The distance of approximately 8–10 km is manageable for reasonably active beginners, but the difficulty can increase considerably during heavy monsoon conditions.

The trail may become:

  • Slippery
  • Muddy
  • Foggy
  • Difficult to navigate
  • Uneven in forest sections

The route should therefore not be treated like a simple sightseeing walk.

The trek is particularly suited to people who enjoy offbeat jungle trails, monsoon landscapes and less-crowded trekking routes.


Is a Guide Required for Kusur Plateau Trek?

  • For the Kusur Village → Kusur Valley → Bendewadi Waterfall route, we strongly recommend going with an experienced trek leader or local guide.
  • The trail is less obvious than popular trekking routes, and heavy monsoon fog can make navigation difficult. Multiple jungle paths can look similar, and it is easy for first-time trekkers to take the wrong turn.
  • This is one of the biggest differences between this route and more established treks near Pune.

What Makes Kusur Plateau Different?

  • Kusur is not a typical fort trek.
  • There is no single dramatic climb to a fort entrance. Instead, the experience is a combination of:
  • Jungle + Valley + Fog + Plateau + Temple + Waterfall
  • The relatively secluded nature of the trail is one of its biggest attractions.
  • If your idea of a perfect monsoon trek is walking through a green forest with clouds around you, discovering an offbeat plateau and ending at a powerful waterfall, Kusur is worth exploring.

Cancellation Policy:

  • 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days before the event date.
  • 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days before the event date.
  • No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days before the event date
  • No show No Refund.
  • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
  • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
  • If Trek gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only

Disclaimer:

The tour is weather-based and depends on the weather conditions. There may be last-minute cancellations if weather conditions deteriorate.

FAQ

Where is Kusur Plateau located?

Kusur Plateau is located near Kusur Village in Maval Taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra. The region is close to Kamshet and Lonavala.

How far is Kusur Plateau from Pune?

Kusur Plateau is approximately 65 km from Pune by road, although the exact distance varies according to your starting point and route.

How far is Kusur from Lonavala?

Kusur Village is approximately 15–20 km from Lonavala.

How far is Kusur from Mumbai?

Kusur Village is approximately 120–135 km from Mumbai by road, depending on your starting point and route.

What is the altitude of Kusur Plateau?

Kusur Plateau is approximately 3,296 feet (1,005 metres) above sea level.

What is the distance of the Kusur Plateau Trek?

Our Kusur Village route is approximately 8–10 km.

Is Kusur Plateau Trek easy or difficult?

The trek is rated Easy to Moderate with medium endurance requirements. Monsoon conditions can make the trail significantly more challenging.

Is Kusur Plateau Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, reasonably fit beginners can attempt the trek. However, the trail should not be underestimated during heavy monsoon because of slippery terrain, fog and route-finding challenges.

What is the best time for Kusur Plateau Trek?

June to September is the best period for the classic monsoon experience, especially for lush greenery, fog and waterfalls.

Can we see a waterfall on the Kusur Trek?

Yes. The Kusur Village route reaches Bendewadi Waterfall, which is one of the main highlights of this trek.

Is Bendewadi Waterfall part of Kusur Plateau Trek?

Yes. Our route connects Kusur Plateau with Bendewadi Waterfall before returning to Kusur Village.

Is Kusur Plateau crowded?

Compared with several popular monsoon treks around Pune and Lonavala, the Kusur Valley route is relatively offbeat. However, crowd levels can change during peak weekends and monsoon holidays.

Is Kusur Plateau safe during monsoon?

The trek can be undertaken safely with proper planning, experienced trek leaders and suitable weather conditions. Heavy rain, fog, slippery sections and reduced visibility can increase the risk.

Do I need a guide for Kusur Plateau?

A guide or experienced trek leader is strongly recommended for the Kusur Village route, particularly during the monsoon.

Which route is better: Jambhavali or Kusur Village?

The Jambhavali route is more commonly documented and used by trekking groups. Our Kusur Village route is chosen for a more offbeat experience through the Kusur Valley and towards Bendewadi Waterfall.

Is Kusur Plateau good during the monsoon?

Yes. Monsoon is arguably the best season to visit Kusur because of the greenery, clouds, fog, streams and waterfalls.

Is Kusur Plateau good for photography?

Yes. The combination of misty forests, open plateau landscapes, waterfalls, valleys and monsoon greenery makes Kusur excellent for landscape and nature photography.

What should I carry for the Kusur Trek?

Carry good trekking shoes with grip, a rain jacket or poncho, water, personal medicines, snacks, a small backpack, an extra pair of clothes and a waterproof cover for electronics.