Sahyadris and monsoons are a match made in heaven. The splendid Western Ghats offer rewarding trekking opportunities for adventurists and nature lovers. The Andharban Trek continues to be a much-loved getaway for Punekars. Here’s everything you need to know about the jungle trek. By Karan Kaushik
Your handy guide to Andharban Trek near Pune
The Trek
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One of the most refreshing treks in Maharashtra, Andharban Trek takes you through dense forests, enchanting waterfalls, and mist-clad deep green valleys. The word Andharban stands for a dark forest. The Andharan Forest is sequestered in the Tamini Ghats at an altitude of 2,160 feet.
The trek requires you to descend down from the Sahyadris to the Kundalika Valley, which eventually leads to the tranquil backwaters of Bhira Dam. Other prominent stopovers on this trek are Devkund Waterfall, Plus Valley, and Tamhini Ghat. What makes Andharban Trek unusual is the fact that you will be descending on the entire trek unlike most treks, which require you to hike up to a higher elevation.
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The trek begins from Independence Point near Pimpri Dam in Pimpri village. The trek takes you down a shallow U-shaped trail through the Kundalika Valley. The trail follows the Bhira Dam. Andharban Trek is a challenging trek during the monsoons, thanks to humidity and slippery paths. It usually takes around four to five hours to complete the 13km trek.
Since Andharban Trek is a jungle trek, expect dense forests sans any human settlements. You must be equipped with flashlights, torches, eatables, and enough drinking water to get you through the day. The trek offers amazing sighting opportunities too. Commonly spotted birds include dwarf kingfishers, Nilgiri wood pigeon, Malabar whistling thrush, Malabar grey hornbill, and white-bellied blue-flycatcher among others. Keep an eye out for the elusive Indian Giant Squirrel.
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The trek ends at Patnus village. Just a little ahead is Bhira village. You can choose to stay in Patnus as it offers decent lodges, camping sites, and eateries. You may even travel to Lonavala and spend the night there.
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When to go
Andharban Trek is accessible during all months of the year. The best time, however, is the monsoon season and the post-monsoon months. It is when the heavens open up that the foggy Western Ghats are at their majestic best.
How to reach
By Road: The trek begins from Pimpri village. Pimpri can be easily reached from Pune and Lonavala. It’s best to travel by your own vehicle or hire a cab.
By Rail: Lonavala is the nearest railhead. It enjoys good connectivity with Pune and Mumbai.
By Air: Pune and Mumbai are the nearest airports. From Pune, you can hire a cab for Pimpri.
Feature and hero image courtesy: Shutterstock
Related: 8 Maharashtra Hiking Trails That Will Exhilarate The Trekker In You
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