Andharban Dark forest Trek – 11th Aug 2024

Description

• Andharban, as the name suggests simply means a ‘Dark Dense Forest’. During monsoons, this trek is one of the most refreshing treks of the Sahyadri. It is the most beautiful attraction of the Sahyadri range which connects the Tamhini Ghat to the famous Konkan region.
• Located in the Pimpri region of Maharashtra, approximately 16 km from the well-known city of Pune, Andharban Trek is the perfect place for every trekker who wishes to experience the pleasure of wandering deep jungles with enthralling views. Imagine walking through the nature trails deep into the jungle surrounded by sounds of the rustling of leaves, chirping of birds, buzzing of insects, and gushing waterfalls bubbling over the rocks. Blissful, isn’t it? Andharban – The Dark Forest Trek offers this all!
• Since the Andharban trek is ideally taken during the monsoon season, you will be walking through the lush green grass and densely shaded cover of the forest. While walking through this jungle covered in fog, you will witness amazing views of the Kundalika Valley, hear mesmerizing small and big streams of water and gushing waterfalls, cross these big water streams with the valley on one side, and view the waterfall on the other with this mysterious forest waiting to amaze you with surprises at every turn! Known as a backpacker’s paradise, you will find yourself walking on a ridge with an awesome view of the Kundalika Valley, Bhira dam, and the various mountain ranges of Tamhini Ghat. Apart from stunning views of the valley, you will also encounter several unique flora and fauna, several species of birds such as the Jacobin cuckoo, the Malabar whistling thrush, dwarf kingfishers, and minivets indigenous to this place.
• One can truly call it the heaven of the Sahyadri. It is a beautiful experience to embark upon an exhilarating Monsoon Trek to the Andharban forest and is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. Trekking here during monsoons is all about hiking across delightful green hills, soaking in gorgeous waterfalls, and witnessing the massive fur of clouds right beside you!
• The most interesting thing about the Andharban trek is that unlike most other treks in Sahyadris with painful ascents till your breath gives up, it is a gradual descent trek. The trek begins at an elevation of about 2100 feet and you will be descending the valley to reach Bhira dam with no difficult rocky patches coming your way.
• It is quite bright when you start trekking. But as you descend further, soon you will find yourself walking in the shade of evergreen trees covering the trails and it starts getting dimmer. You will be walking in this dense dark forest for the first 6-7 km. This trail continues straight where you will be walking on the edges just beside Kundalika Valley and with the mountain ranges to your right. There are 3 major river streams that you will encounter throughout your entire course of the trek, some of which might require a rope or human chain if the flow is heavy due to rain.
• You will then reach a remote yet beautiful village named ‘Hirdi’. It is the only village that you will come across throughout your Andharban trek and you can arrange for food from locals here. You can stop for a refreshment break/lunch here before starting to descend towards the Konkan route to reach Bhira. This is the valley that is the origin of the Kundalika River, famous for its white-water river rafting and other adventure activities. The second half of the trek is roughly 4-5 km and you will reach the base village in no time while trekking on a flatter surface and enjoying scenic views of the backwaters of Bhira dam.
• This trek is truly an experience of a lifetime!