The word Andharban means dark dense forest and those who have visited Andharban will say that the place justifies the meaning of the word. The trek is located in the famous ‘Tamhini Ghat’ and takes around 6/7 hrs to complete. The Andharban trek is of easy to moderate difficulty level however being a journey of around 15 km a high level of endurance is required for the trek. It is one of the few treks in Sahyadris where the starting and end points are different. The trek starts from Pimpri Dam in Pune district and ends at Bhira dam in Raigarh district covering the wide variety of landscapes of Sahyadris like Valleys, plateaus, waterfalls and river streams.

How to Reach Starting Point?

Pune is the closest located city for Andharban trek. The distance of Pimpri dam, the starting point of the trek is around 60 Km from Pune and it takes around 2 hrs to reach the starting point from Pune. It is recommended to start the journey from Pune early so that trek can be started latest by 8 o’clock. We started our journey from Pune by 7 o’clock and then we has our breakfast at a restaurant near starting point before starting the trek. It is always advisable to have a proper breakfast before starting the trek.

The Andharban Trek: Key Highlights

1. Dense Forest

• The Andharban trek is unique because much of the trail passes through a dense forest, which is often shrouded in mist, especially during the monsoon season. The name “Andharban” literally translates to “dark forest,” and the trek lives up to its name with the thick canopy that blocks much of the sunlight, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere.

2. Scenic Views

• The trek offers stunning views of the Kundalika Valley, Bhira Dam, and the surrounding mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see the green valleys stretching far into the horizon. During the monsoon, the trail is adorned with countless small waterfalls and streams, adding to the trek’s beauty.

3. Waterfalls and Streams

• Along the route, trekkers will encounter several waterfalls and streams. These natural water bodies are most active during the monsoon, providing a refreshing experience as you traverse the forest.

4. Flora and Fauna

• The Andharban trek takes you through a biodiversity-rich region. The forest is home to various species of flora and fauna, including many types of birds, butterflies, and small wildlife. The dense foliage and the presence of various plants make it an exciting trail for nature enthusiasts.

Trekking Route

1. Starting Point – Pimpri Village

• The trek begins at Pimpri village, which is the base camp for the Andharban trek. Pimpri is accessible by road from Pune, Lonavala, and Mumbai. The village serves as the starting point where trekkers can prepare for the journey ahead.

2. Into the Dark Forest

• As you start the trek, you’ll quickly enter the dense forest. The initial part of the trek involves descending through the forest, with the trail gradually leading you downhill. The path is well-defined, but it can get slippery during the monsoon, so proper trekking shoes with a good grip are essential.

3. Hirdi Village

• About midway through the trek, you’ll pass through Hirdi village, a small settlement in the middle of the forest. This is a good place to take a short break, rehydrate, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

4. Descending to Bhira Dam

• After Hirdi village, the trail continues to descend, with views of the Bhira Dam becoming more prominent. The final stretch of the trek involves navigating through the forest and emerging at the backwaters of the Bhira Dam, where the trek concludes.

The Andharban trek takes you to the lush green forest of Sahyadris and to the views which you may not have witnessed in your lifetime. The trek route passes through some of the Most beautiful places in the Tamhini Ghat. It has all the places that a ‘perfect’ trek has to offer viz. beautiful valleys, astounding water streams, dense forests and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trek tests the endurance level of the trekker and once you complete the trek it gives you a sense of achievement. Since the trek is long it is preferable to have lunch at a village located in between the trek route. The food quality is good and one gets to taste a local food.

The End Point of Andharban Trek

The end point of the trek is Bhira dam which is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. From here one can take his vehicle and commute to his respective place. The only issue in this trek is that one has to get a vehicle with driver as the start and end points are different and the distance between both the points via road is around 40 Km.

Overall Andharban trek is a must do trek at least once. Along with stunning natural beauty one gets to know his endurance level and his willpower also in this trek. The trek is especially recommended in the Monsoon time as the views are stunning during this time.

• Trekking