Andharban trek is well known for its interesting specialities like waterfalls, streams, dense jungle walk and beautiful lakes at the beginning & end of the route. Andharban Jungle trek is highly recommended for all as its a descending trail. There is no ascend or any difficulty rock patch as such.
Andharban Base Village
Andharban trek start point
Andharban trek near Pune starts from Pimpri village in Mulshi region. It is also marked as Andharban trek start point on Google maps. There are many trekking places near Pune but this one is more famous during monsoon season among the trekkers of Mumbai and Pune. Journey till Tamhini ghat is more beautiful and slowly takes you the countryside jungle area of Mulshi forest region.
Andharban trekking squad
Andharban trek from Mumbai
Trek started after heavy breakfast at villagers place. We packed our bags with the necessary things and kept our extra clothes and other things back in our bus. The bus driver was asked to reach the endpoint of Andharban trek i.e. Bhira Dam in Patnus village.
Jungle Trek Started
Before entering into dark forest
Before entering into the dark forest, our photo session started. It was a very scenic and beautiful place. Initially, it was a well-trodden path. You might think that you don’t need a guide but you should have one guide as there is a high chance of getting lost in the Andharban trek route. We crossed a few paddy fields before entering the jungle.
Paddy fields
We spot beautiful flowers as well.
Flowers on the way
Immediately, Waterfall was spotted by a trek mate and captured by our photographer.
Waterfall at long distance
Foggy route
Looking here and there, we saw very small water streams but we were expecting bigger ones where we can splash, play and take many pictures. Suddenly, while walking we never came to know that we have entered into the magical forest. That’s the beauty of Andharban Jungle trek. Within a few minutes, the path was covered by fog. It was really difficult to spot anyone beyond 100-300 meters. It reminded me Dudhsagar waterfall forest trek route which was also similar to this.
Misty Magical Trail
Enchanting Kundalika valley
We came to know that we were walking on the edges, just beside Kundalika valley. Slowly, we were able to hear the flowing water sound. To our surprise, it was a medium-sized water stream, where we jumped with the permission of our guide. It was heaven for us. We played there like kids, splashed some water on everyone. We wanted to stop on that stream only, but the guide gave us a deal which was forcing us to come out immediately. He just told us that there are many bigger streams and beautiful spots ahead in the Andharban forest trek.
Chilled water at Stream
Fun at first Stream
Fun at last stream
We were into the forest. Till this point, trekking trail was very much prominent.
Andharban trekking trail
After some time, we came across another stream. It was a bit risky while crossing due to slippery patches.
Crossing the risky patches
Andharban Jungle Trek
Few trek mates were busy in the photo session.
Poser of the trek
Without further ado, we marched into the forest with wet clothes. Forest was completely magical as it was changing weather and sunlight in minutes. At times, we walked into the heavenly Misty trails.
Heaven walk
Sometimes, it was scary and more haunted.
Scary at times
Forest floor was covered with the decomposing leaves, animal droppings, and dead trees.
Andharban trek blog
Andharban Trek Route
On the way, Crab and mushrooms were captured by our photographer.
Crab
Special appearance
After walking for a long time into the dense forest, the trail took us to open grass fields. There were many white flowers and we had many Shahrukh & Kajol pairs to pose.
Open Fields after longtime
Lunch Break
Suddenly, the guide told us to take a meal break. We checked the time and we never came to know that we had walked for so much since morning. Even the weather was so cloudy, we never came to know that it’s afternoon time. After so much realization, the troop took a halt and slept on the natural lawns.
Natural Lawn
We had our packed food. We carried our all garbage back into backpacks.
On the way
Slowly, we walked and crossed one village named ‘Hirdi‘. The only Village that you will come across throughout the Andharban trek. It was a very remote village with few houses. There was no electricity and water supply from the government.
Kundalika Valley
We walked ahead. It was easy for us to just walk n walk, as it was descending trail. Therefore, Andharban trek is considered an easy trek near Mumbai & Pune.
We were tired a bit and thus our photo session reduced accordingly.
The last ending trail
Last trail of Andharban Jungle trek
Bhira dam was visible. We came to know that we were close to the endpoint. Everyone started walking fast with full energy. Hardly any breaks or halts for photography.
Last stream of Andharban Jungle Trek
It was a dream come true when we saw a natural swimming pool. We relaxed in that stream until everyone comes.
Our Swimming pool
The water from all streams gets stored in the Bhira Dam. River rafting in Kolad is dependent on Dam controlled water. To enjoy River rafting, one can choose any Kolad Resort stay options near the end of Andharban Trek.
To summarize, Andharban trek near Pune was one of the best treks that I ever did. Try to avoid in heavy rainy season as it is risky while crossing few water streams in which water level rises within seconds during a heavy downpour. Always go with the experience trek leaders, Adventure tour operator like Small Steps Adventures. Otherwise, there are local guides in Pimpri as well. Do share your experience and let me know how was your Andharban Jungle trek.
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