A day in the DARK FOREST of Maharashtra
Andharban
August 2019
SHOW NOTES
Hi there, I’m Jaineel Gosalia as NAKKAAMO, and welcome to Nakkaamo Travels, the show in which I share my travel experiences. This is Episode 1 : ‘A day in the DARK FOREST of Maharahstra’ of the season ‘Treks in Maharashtra’
Summary
Andharban or Andhaar Van is a dark forest located in the Pune district of Maharashtra in the vicinity of the hair pin bends of the Tamhini Ghats. Being a 13km long easy enjoyable descend trek from Pimpri Dam to Bhira Dam, the trail offers eye catching views of the Kundalika Valley and River, Plus Valley and the Bhira Dam Backwaters. The foliage is abundantly dense with picturesque landscapes, cascading waterfalls as well as slow shallow rivulets. In this episode I will walk you through the forest trail, share my experience and help you out with the prerequisites you’d need to get to Andharban.
Mist,
Valleys,
Waterfalls &
River Crossing
Duration: 5-7 hrs
Location: Pimpri, 125km from Mumbai
Budget: ₹950
Kilometers: 300kms on Road & 13 by Feet
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome
00:05 About Nakkaamo Travels
00:19 About Nakkaamo (Jaineel Gosalia)
00:39 Briefing
01:25 Introduction
01:41 About Andharban
02:53 My Experience
03:10 How To Reach?
03:45 Photography Point
04:02 Trail Map
05:32 Foliage Tunnel
06:00 Photography Point
06:10 Picturesque Flower
07:45 Humpty-Dumpty had a Fall
08:20 Photography Point
08:56 Relaxation TIme
09:44 Declaration
10:28 A Weekend Trip Plan, JUST FOR YOU
11:20 White Water Rafting in Kundalika
11:39 Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
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Here on is an all-encompassing blog post on one of the most scenic treks near Mumbai in Maharashtra, Andharban: Dark Forest, the trail, it’s route map and all the frequently asked questions answered precisely to the point.
Is Andharban Open Throught?
Andharban is a compound word coming from ‘andhaar’ meaning darkness and ‘van’ or colloquially ‘ban’ meaning forest. As it is an untouched forest and forests probably do not have gates, Andharban is open all days round the year.
How To Reach Andharban?
By road (self-drive)
from Mumbai
Mumbai Pune Expressway -> Exit at Khandala Lonavala to Jalvaayu Marg -> Lonavala Aamby Valley Road -> Mhatoba Mandir Road -> MCKS Aashram Road -> Pimpri Dam
Mumbai-Pune Expressway -> Exit at Khalapur Toll -> State Highway 92, Pali -> State Highway 93, Saje -> Tamhini Ghat Road -> MCKS Aashram Road -> Pimpri Dam
from Pune
Mulshi Road -> Tamhini Ghat Road -> Pimpri Dam
By public transport
from Mumbai
Catch a train to Khopoli -> Hop on a bus to Pali -> Hop on a bus to Bhira -> Get down at MCKS Aashram -> Walk to Pimpri Dam
OR
Hop on a bus to Pune -> Get down at Khopoli -> Hop on a bus to Pali -> Hop on a bus to Bhira -> Get down at MCKS Aashram -> Walk to Pimpri Dam
from Pune
Hop on a bus to Pali or any bus plying on the Tamhini Ghat Road -> Get down at MCKS Aashram -> Walk to Pimpri Dam
By flight
Fly to Mumbai or Pune airport and then hire a cab or follow the public transport
By train
Book a ticket for Pune Station and then hire a cab or follow the public transport
Andharban Trail Route with Map
Phase 1
Initial one and half km walk for half an hour in the paddy fields
Phase 2
Walking in the hills for around 4kms crossing streams to reaching the plateau in less than 3 hours
Phase 3
Entering the 3km long dark forest which can take around an hour and more if you choose to stroll
Phase 4
A 3 plus km descend after Hirdi Village ranging 4hrs to reach Bhira Dam Backwaters
Places To Visit Nearby Andharban
1. Waterfalls
a. Palashe Falls
b. Hemant’s Waterfalls
c. Khajina Waterfalls
d. Tamhini Waterfall
2. Treks
a. Devkund
b. Dongre Valley
c. Plus Valley
3. Viewpoint
a. Plus Valley Viewpoint: https://goo.gl/maps/meyPiSzHskb4qZQH9
b. Tamhini Ghat Viewpoint: https://goo.gl/maps/PvVffUd8EGuvWjcB6
4. Campsites
a. Mulshi Lake
b. Bhira Dam
What Are The Stay Options Near Andharban?
What Are The Food Options Near Andharban?
Are There Water Sources In Andharban?
How Long Is The Andharban Trail?
What Is The Best Time To Visit Andharban?
Is Andharban A Difficult Trek?
Start Point, Base Village and End point of Andharban
Bhira Dam (Unnai Dam), Patnus, Maharashtra 402308
What is the distance covered in the trek?
Things To Carry
Sugar Candies
Biscuits
Water as per requirement
Sunglasses during summer
Rain cheater or Poncho during monsoon
Jacket, pullover, hoodie during winter because it gets cold early in the morning
Recemendations
Consider using a mosquito repellent if you are allergic to mosquitoes flies and other insects. Since it is a forest, there are prone to be insects, none of which have proven to be harmful till date.
Prefer wearing a full sleeve inner under a drip dry / dry fit t-shirt and track pants or nothing better if you have a trek pant. Trekking/Hiking shoes are a must for the trek to ensure proper footing.
Do not carry an umbrella to the trek. It is practically useless, and a weight add on, rather enjoy the rain or carry a poncho.
Technically there is not a need to carry a trekking pole, still if you feel safe with a pole, pack one.
What Safety Should Be Observed On The Trek To Andharban?
Ensure safety with a torch and a Swiss knife. Unfortunate accidents can be mitigated with pain relief sprays, pain killers and a basic first-aid kit.