Greetings, fellow adventurers! My name is Priyanshi, and
I’ve been living in Pune for a year now and exploring many treks during the monsoon season. One trek, the Andharban Forest Trek, stands out as truly unforgettable—it was my very first trek ever, spanning 13 kilometres of lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes.
Discovering Andharban and a Monsoon Trek in the Sahyadri Splendour:
The best time to travel for the Andharban Trek is during the rainy season, which is from July to September and is an exhilarating adventure in the Sahyadri mountains. Also, these mountains link Tamhini Ghat to the scenic Konkan region and offer breathtaking views. Andharban is ideal for hikers who cherish dense forests and stunning landscapes.
Located near Pune, about 16 kilometres away in Maharashtra’s Pimpri area, it’s perfect for those who love trekking through lush greenery and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Trekking Highlights of the Andharban Trek:
The jungle trek in the rainy season was amazing! The lush green plants and colourful flowers made it feel magical. Also, we found waterfalls and swimming pools, which were so much fun. The views from the mountaintops were stunning, and the rain made everything even more special.
We entered from one side and exited from the other. Moreover, the views of Pune’s ghats in the monsoon were breathtaking. After riding our bikes, we reached the base, had a hearty breakfast, and then started the long trek.
Trek Route Andharban Trek: A Guide to Waterfalls and Back:
If you’re considering this trek, I’d advise doing just half of it and heading back. We started at 9 a.m. from where we parked our car, which has a parking fee. Hiring a guide is smart. You’ll begin by crossing a small stream and paying ₹140 at the forest department counter.
The trail starts there, and in about 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll reach two beautiful waterfalls. After that, it’s mostly downhill walking through the forest, which isn’t very thrilling. The entire trek took us about 7 hours, including a food break in the village. We ended up at Bhira Dam, took a taxi to the main area, and caught a bus back to Pune by 5 p.m..
Must know: If you’re driving, consider hiring someone to move your vehicle to the end of the trail. Otherwise, getting back to the start is tough, as it’s about 40 kilometres away.
Alternatively, visit both waterfalls, spend time there, and return the same way (my recommendation). Some trekking groups emphasise completing the entire trek, but honestly, the second half is just downhill walking on rocky terrain. Unless you’re keen on spending 7 hours in the forest, stick to the first half.
Must know: And don’t forget water, snacks, and cash—there’s no mobile service.
We enjoyed the waterfalls’ beauty from high in the mountains. While trekking, we got lost as it grew late. After wandering, locals familiar with the area kindly guided us back.
We walked 3-4 km to find our path, crossing the river and navigating waterfalls. Finally, we reached a stunning waterfall view, making the trek worthwhile. It took 6-7 hours. After dinner, we cherished memories of this unforgettable adventure on our way home.
Helpful Tips for the Andharban Trek:
- Always carry a raincoat during the monsoon season, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
- Inform your family in advance about the trek, as mobile network connectivity is limited.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast and pack ample snacks, as there are no eateries along the trekking route.
- Bring your water bottle for a long day with additional drinks like lemonade, energy drinks, etc.
We had food at a local shop on our way back to Pune, costing us ₹350 rupees per person, with additional expenses including a ₹50 rupee private area fee and ₹140 rupees for entry fees, making our total budget for the group 3,000 rupees.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice adventurer, Andharban promises an experience that will linger in your heart long after the journey ends. Happy trekking.Looking for exciting travel adventures? Visit https://sowl.in/stories for amazing stories.
