Andharban: The Dark Forest to get lost in

“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times”

Isn't it true that you never know what a place is unless you visit it? While going through my Instagram, a picturesque image of the Andharbans always popped up. I wondered how amazing it would be to trek in this dark forest and somewhere in the month of June, some of my friends booked a place for Andharban Trek with 'The Explorers', a trekking organizer in Pune.

The rains had just started and the weather was changing as well. All the dried up trees were dancing with its lush green beauty and trekking in Sahyadris is a must in this season. Sahyadris or western ghats are one of the beautiful hill ranges in the whole world and Andharbans is a feather on the cap!

Difficulty Level

The trek is easy and does not require any special routine. The elevation is approximately 2000-2200 feet and has a gradual elevation.

Best Time for Trek

The best time is but obvious the monsoons. The forest gets pitch dark when it rains cats and dogs. Though a guide is not necessary, it is advised to hire one as at few points it gets dark and one can get lot in the forest.

Photo of Andharban: The Dark Forest to get lost in! 1/1 by Shambhavi Mhetre

How to Reach Andharban

Andharban Trek is an easy trek as compared to other treks in Sahyadris. Although it is an easy trek, it takes 5 to 6 hours to cross the entire forest. So, let's start with how to reach Andharban. As we were going through an organization, transportation was arranged by them. We had to report near SP College in Pune. We boarded the bus around 7 in the morning and it took us 2 to 3 hours to reach a small village called Pimpri (This 'Pimpri' is different than 'Pimpri-Chinchwad').

Day 1

Andharban Trail start point

As soon as we reached near Pimpri Dam, we could see the hills that we had to cross. We all got geared up with our raincoats as it had already started raining. We started walking and there and within a few minutes it was all dark as if it was dusk already! Oh, I could hear the birds chirping continuously. At distance, I could hear numerous waterfalls and water streams flowing. Crossing the forest gave me immense peace! I felt connected with nature instantly. On the way, we had to cross many water streams. It was like crossing a tiny trail while water gushes from one side to the other, it gave an adrenaline rush!

As we reached the top we could see the valley and Bira Dam and the water it was holding. I was standing on top of the mountain and I could see a deep valley making a 'V' shape in front of my eyes. I couldn't get enough of the view! I wanted to stay a bit longer, but the time was running and the water levels rising. So we continued on the route. While crossing the mountains, there came a time when we had to get the help of the rope to cross as the water level had already gone up.

Photo of Andharban Trail start point, Pimpri, Maharashtra, India by Shambhavi Mhetre

The water was flowing fast and I tried to balance myself. Our shoes, our clothes everything got drenched in the water. After crossing these humongous mountains and sparkling water stream we reached a plateau region covered with the poppy field. It was still raining, and the wind was howling. At some point, I felt I would fly away with the wind! We reached a small village, where we had our lunch. (Note: There is no provision for lunch nearby. It is recommended to carry your own lunch).

Bhira Dam(Unnai dam)

At the end of the trek, we reached the Bhira Dam which was utterly beautiful. Remember, photography is prohibited while crossing the Dam. Sometimes it is better to capture the memories rather than the pictures! We later boarded the bus and made our way back to Pune. As it was a weekend, the traffic was terrible and we got stuck in between. So, I would suggest everyone to rather plan a trek on weekdays.

What to Bring Along

The trek is long and there are no restaurants or Dhabas on the way so it is important to carry packed food. Carry a raincoat or a poncho along as it will rain. Keep a pair of dry clothes and a pair of extra footwear to wear after the trek as the shoes and socks will get wet due to rainfall and the water streams.