[Aniruddha_Ch]

Monsoon is the time to wander in Sahyadris i.e Western ghats, mountain range across Maharashtra. Monsoon is considered to be the ideal season to indulge in mountain sports activities like Hiking & trekking in Sahyadris, as the atmosphere would be at its best. In many mountain regions, you’d get to see waterfalls in its full glory and there’s some sort of freshness in the air, which is hard to explain. Most of the villages are covered with paddy fields, as it’s a cultivating season for the crop and also grasslands would be found in many regions. In July 2019, I did my 1st Himalayan trek in valleys of Kashmir, experience for the same has been drafted in the following link:
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...himalayas.html (Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - My 1st raw experience in the mighty Himalayas)

In order to prepare me physically for the Himalayan trek, did few day hikes in mountains around Pune and one of them was 'Andharban' forest, which was one surreal experience, so thought of sharing the same with all of you. Andharban is a kind of trail experience, which each one of us would dream of. Personally, I found it to be the most beautiful hike of Sahyadri and I was not surprised because it lies in the mountain range of 'Tamhini ghat' region, which in itself is quite picturesque. Below is one teaser of 'Andharban' forest before I proceed ahead.

[Aniruddha_Ch]

About Andharban:

• Type- Trail walk/ Nature hike,

• Grade- Easy to medium,

• Trail pattern- Flat trails with moderate ascent/ descent,

• Best time to visit- Monsoon/ Winter (Monsoon is preferred)

• Duration- 6 to 7 hours,

• Distance- 13 Km (from a start point to endpoint),

• Start point of the trail- Pimpri village (Pimpri dam)
  GPS coordinate- 18°30'37.2"N 73°25'03.0"E,

• End point of the trail- Patnus village (Bhira dam)
  GPS coordinate- 18°27'44.8"N 73°23'00.2"E,

• Popular landmarks around 'Andharban'- Tamhini ghat, Ghangad fort, Devkund waterfall & Plus valley,

• Nearest city/ town-
  Distance from Mumbai- 128 Km (via Lonavala)
  Distance from Pune- 70 km (via Mulshi)

• Mode of transport- It's advisable to have your private vehicle with a driver or a hired cab, as start point & endpoint are located at quite a faraway distances from each other. Moreover, public transport should be available but not so reliable due to its remote location.

Equipments checklist for a monsoon day hike-

• Backpack with rain cover (20- 30 Litre),
• Water bottle,
• Trekking shoes (Preferably non-waterproof shoes, with more breathability),
• Rain jacket or Poncho,
• Waterproof pouch for electronic devices,
• Quick-dry apparels,
• Walking poles,
• Whistle,
• Snacks.

[Aniruddha_Ch]

In 1st week of July 2019, I along with my two friends been to Andharban, which was exactly 2 weeks before my scheduled Himalayan trek. Since the past 4 years, every monsoon I've been travelling to Tamhini ghat from Pune, just to drive or ride. This was the 1st time ever I was doing a hike in this region and it was an impromptu plan to leave early in the morning next day, in order to avoid weekday traffic. We started at 0600 hrs and reached by 0900 hrs. We were lucky enough to have a light rain shower, as the previous year's monsoon was anyway delayed by a month. Usually, by this time the Andharban would remain closed for the visitors due to safety concern which arises out of the excessive flow of water bodies. There are 3 major water crossings, which cannot be cross in case of torrential rainfall, as the Tamhini ghat region does attract one of the highest rainfalls in Maharashtra.

With time, Andharban did gain a lot of popularity, which resulted in an excessive crowd on weekend and in turn spoils the overall experience of the place. It's highly recommended to travel on a weekday, as we didn't cross anybody on the trail but us. The start point is located on the road, which connects Tamhini ghat & Lonavala.

How did we travel?

We drove this little Go-kart i.e Brio Automatic, which was owned by a friend who also accompanied us on a hike.

Well to start with, it's quite a refreshing nature walk. In regional language, 'Andhar' means 'Dark' and 'Ban' means 'Forest', which makes it 'Andharban' (Dark forest trail). One might not witness stiff /elevated trails like forts of Maharashtra, but it's quite long distant. The trail would take you through varied topography, it passes through thick woods, some waterfall crossings/ streams across the route within the valley, which gives breathtaking view along with some sections, which are quite dense and shady, the reason why it's known as 'dark forest'. The trail provides an excellent opportunity for folks who are passionate about wildlife/ landscape/ nature photography (I spent a good time photographing the 'flora and fauna' alongside). Also, one would be able to explore the trees, which are naturally fallen and dead. It is being said that towards the last 4 km, one can have a view of 'Tamhini ghat' and origin of river 'Kundalika'.

Note- We went till 1st 7 Km of distance from the start point and returned back to the point from where we've started, as our car was parked there. We weren't sure of public transport from the endpoint. So my experience would also be limited to it.


As we began our drive towards Tamhini ghat from Pune & as always its green everywhere.


Our sweet ride for the day. Ignore the 'L' sticker, he drives very well these days.


Backwaters of 'Mulshi' dam.




As we took a deviation from the main road, it goes ahead all the way till Lonavala. A beautiful road to drive but not meant for vehicles with very low ground clearance.




The surrounding of this particular road is quite scenic.


Climate had been foggy throughout the day.

[Aniruddha_Ch]

A not so old proverb,

"A picture is worth a thousand words" by Frederick R. Barnard.

With respect to the above proverb, I would let pictures do most of the talking.


The start point of the trail (Pimpri dam),


Grasslands after crossing the dam,




The streams which are flowing alongside the trail,


The route is being marked with arrows, but only to realize that we were heading in the wrong direction, which we came to know after a while.


Paddy fields are beautifully done by local villagers.




At this point, we met a local person, who politely guided us towards the right direction which was exactly following the arrows but in the opposite direction.




The mountains in which the Tamhini ghat region is enclosed.




I was praising my waterproof shoes, only to curse them later on.


One of the small streams which falls in the way.




We found the right trail after this point.


Varied species of plants which we haven't seen before.




The leaves are covered with mist, due to mild rainfall.


The trail was nearly flat initially.






The cactus plant which is naturally dead.


Route gets narrower as we proceed.




There's a reduction in visibility due to foggy weather.




The part of Dark forest trail begins.


The accumulation of water across the trail for some duration.

[Aniruddha_Ch]

As we proceed ahead, the valley and trail on other mountains can be seen.


Clouds were getting cleared, giving us the view of the adjoining mountain.




One of the several water crossings.


1st water crossing was quite manageable, without any difficulty.




The view of the valley from water crossing.


This small pond like formation was hidden behind the water crossing.


This view itself was quite a treat for our eyes and the sound of waterfall was absolutely peaceful to hear.


The waterproof shoes are simply useless, once the water goes inside from the top.




As we exit the water crossing


Look at the trees with different shades of leaves.


One more pattern across our way.






Another section of the dense dark forest.




Naturally fallen tree across the trail.


Getting out of the dense forest to this view.




One cannot see the valley due to reduced visibility.




Observe the yellow ribbon on the dry plant, it's a marking for the trail which is done by some trekking group.


The major water crossing of the trail needs to be crossed carefully, we made use of poles to cross the same.




(L to R;- Yogesh, Aniruddha & Divyanshu)

[Aniruddha_Ch]

The downhill section of dark forest trail.


The walk is quite mesmerising & not so tiring, but long.






The stones & rocks are slippery due to wet climatic condition.




My favourite portrait of Dark forest- A scene straight out of Jungle Book.


The only climb which we came across.


The broken tree, which appears like a facial bone of a 'Cow'.


One more example of a fallen tree due to the natural process.


A section with plenty of brown leaves.




As we reached midway, it was afternoon already, so we decided to turn back as our car was on the start point and also we were quite hungry.




As the fog cleared, we were able to see the roadway.






The trail was now clearly visible, as it wasn't raining.




Coming back to where we've started.




With no other vehicle in picture, means we were only the humans on the Andharban trail for that day.


Having travelled across this route since the past 4 years, condition of this section only worsened after every passing year. On the way back, we had a nice late lunch followed by a tea, with a slow drive back home. By far, Andharban had been the most beautiful nature hike of western ghats which I've been to. It's something which would appeal to most of the people, as a trail distance is on the higher side but not so elevated.

Thank you

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[silverado]

What an amazing trekologue! really loved those misty pics. Andharban has become a must visit destination for people, so much that many tour groups go there every weekend, last time i heard there was some restriction in place.

I have heard that you can get lost inside the trail, how did u guys manage?

Tamhini Ghat in rains becomes a mess every weekend and is an absolute NO-NO, this is what i call forced enjoyment.
People hardly have space to enjoy and are mostly stuck in traffic when going to and coming back.

I am curious about that road to lonavla and plan to do it sometime on cycle.
Is camping allowed inside Andharban? and is it safe to do so?

[Amsdoc]

Originally Posted by silverado

What an amazing trekologue! really loved those misty pics. Andharban has become a must visit destination for people, so much that many tour groups go there every weekend, last time i heard there was some restriction in place.

I have heard that you can get lost inside the trail, how did u guys manage?

Tamhini Ghat in rains becomes a mess every weekend and is an absolute NO-NO, this is what i call forced enjoyment.
People hardly have space to enjoy and are mostly stuck in traffic when going to and coming back.

I am curious about that road to lonavla and plan to do it sometime on cycle.
Is camping allowed inside Andharban? and is it safe to do so?

I have been going on this route for the last 15-20 years. It used to be an amazing place to spot wild animals and birds. But with the recent trekking craze, that has really decreased. Yes the Mumbai company does this as a day outing. Trash on the trail has exponentially increased as well. No point going there on weekends. one weekend last monsoon there were 5000+ people at Devkund waterfall which is near end of this trail. Which is why the locals put some restrictions.

The road to Lonavala is great but road quality is bad. It comes out near Amby valley. Passes through dense forest. Is pretty long for cycling i think. Depends on where you start and end.

[Amsdoc]

Originally Posted by silverado

I am curious about that road to lonavla and plan to do it sometime on cycle.
Is camping allowed inside Andharban? and is it safe to do so?

Sorry forgot to add this to previous post. There is no restriction to camping per se. Forest department wanted to take over the whole area to stop damage by weekend revellers but that hasn't happened yet. Probably not the safest thing to do. There are plenty of wild animals nearby and leopards have been spotted there as well. I almost stepped on a venomous Russels viper there which probably would have been fatal. Below are two photos of a barking deer in thickets at Andharban and the close call with this dangerous beauty.

[itwasntme]

Amazing and brought back memories of my BOM stint between 1999 & 2003 when we used to push off to such places once a month. Life was simpler then without broadband internet etc :-)

As an aside, please request your friend to remove the L plate if he has got his permanent driving license ('DL'). While (as far as I know), it is NOT per se illegal for a someone with a permanent DL to drive with a L plate, it is disrespectful of actual learners and dilutes the value of a the plate itself.

[Mr.Bentley]

Wow, Andharban! Thanks for the wonderful travelogue! Nice pictures too!

Originally Posted by Aniruddha_Ch

My favourite portrait of Dark forest- A scene straight out of Jungle Book

True. This picture does justice to the name : 'Andharban'!

I love Sahyadris and the picturesque locations they offer.
I'm from Hyderabad, meaning we are very far from them. We do have a lot of travel and trekking groups who organize treks to these places. Its a wonderful experience, but increasing popularity of thise tours mean harm to the places eventually. :(

[DreamsUnlimited]

Beautiful pictures!
Sahyadri is amazing in monsoons and your trip brought back all my memories in early 2000s when I was living in Pune as a bachelor with every weekend planned with friends on one of the nearby forts or trails!
Life was simple and raw then with no whatsapp to check every other minute, heck the smartphones were non-existent!
With current lock down situation, you have made me crave for the trek now, hopefully I can go on one soon!
Thanks for sharing.

[MegaWhat]

Beautiful pictures! It's wonderful how you managed to click so many! I've been on this trail twice and both times in monsoons. The rains were enough to make me keep my camera and phone well sealed inside my bag.

For anyone trying out this trail by their own car, do note that the starting and end point are not the same. There's infrequent and rather unreliable public transport at both ends and it takes around 45-50 minutes to go from the end point of the trek to the start by road (via tamhini ghat), more if it's raining and foggy.

I had taken my car and parked at the starting point while coming back by public transport. That's not a pleasant journey back when you're soaked to the bone and it's dark, foggy and worse if you haven't eaten well. I'd suggest parking your car at the end point, taking a shared tempo to the starting point and then going on with the trek. It's a beautiful trek.

[ampere]

I was about to ask, did you not see any animals in the wild! And there in answer before the question was that deadly crawling creature!

What a log!

Something I have not seen for a LONG time on the forum. The Maharashtra monsoon magic!