Andharban is a unique descending trail in the Sahyadris and stands out for its scenic beauty with views of Devkund waterfall and Tamhini Ghat. The name Andharban means ‘dark forest’ and the trail definitely lives up to its name. Taking you through dense forests, streams and waterfalls, the Andharban trek leads you to the backwaters of Bhira Dam. The trail is one of the most beautiful ones in the Sahyadris and the landscape is bound to leave you wanting for more.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to this one day trek to Andharban and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Andharban Trail
The trail starts in Pimpri Village near Independence Point, which is close to the Pimpri Dam. Once you reach here, you can find the trail with the help of directions from local residents. The path leads you to a check post of sorts where you are required to pay INR 50 per person to enter the forest area for the trek.
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This path then continues alongside the Pimpri Dam before curving to the right with paddy fields all around you. Walk along this path for another 200m before you turn right again. There are sign boards and demarcations that will guide you to the beginning of the trail. As you continue walking on the trail, you will witness Kundalika Valley along with the mountains starting to tower around you. The views are striking and you might want to take your time admiring them. You will notice the vegetation and trees growing thicker as you keep moving ahead.
At the end of this path is a stream crossing that can be challenging in monsoons given the heavy flow of water. The Andharban trail continues on the other side of the stream and is a flat walk for at least another 1.5 kms. You will be welcomed by another stream crossing which is also difficult to cross during the monsoon. However, there are a few cables here to aid your crossing. On crossing the stream, the trail gradually ascends and takes you up into the hills.
Andharban starts from here and you can really tell from the growing darkness from the dense forest that surrounds you. The trail from here is a gradually descending one and takes you through the forest which is home to rich flora and fauna. While a descending trail might sound easy, it can also be tricky on slippery and steep sections. The forest section is full of leeches and it is advisable to wear gaiters and full pants to avoid bites.
Around an hour or so into the descent, you will face a short climb which leads to an opening with serene views of the hills and dense forests with hints of fog and mist. Take some time to relax here and enjoy the views, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings. A short walk away from here is Hirdi village where you can find restrooms.
From Hirdi, the path turns right and gradually descends down into the valley. The path is demarcated with several round stones that help identify the trail. Close to 45 min from here, the trail leads to an opening from where the terrain flattens out.
The flat trail is accompanied by the backwaters of Bhira Dam. Walk along the path with the backwaters quietly flowing around you until you reach a big river crossing. This river crossing is shallow and can be comfortably crossed even during monsoon. The trail continues on the other side of the river and you will notice small settlements coming up ahead of you. This leads you to Patnus village where there are a number of options for accommodation if you wish to stay the night. Alternatively you can ask your cab or private vehicle to pick you up from this village. Patnus village marks the end of this beautiful trail.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trek
1. Trek through Dense Forest Cover
Unlike any other trail in the Sahyadris, the Andharban trail takes you through dense forests with rich flora and fauna, making it a unique and exciting experience. Dwarf kingfishers, minivets and the Malabar Whistling Thrush are common birds that can be sighted on the trail. The experience of walking through the dark forest is almost mystical with the presence of thick fog and birds chirping in the distance.
2. Descending Trail
Being a descending trail, Andharban is accessible to trekkers of varying experience levels. The trail is enjoyable as it is not physically strenuous and allows you more space to appreciate the landscape around you.
3. Stream Crossings and Waterfalls
The stream and river crossings are one of the most exciting parts of the Andharban trail. These water bodies also enhance the beauty of the surrounding landscape. During monsoon, a number of waterfalls can be seen trickling down the hills around you, which makes for a remarkable sight.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trek
1. Leeches on the Trail
Given the humid and dark environment of the forest here, leeches are common and can be annoying to deal with during your trek. Wear full pants and gaiters for maximum protection and maybe carry some salt to keep them away!
2. Descending during Monsoon
The descent during heavy rains can be tricky as the surface will be slippery. A small slip can result in injuries and ruin your overall experience. It is advisable to wear good trekking shoes that offer a solid grip and are also waterproof!
3. Stream Crossing
Crossing the streams during monsoon can be challenging due to the heavy flow of water. You might even need rope to safely cross the stream during this time. It is advisable to do this trail with a guide during heavy rains to avoid any mishaps and get the best possible experience.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Andharban is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Andharban Trek
The best time to do this trek during monsoon and the months following monsoon. The forest is lush green and the hills are adorned with cascading waterfalls. The trail is however open all year round.
How to Reach the Base
The best way to reach Pimpri for the Andharban trek is via private transport. Hire a private vehicle from Lonavala (50 kms away) and get dropped at the starting point. At the end of the trail you can ask your driver to pick you up from Patnus or Bhira village.
While there are public transport options to reach Bhamburde village (14 kms away from Pimpri) from Lonavala, there are no buses from Bhira for you to return on your way back.
Frequently Asked Questions about Andharban
1. How long does the trek take?
The Andharban trek takes 4-5 hours to complete.
2. Is this trek for beginners?
Yes! Andharban can be attempted by beginners. The trail is easy and is almost always descending.
3. Can we camp on the trail?
There are a few people who carry their tents and camp on the plateau like openings on the trail. You can always spend a night there and head to Bhira the next morning if you wish to.
That’s all about the Andharban trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure in Sahyadris, please feel free to reach out to our team.
