resorts near Andharban

• Hotel Swaraj – Andharban Farm: Located close to the Andharban trek starting point, this hotel offers home-stays, meals, WiFi, and treks to a private waterfall. You can contact them at ?72648 72458. 

The Andharban trek, which translates to “Dark Forest,” is a popular and scenic trek located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, near the Tamhini Ghat region. It is known for its dense, evergreen forest that often remains dark due to the thick canopy.

Key Details of the Trek

• Location: The trek is situated in the Western Ghats, approximately 70-80 km from Pune and 130 km from Mumbai.

• Starting and End Point: The trek is a point-to-point trail that typically begins at Pimpri village near the Pimpri Dam and ends at the backwaters of the Bhira Dam (near Patnus or Bhira village).

• Duration and Distance: The trek is about 13-14 kilometers long and generally takes around 5 to 7 hours to complete.

• Difficulty Level: It is considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty. The trail is unique because it is a gradual descent for most of the way. While not technically challenging, its length and slippery patches, especially during the monsoon, can be physically demanding.

• Highlights: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Kundalika Valley, several streams, waterfalls, and a variety of flora and fauna, including birds like the Malabar whistling thrush. The dense fog and lush greenery during the monsoon season are a major draw.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular and recommended time for the Andharban trek is during the monsoon season, from June to September. During this period, the forest is at its most vibrant, and the numerous waterfalls are in full flow. The trek can also be done in the post-monsoon season (October to January) when the weather is cool and the views are clear.

Permits and Rules

• Permit: A forest entry permit is mandatory for the trek. The fee is around ₹150 per person.

• Guide: A trained guide, appointed by the Forest Department, is required for all visitors and must be hired directly at the sanctuary gate.

• Age Restriction: Visitors must be at least 16 years of age.

• Safety and Regulations:

  • Trekking alone is not recommended; it is best to go in a group or with a trekking company.

  • Littering, smoking, and consuming alcohol or any intoxicants are strictly prohibited.

  • Loud music and feeding wildlife are not allowed.

  • Visitors must stick to the marked trail.

  • Wearing proper trekking shoes with a good grip is essential due to the slippery terrain.

• Things to Carry: It is crucial to carry at least 2-3 liters of water, as there are no water sources along the route. Other essential items include snacks, a raincoat/poncho (during monsoon), a first-aid kit, and an extra set of clothes.

To reach Andharban from Mumbai or Pune, you have several options including bus, train, and car. The trek is a “point A to point B” route, starting at Pimpri village and ending at Bhira Dam, which makes transport logistics important.
By Bus

• Public Bus: There are no direct public buses from Mumbai or Pune to the starting point of the trek at Pimpri village. You would need to take a bus to a nearby town like Lonavala and then hire a private vehicle for the remainder of the journey.
• Organized Tours: This is the most popular and convenient option. Many adventure clubs and tour operators in Mumbai and Pune offer one-day treks to Andharban that include private bus transportation, meals, and a guide. This is a good option because the transport is arranged for the entire round trip, accommodating the trek’s start and end points being different. The bus usually picks up from various locations in the city and takes you directly to the trek starting point.

By Train