The Andharban forest trek is a paradise for trekkers – it reminds you of a scene from a fairytale, or even a nature documentary, but it’s a short drive away from both Pune and Mumbai! If you’re looking for a one-day trek near Pune or a one day trek near Mumbai, and Andharban Jungle Trek is absolutely perfect.

This trek is best done in monsoon, so that you can fully soak in the majesty of the forest, trees and landscapes of the Sahyadris! This isn’t a difficult trek either — as the trail is largely descending or flat, there is very little elevation gain, which makes it the perfect trek for beginners or trek for senior citizens. You can even plan a whole family outing to this easy trek near Pune!

As a nature enthusiast, I’ve always wanted to visit the Andharban jungle trek. I’ve heard numerous stories about the dense forest, great views and waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season, which made me curious about the trek. I eventually made it to the Andharban jungle, and it was the most amazing trek I’ve ever done! We walked through the dense forest, admiring the waterfalls and the view of Kundalika Valley on the left, and the mountains on the right.

Best time to visit Andharban

While Andharban is open throughout the year, the best season to view the Sahyadri with plenty of botanical life is during the monsoon. Therefore, he months of June to September are ideal for visiting, since it rains and the atmosphere is soothing. However, keep in mind that this is also peak trekking season in Maharashtra, and most treks near Pune or treks near Mumbai get very crowded. Therefore, it is recommended that you do this trek on a weekday if possible, or super early on the weekend!

Trekking in winter is also a good choice since the Andharban forest remains cold and canopied. Summers are often too hot to trek in Maharashtra, but spring is also a great time to visit Andharban as a lot of flowers will be in full bloom!

Some information about the Andharban trek near Pune

Distance from Pune – Approximately 70kms.

Location of the trail head – Pimpari Village, Tamhini Ghat, Maharashtra. Once near the village, you can ask any local people to point you in the direction of the trailhead, or use this Google Maps pin.

Trek level – Easy to moderate, with gently descending trails. It is the ideal trek for someone who hasn’t been on many one-day treks, and is looking for a good place to start

Trek distance – 14km trail. The whole trail starts from Pimpari Village and ends at Bhira Dam; however, to keep logistics easy, you can also walk up the trail from Pimpari village, reach the viewpoint that’s at the halfway mark, and turn back.

Maximum Trek Altitude- 2160 feet

Trek time- approx 6-7 hrs, depending on lunch breaks, crowds and trekking speed

The best way to visit would be through your own vehicle (like a car, bike or scooter), and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the trailhead from Pune. You will have to turn off the highway at Chandni Chowk, and make your way past Mulshi Dam and Tamhini Ghat.

Especially in the monsoon, this trek can get very crowded, as a lot of people want to take in the sights of the valleys, the lush greenery, and play under the waterfalls. To beat this crowd, it is highly recommended that you do this trek early in the morning, or on a working weekday!

Overview

The trek begins approximately 200 meters away from Pimpari village. We arrived at Pimpari village around 8 a.m, and had our packed breakfast. Our guide from Adventure Pulse gave us some background information about the Andharban jungle trek, and mentioned that the trail would be very slippery with numerous water puddles, so he advised us to exercise extra caution. Following this discussion, we began our walk. Though weather was cold and covered in fog, there was definitely a buzz in the air!

We began crossing tiny puddles of water, all excited and nervous about our future journey. There is an entry fee that must be paid at the start of the trek, but our company, Adventure Pulse, had included this fee in the cost.

We started our walk with a lot of joy and enthusiasm, taking photos along the route. The lush environment of the Andharban jungle was spectacular, especially early in the morning, and we couldn’t stop taking photographs, laughing, and admiring the beauty around us! Our group included veterans from the Navy foundation, and their spouses, and everyone was enthusiastic and cheerful – age didn’t matter one bit on this day!

A treat for nature lovers

As we started our trek, we were able to see the unique beauty of nature around us. The trail runs through lush forest and many small water crossings, where one can explore the unique flora and wildlife. Birdwatching enthusiasts can expect sightings of species like the Jacobin cuckoo, the Malabar whistling thrush, and miniature kingfishers. As we moved on, we saw many lovely views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, which are common features of treks in the Sahyadris.

After traveling for a bit, we came across a waterfall and immediately started playing under it! The coolness and force of the water was refreshing, and took us back to our childhoods where we’d enjoy playing in the rain. We all loved the experience, capturing the moment with photographs and creating lasting memories! After a while, it started raining for approximately 15 minutes, and the wind felt colder – but that hardly mattered after the waterfall! Following that, we took a few moments to dry ourselves and continued towards Kundalika Valley. The trail continues straight on the edge of the plateau, and the feeling of walking on the edge is as thrilling as the views of the Kundalika Valley.

Things to carry while trekking to Andharban Forest

1. Small first-aid kit for emergencies – small cuts and scrapes are common in forest treks.

2. 2-3 liters of water. Carry extra if you can, as it is difficult to get drinking water on the trail.

 3. Snacks and dry fruits for energy. No such thing as too many snacks!

4. Raincoat and extra clothes, so that you can change into something dry once the trek is over.

5. Trekking shoes with good grip. These are important as the trail can be slippery in the monsoon, and a good grip is your best insurance against a fall!

6.  Odomos or other insect repellant – remember, monsoon is prime breeding season for mosquitoes!

7. Wear full sleeves; avoid shorts for protection from thorns and branches.

8. Waterproof bags or pouches to prevent your electronic devices from water damage.

9. Trekking poles are recommended if you’re not a confident trekker, or if you have a history with ankle and knee issues, as they provide an extra level of stability and support.

FAQ

1. How long is the trek?

The walk is around 14 kilometers and can be completed between 5 to 7 hours. It is a gradually descending trek, and we recommend doing it over one whole day.

2. How difficult is the trek?

The trek is beginner-friendly, ranging from easy to moderate. Both beginners and experienced trekkers will enjoy it!

3. How far is Andharban forest from Pune?

Andharban is 70 kilometers away from Pune, and if you aren’t travelling with an organised group, we recommend taking your private vehicle to get there.

4. How far is Andharban forest from Mumbai

Andharban is 130 kilometers away from Mumbai, and if you aren’t travelling with an organised group, we recommend taking your private vehicle to get there.

5.  Is food available along the trek route?

No, food is not available during the trek route. You can get simple, home-cooked Maharashtrian food at the starting point in the village, but there aren’t many options. We would recommend carrying some healthy snacks (like energy bars, sandwiches, chikki, and fruits) to eat on the trail, as well as a packed lunch and breakfast.

6. Are there restrooms available?

There are simple restrooms at the beginning of the trek, but there are no restrooms available throughout the jungle trek.

7. Do we get mobile network on the trail?

Most cellular services offer limited phone connectivity. As this is a densely forested area outside the urban city centres, it might be difficult to get reception throughout the whole trail, but your cellphones will work along most of the trail, and at the start and end points.

8. Do I need to pay anything on the trail?

Yes, there is a proper counter at the start point of the trail, and each trekker is required to pay INR as entrance fees. However, if you trek with an established trekking group, their charges of around Rs 1500-1800 will cover the entrance permit, along with travel costs and lunch or snacks.

In conclusion, the Andharban forest trek is a perfect one-day trek or weekend getaway near Pune and Mumbai. It is a gentle and fairly easy trek, which makes it ideal for beginners. It is also great for families with children and senior citizens. Do make sure you have food, water, good trekking shoes and insect repellant. As this is an offbeat trek, there are fewer crowds, but also fewer modern services. Having said that, it’s one of the most enjoyable treks in the Sahyadris, so have fun and happy trekking!