Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Tamhini Ghat, the Andharban trail's setting)
🇮🇳 India
·
Maharashtra
Andharban Jungle Trail
Widely called one of India's best jungle treks — a point-to-point descent through the 'Amazon of Maharashtra'
About this trek
Widely called one of India's best jungle treks — a point-to-point descent through the 'Amazon of Maharashtra'
Trailhead
Pimpri village (descends to Bhira Dam)
Nearest city: Pune
Nearest city: Pune
Stats
14 km · -700m elevation gain
1 day · Moderate
1 day · Moderate
Best time to go
Jun – SepMonsoon — canopy lushest, waterfalls at full force
Oct – JanDrier alternative, easier stream crossings
Feb – MayDry, less scenic, water sources reduced
Route options
Most of these treks have more than one approach — pick the one that matches your fitness and experience.
Pimpri to Bhira Dam (standard descent)
Moderate
14 km
5–7 hrs
A gentle net descent, but includes stream crossings and slippery rocky sections that require reasonable fitness. This is point-to-point — you'll need return transport arranged at the Bhira end, since it does not loop back to the start.
How to reach Pimpri village (descends to Bhira Dam)
Logistics guide coming soonTransport options, routes, and booking details for reaching Pimpri village (descends to Bhira Dam) are still being written.
What it costs
Cost breakdown coming soonReal permit, transport, and on-trail costs for this trek are still being researched.
Safety
Andharban's main technical hazard is stream crossings that can become genuinely hazardous when water is running high in heavy monsoon.
Stream crossings can become hazardous in high waterThis is a jungle descent with multiple stream crossings. In heavy monsoon downpours, water levels can rise quickly — do not attempt a crossing if the water looks fast or thigh-deep. Wait it out or turn back.
Before you go
- This is point-to-point, not a loop — arrange a vehicle/driver to meet you at Bhira Dam before you start
- Check recent rainfall — heavy rain can raise stream levels significantly
On the trail
- Rocky sections get very slippery — grippy footwear matters more than speed
- No mobile signal for long stretches — download offline maps beforehand
Solo-specific
- Popular enough on weekends that you'll likely have other trekkers around
- Weekday solo attempts should ideally still coordinate a pickup contact who knows your timeline
- Leech socks recommended for monsoon — this is genuine jungle terrain
Emergency contacts
Mulshi Police Station020-25923333
Maharashtra Tourism Helpline1800-22-1363
Packing list
Footwear & clothing
Gear