Andharban:The Dark Forest

Andharban trek was in my bucket list since long.Hence,I decided to take up this opportunity to trek with Pune Travel Club .It was organised on 8th September,2019 and the charges were 1250/- which included pickup and drop facility, breakfast and lunch.
For Andharban trek, we passed through Lavasa Road to Mulshi and somewhere at 25km from Pune, stopped at a beautiful cafe for breakfast at around 8.00am. There were dark grey clouds as we hopped out of the bus to fill our stomach. Forget about the breakfast, my stomach was already half-filled by the beauty of the place. 
Before entering the jungle, we had to show the entry tickets (PTC had taken online tickets for 13 members) after which the trek started. Firstly, we came across a green plain stretch with fog surrounding you. The view was so satisfying; it reminded me of the quote “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order”. Beneath our feet, was the muddy water and slippery black rocks due to which the chances of slipping were high. The rain had stopped but the fog was hiding away the real beauty of the valley. We could hear the sound of a waterfall and as we approached near to it, we saw a giant milky waterfall, flowing at a scary speed. I was just behind the local guide and as soon as I saw him crossing the waterfall, I was hell scared!
The wait was over and we finally entered the dark forest of Andharban! Dark clouds, giant old trees standing on both the sides, muddy water flowing with small crabs running, broken huge branches blocking the way, small pebbles, and huge rocks to climb on, heavy rain slapping the face and the sound of the waterfall; it was all there! What else could I demand? There were very narrow paths with wild bushes hanging on both sides. The views were so scenic, I had seen a proper jungle with my eyes for the first time and after every few steps, I couldn’t restrain myself from taking pictures. Andharban is a real jungle trek with diversified flora and fauna all the way. And let me quench your curiosity by telling you that there are wolves and bear deep inside the forest (this information was provided by our organizer Sachin). Hence, please don’t dare to go alone as the path is very much confusing, especially in monsoon when it’s foggy.
We had walked in the Andharban jungle for almost 9kms by 1.00pm and yet I wasn’t tired because mother nature kept me engaged in surprising at every step. After the dark forest, we again came across a beautiful plain land, with a scenic foggy valley. I couldn’t take my eyes off the beautiful valley as the clouds allowed me to do so. We sat there for a few moments and then resumed our journey to a small village for lunch.
The descend of Andharban trek was a real challenge indeed! There were huge rocks with green algae spread on it and water flowing through it !“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Descending was my second big fear, but this time I decided to confront it without any support. The most difficult part is when you have specs and its raining; the fog around you plus the fog in your specs, deadly combination! It doesn’t allow you to see properly, yet your girl managed to step very carefully and did not fall even once.
The brakes of my legs had started to fail at around 4.00pm when suddenly the local guide announced the end of the Andharban Trek! Yippee! It was as if we conquered the Everest. In the end, was a nice waterfall trail that was safe and easy to cross. I was too tired to stand for another minute, hence sat upon a rock and quietly summarized my day, grasping everything that nature bestowed on me that day. Again it reminds me of the quote “after a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” 
But the story doesn't end here! We witnessed a horrific part while driving back to Pune in a dark forest road, heavily raining outside with fog all around.To know what exactly happened,please read my blog on https://smalltravellingbag.com/andharban-the-dark-forest
and you will literally get the goosebumps on your body!!