2018 was a great year. The year I started trekking to test my mental and physical endurance and there hasn’t been any stopping ever since then. However, I had been conquering this magnificent height not only to check my strengths or weakness but also witness the alluring journeys they put me on. More than 15 treks till date; every journey was different, every road was difficult and every other path was unknown. But what remained constant throughout was my irresistible love to explore them.
I have visited quite a few places which convinced me to tempt into the beauty of nature. Every place has its own significance and charm which leaves a salient mark on my mind and soul. But for me “Andharban” was something different. Andharban meaning a “dark dense forest” is exactly the way its name translates. Dwelled into a dense outgrowth with beautiful views of Kundalika valley, this place has to offer you a quite a lot surprises. I could not stop myself to visit the dark lustrous forest especially after witnessing its beauty through few captured moments.
Andharban is a U-shaped trail trek, starting from Pimpri village and ending to Bhira dam. It generally takes 5-6 hours to complete the trail (of course depending upon one to one physical endurance and stamina). This place is open all throughout the year, however it’s advisable to plan your trek during monsoon.
(Note: Forest permission is required to be source beforehand since it’s a nature reserve.)
I had enrolled myself with one of the trekking group in Mumbai and started the journey from Dadar. It was a rainy day of August 2018, we had covered almost 50km in a hired bus to reach the base village of Pimpri. We reached the base village at about 4 am in the morning, had a breakfast of poha and tea and after a brief intro started our journey towards the forest. The trek leader guided us that route might be slippery at some points, also in some streams the flowing water flow might be too harsh so extreme caution was advised. It was somewhere around 6 in the morning, and it had already stated to dawn when I could see this magical place unfolding its beauty. It was surreal.
The trail continues straight for a while, with greenery of the dense misty Sahyadri forest and stunning view of the adjoining Kundalika valley. There were plenty of ponds and streams as well as some gushing waterfalls, which makes the place not less than a paradise. The forest slowly gets dense however it is easy to locate the path. We had a local villager with us to guide us with the route. We had encountered 3-4 major stream crossing of rivers and I would be lying if I say I was not scared at that time but sometimes a dash of adventure and challenging your gut is what makes it a worthwhile.
We rested for while on the plateau covered with all the dark greens. Dark greens are so soothing. I've noticed that whenever I'm feeling nervous or anxious about something, sitting in a place surrounded by dark green nature makes me feel much more relaxed and refresh. Probably that must be the only reason why I find myself more assured on the mountains. We thereafter headed towards the Hirdi village for lunch. It was a very small consisting of 3-4 houses and simple people amidst the forest. We all were very hungry after continuous walking of almost 3 hours. Food therefore was an absolute delight and it was indeed very tasty too.
We started descending down towards Konkan region by trek route. Its altogether 4-5 hours of descend which is actually the best part of the trek. For some people it may not be difficult as it is all downhill; but the flipside to this is it takes a toll on your knees (a hiking pole or a knee-cap is advisable)
After reaching down, we soaked ourselves into a small pond; felt extremely relaxed and satisfied. The trail ended just near the Bhira dam. Somethings and some experiences leaves you speechless, you just can’t put them in worlds. That’s exactly what the site of Bhira Dam left on me, I was totally mesmerized into its beauty and just wanted to be calm and still. At a striking distance, we had our pick-up bus ready. We got our self-freshen at a nearby dhaba, change into clean dry clothes, had a mouthwatering misal pav and were ready embark our return journey with all the astonishing memories.
