Andharban, Devkund Waterfall and Lohagad Trek
Andharban, Devkund Waterfall and Lohagad Trek

Andharban, Devkund and Lohagad


Can dark be synonymous with beautiful? You’d definitely say yes if you’ve been to Andharban forest. The trek through Andharban is one of the most refreshing treks in the Sahyadri region. 

In Andharban you would be in the middle of a dark jungle, finding the route, towering over valleys, and crossing ghats! Also known as The Dark Forest Trek, Andharban trek fits the bill of a beginner’s dream trek bill with absolutely no ascent and largely only a descent through a trail with stunning views and breathtaking experiences. The panoramic view of the valley, greenery in the surroundings, walking through the foggy patches of the forest, en route numerous streams and waterfalls, and the unique experience of dark forest are the highlights of this trek. Evergreen forest covers you with shade in the first half of the trek (6-8 km). The trek further descends in Konkan to reach Bhira (4 km). The valley is also the origin place for Kundalika river which is famous for its white water rafting.  

The trek starts from a place called Independent Point near Pimpri Dam. It’s recommended that you take a guide with you especially if it's your first time on the trail. Start early in the morning; just as you start the trail, you take a turn into the Kundalika valley as you pass the tip and stunning views await your arrival. The initial walk is along the edge of the valley. Once you cross into the dark wood, the forest grows thicker and thicker, just opening in few spots just to make you realize the time is daytime. Sunlight hardly pierces the tree cover. Coming out of Andharban would take around 4-5 hours and once you cross the dark forest, you come out on top of a wall adjoining Pimpri Dam that’ll lead you to an open area, replete with poppy fields. The trek ends near Bhira dam where the Kundalika river originates.                                                      

The major attraction of the forest is the sightings of butterflies. The forest is surrounded by colorful butterflies, especially the Blue Mormons which is also known as the State butterfly of Maharashtra.

The best time to visit Andharban is during monsoon and post-monsoon(July-December). This time of the year, the abundant foliage, cascading waterfalls, and amazing species of flora and fauna that you get to spot along the way make the trek all the more special. What’s interesting, however, is that people are allowed to go night-trekking in Andharban. Pre-monsoon is the mating season of fireflies and if you’re there for a night trek, you’re sure to witness these light-emitting flies.

 

Lohagad is an ideal trek for beginners, as it is rated as one of the easiest treks. The route for Lohagad fort trek is very easy and comfortable even when it rains. If any one want to trek for the first time, with a good trek satisfaction, then this is the best place to trek. The lush green mountains, cool breeze, panaromic view, sceneries, all these make the trek even more fantastic. Most beautiful place to explore and experience the sight of several waterfalls too.

This fort is one of the ancient forts of Maharashtra, situated close to the hills. The geography of the fort is unique. It rises to an elevation of 3,389 ft above sea level. The range of this fort divides and branches the plummets of Indrayani river and Panina lake. During monsoons, the Lohagad fort top is covered by fog, mist and clouds.


Day 0: Hyderabad to Pune
 Train from Hyderabad to Pune.

Day 1: Pune to Lonavala.

Once we get down the train in Pune we will board our private hired vehicle and head to Lohagad base village.
Lohagad trek will take 2.5 hrs to ascend and 1.5 hrs to descend.
Post the trek we'll head back to the base village and stay in a homestay.

Notes for the day:

1. You will not get time to change your dress till we complete the trek the next day; so wear your desired clothes before boarding the train itself.

2. Don't forget to carry a thin blanket to be used for the night train journey.

 

Day 2 : Trek to Andharban Forest

Take a local vehicle from Lonavala

  • Start the trek from the trail point (Need not to carry your backpacks here)
  • We will be passing through dense forest & water streams, it is going to be a beautiful trail
  • Savor lunch en-route
  • Pass through Kundalika valley & Capture all memories, and also click insta worthy pictures :D
  • End the trek at Bhira dam

 

Notes for the day:

  1. Stop for a quick lunch break. (Don't expect a high lunch, keep in mind that you’re in the middle of a forest) 
  2. It is going to be a long trek so carry enough water or you can refill it from the waterfall streams (flowing water is fresh and drinkable!). Also carry snacks like energy bars, dry fruits and ORS if needed.

 

Day 3 : Visit Devkund Waterfalls

  • Wake up call at 6:00 AM
  • Freshen Up
  • Head to Devkund Waterfalls (You can get into the water)
  • Trek to the waterfalls
  • Spend time near the waterfall, click pictures
  • Start back to Lonavla to catch train
  • Enroute lunch
  • Reach railway station and catch train at 04:30pm

Notes: Your quick-dry pair will come in handy here before getting into the waterfall.

  • Pack as small as you can.
  • Don't forget to carry rain gear with you (raincoat, water resistant pouches or polythene for your valuables like phones, wallets etc)

Day 3 : Back to Hyderabad

  • Reach Hyderabad by 8AM

 


Clothing & Footwear

  • Walking/Sports/Trekking shoe. (Please make sure that you are using soft rubber-sole footwear)
  • 30-40 L backpack (Do not carry suitcases or trolleys)
  • Sleeping bag (You can replace it with a thin blanket or bed-sheet if you don't want to invest in a sleeping bag)
  • 3 pairs of quick-dry clothing. (Please wear one pair on Friday night before coming to the railway station. You'll not get an opportunity to change during our travel.)
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • Raincoat, rain cover for your bag, zip-lock pouches for mobiles

Food & Beverage

  • Min 2 liters of water each (Please bring reusable water bottles so that together we can discourage the use of plastic on the trails)
  • Snacks (Carry plenty of dry snacks, energy bars, candies & ORS to munch on during the trek)

 Miscellaneous:

  • Camera
  • Power bank
  • Govt. Issued ID proof
  • Headtorch / Hand-held torch (Avoid mobile flashlights.)
  • Medicines (If you have any health issues. Please ensure that you inform our trek leaders beforehand.)
  • Sanitation kit (Carrying Odomos would come in handy)

 


✅  Hyderabad to Hyderabad transportation(Sleeper class train)
✅  1 Breakfast + 1 Dinner
✅  Local transportation
✅  Homestay/Tent stay (sharing basis)
✅  First Aid
✅  Certified Trek Leaders
 



➖  Meals during transit
➖  Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
➖  Personal expenses

➖ Anything not mentioned in inclusions 



Book Your Trip


Note: Deposit will be accepted before 7 days Only

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Pune

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3D 2N

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