How to Reach Andharban Trek
Unlike the other treks Andharban Trek takes you to the dense forest full of flora and fauna. Book Now!
Andharban literally translates to a dark forest and trek to Andharban is a gradual descent, you are already elevated and you descend even more till you reach the end. One of the most beautiful treks of Maharashtra, it lets you explore the scenic Devkund waterfall, Bhira dam, Kundalika valley and Tamhini ghat. Excited? Wondering how to reach Andharban trek? Well, you have to reach the base camp of Pimpri village and from there, you start your trek. This blog talks about the best way to reach Andharban. But knowing about the trek and what to expect here is important too.
Watching the cascading waterfall amidst the evergreen forest as you trek 6-8 km in the shade of the forest. Then, you descend to Konkan to reach Bhira village, 4-km away. The Andharba trek route is designed according to the rules and regulations of the forest department and locals. This ensures that trekkers can enjoy the scenic views without disturbing the biodiversity of the region. The trek route is slippery and weather changes can make it unpredictable. So, wear proper gear and listen to your trek leader or guide (doing it without a guide is possible for experts). Moreover, you also need permission from the forest department to head to this trek.
Andhraban trek from both Mumbai and Pune is possible as both are at reasonable distance from Pimpri, making it an ideal trek for Mumbaikars or Pune locals to go on a weekend getaway. Though, the rainy season makes the forest slippery and challenging to trek, yet the best time to trek is during the rainy season only. During this time, the forest is alive with streams, waterfalls, fog and rivers. Andharban trek from Pune distance is 75 km and this allows you to enjoy the trek fully. As you reach Andharban trek from Pune or Mumbai, you will be engulfed by the sound of morning birds and you also get to spot mushrooms, orchid flowers and Karvi flowers and soon. Andharban trek route is unique, it is not crowded on the weekends and is a popular trekking place.
How to Reach Andharban Trek by Road?
Pune to Andharban Trek Distance
The Andharban trek distance from Pune is approximately 68.1 km by road. The journey takes anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on the traffic and Andharban trek route you take. For Punekars near the Sahyadris region, this is the best trek. The trail starts from driving from Pune to Pimpri village (the start point of the trek) through the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Or you can take a train to Lonavala and head to Pimpri from there, 57 km away.
As you reach the Andharban trek’s starting point, you will have to trek 13-15 km, taking you through an offbeat trail via a dense forest, small waterfalls, and scenic views of Tamhini Ghat, Devkund Waterfall, and more. This beautiful trek can take up to 5-7 hours to complete.
Mumbai to Andharban Trek Distance
The Andharban to Mumbai trek distance is 129.1 km by road, and the journey takes 3-4 hours to complete. The starting point of the trek is Pimpri village, so driving or hiring a cab is the best way to reach the starting point. The route you can take is via the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai-Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai-Pune Hwy/Mumbai-Satara Highway. The Andharban trek route from Mumbai is full of the scenic views of dense forests and the Western Ghats.
After reaching Pimpri village, you will start your trek to Andharban forest. The trek is 5-7 hours long, and you can complete it in 5-7 hours depending on the pace of the trekkers. It is best to start the trek in the early morning and reach back to your destination by noon. The beautiful trail of scenic views of cascading waterfalls and more makes this an ideal weekend trek for Mumbaikars.
Nearby Cities and Distances
Lonavala
The distance from Lonavala to the Andharban trek is approximately 57.1 km, and it takes somewhere around an hour and a half, depending on the route and traffic, to reach your destination.
Solapur
The distance between Solapur and Andharban is 280 km, and the distance is easily covered in 7-8 hours via the Solapur-Pune Hwy and NH 65.
Kolhapur
The distance between Kolhapur and Andharban is 287 km, and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Andharban from Kolhapur via NH 48 and the Mumbai-Satara Highway.
Katraj
The Andharban trek distance from Katraj is 74 km, and it takes about two hours and 15-minutes to reach the destination via NH 753F. Taking a car is the only transportation option between the two places.
Kalyan
The Kalyan to Andharban trek distance is 129.7 km, and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the starting point of the trek. The route you take is via Bengaluru-Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai-Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai-Pune Hwy/Mumbai-Pune Expy/Mumbai-Satara Hwy/Yashwantrao Chavan Expy.
How to Reach Andharban Trek by Air?
Nearest Airport to Andharban Trek
- The nearest airport to the Andharban trek is Pune International Airport. The distance from the airport to the starting point of the Andharban trek, Pimpri village, is 78 km. Pune airport is connected to multiple cities via flights.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, is 136 km away from the starting point of the trek to Andharban forest. The distance is covered in 3-4 hours, and the airport connects many Indian cities to the trek.
Transportation from the Airport
- From Pune airport, you have two options to reach the Andharban trek. Either take a private vehicle or hire a taxi to head to Pimpri village. Or you can take a train to Lonavala station and take a cab from there to Pimpri village, 57.1 km away, which you cover in an hour.
- From Mumbai airport, you again have two options. Take a cab to Pimpri village, the starting point of the trek. Or you can take a bus or train to Lonavala and head to Pimpri from there via taxi.
How to Reach Andharban Trek by Train?
Nearest Railway Station to Andharban Trek
Andharban nearest railway station is Lonavala station, 57 km away from the starting point of Pimpri village. Lonavala is also well-connected with both Mumbai and Pune both via road and rail. From Mumbai, Lonavala is 83.3 km away and it takes around an hour and 41 minutes to reach Lonavala from Mumbai. From Lonavala station, you can take a cab to reach Pimpri village in an hour.
The distance between Pune and Lonavala is 68.5 km away from Pimpri village, the starting point of the trek to Andharban. From Pune, take a train to Lonavala station and follow the same instructions as the Mumbai one to reach the trek’s starting point.
Trains for Andharban Trek
The Andharban trek is a popular jungle trek in the western ghats accessible from both Pune and Mumbai via train. From Mumbai, take a local train to Lonavala and from there, hire a taxi to reach the trek’s starting point- Pimpri or Pimpalgaon. Similarly, Pune too has a few trains running to Lonavala. Ensure to book your tickets in advance because the trek starts early in the morning.
From Mumbai:
From Mumbai, the nearest station to Andharban trek is Lonavala and the two are well-connected by trains. Here are a few common trains you can take:
- Intercity Express (11006): A fast and common option, this train departs from Mumbai CST and reaches Lonavala in around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Mumbai-Lonavala Local (CST to Lonavala): These local trains are frequent, with travel time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. These trains run from Mumbai CST or Dadar and have several stops along the way.
- Deccan Express (11007): Departs from Mumbai CST and takes about 2.5 hours.
From Pune:
From Pune, the nearest station to Andharban trek is Lonavala and the two are well-connected by trains. The distance between the two is 65 km and it will take around 1 to 1.5 hours to cover this distance. Here are a few common trains to take:
- Indrayani Express (11007): This is one of the most popular trains between Pune and Lonavala. It departs from Pune Junction and reaches Lonavala in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Pune-Lonavala Passenger: A local train that runs frequently between Pune and Lonavala, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a more economical option.
- Shivneri Express (12160): Another option that connects Pune to Lonavala, offering a relatively fast and comfortable journey.
P.S. Do check the official website of Indian railways too
Transportation from the Station
From Lonavala to Pimpri Village: Trek’s starting point
Taxis/Private Vehicles: Upon reaching Lonavala station, you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle which will take you to Pimpri village. Hiring a private vehicle is better as not only you cover the 57 km in an hour or so easily, but it can also pick you from the destination where the trek ends.
Shared Vehicles: If you’re trekking in a group or with a trekking company, sometimes shared jeeps are arranged for groups to head straight to the trekking point.
Distance and Travel Time Chart for Andharban Trek
Andharban location is a prime one, ensuring easy access from various cities of Maharashtra. For instance, the Pune to Andharban trek distance is 68.1 km with a travel time of 2-3 hours. The best part is that the Pune to Andharban trek is easy to access via road using multiple modes, like a private taxi, or you can take a train to Lonavala and take a taxi from there to Pimpri.
The Andharban trail distance from Kolhapur, the nearby city, is 245 km with a travel time of 6-7 hours accessible by road. If you are looking for more cities and their distance or travel time to Andharban, here is a chart to look at.
City/Location | Distance (Km’s) | Travel Time (Hours) | Travel Mode |
Pune | 68.1 | 2-3 | Road/Train |
Mumbai | 165 | 5-6 | Road/Train |
Lonavala | 60 | 2 | Road |
Kolhapur | 245 | 6-7 | Road |
Solapur | 280 | 7-8 | Road |
Hyderabad | 600 | 12-14 | Road/Flight + Road |
Kalyan | 129.1 | 3-4 hours | Road |
Katraj | 71.7 | 1-2 hours | Road/Train |
Magarpatta | 78 | 2-3 hours | Road |
Mhaswad | 235.1 | 5 hours | Road |
Best Transportation Tips for Andharban Trek
The best tips for transportation tips for Andharban trek includes:
- Ensure to take a local train to Lonavala from Pune or Mumbai. It is the nearest town, and from here, you can head to Pimpri village using a cab or taxi.
- Taking a personal vehicle to Pimpri village is the best, but make sure you have a driver who can pick you back up from the base camp. Also, since public transport is limited, this is the best.
- Do plan the trek in advance, as the trail is dense and scarce, and you do not want to face any trouble with the trek.
Andharban Trek Map and Route Information
The Andharban trek begins from Pimpri village, following a dense forest trail via the Tamhini Ghat region. It eventually ends at the Bhira village. The complete route is approximately 13-14 km long and the terrain’s difficulty is graded as moderate to difficult. The terrain includes steep ascents and descents, occasional streams and dense jungle.
The key landmark here includes Tamhini Ghat viewpoint along with beautiful picturesque valleys and waterfalls. The trek also takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete, depending on your pace. There is no detailed map per se for Andharban trek route but you can take help from local guides who will recommend you the best trail and route. If you have access to a GPS or map app, (download it offline, if you can), carry it with yourself for extra security.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Andharban Trek
- Do not carry heavy weight as it will make trekking challenging.
- The trek is beautiful during monsoon, the ideal time to do it. But it is also slippery, so be cautious while trekking here.
- Ensure you wear good quality sport or trekking shoes.
- Do carry a repellent to keep the bugs away.
- Remember to use the washroom as the base village, as there is no washroom or toilet facility available on the trail or at the endpoint.
- The end and start points are different. So, you need to plan a transport at the endpoint, as the nearest village is about 5 km away from the endpoint.
- Even if trekking without a guide, be with a group and do not stray.
- Have a sign to call for help if you or someone else goes missing.
- Keep your friends and family informed about your location.
- Unless staying overnight in camp at Bhira Dam, it is best to complete the trek before it gets dark.
- For beginners in trekking, it is best to head to the Andharban trek with a guide who knows about the terrain and the route.
- Ensure the trekking gear and clothes you wear are perfect to protect you from harsh weather and injuries.
- Keep drinking enough water to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Do take breaks whenever needed to ensure you do not over exhaust yourself.
- Littering or leaving a cigarette half-lit lying around is not ideal for the forest. Be respectful of the people and follow the instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest railway station to the Andharban Trek?
The nearest railway station to the Andharban trek is Lonavala station. From Mumbai or Pune, take a train to Lonavala and from there you can hire a taxi to take to your destination.
How far is the Andharban Trek from Mumbai and Pune?
Pune to Andharban trek distance is 70 km, which you can reach by a private vehicle or by taking a train to Lonavala and driving to Pimpri village- the starting point of the trek. Mumbai to Andharban trek distance is 140 km and it is one of the most popular treks from Mumbai. A trek to Andharban allows you to enjoy the views of the beautiful Devkund waterfall.
Is there an airport near the Andharban Trek?
The nearest airport to Andharban forest trek is in Pune. Pune International Airport is the major airport, connecting many cities of India. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Pimpri village, the point of start for the trek. From Pune airport, you will take around 1.5-2 hours to reach Pimpri.
What is the best way to reach the Andharban Trek?
Wondering the best way to reach Andharban trek? Well, it is to head to the trek via a private vehicle. To reach the starting point of Pimpri village, 50 km from Lonavala, you can drive from Lonavala to the trek’s starting point. After reaching here, park the car and head towards your trek. Hiring a car with a drive is a better option as they can drop you at the starting point and receive you at the end of the dam, if you are not camping at Bhira dam or want to trek back to Pimpri village.
Are there direct buses to Andharban Trek?
There are no direct buses to Andharban trek starting point, usually Pimpri village. To reach the starting point, you can take a combination of public transport. Here is how to reach Andharban trek using public transport?
From Mumbai or Pune, take a train to Lonavala. From the station, you can take a bus or a private vehicle to Pimpri village-the starting point of the trek. However, the buses are infrequent, so taxis are a better choice.
If you book this trek with a tour organizer, they will organize a bus to pick you up and drop back to your destination.
Can I use public transport to reach the Andharban Trek?
Yes, you can use public transport to reach the Andharban trek. You can take a state-run-bus from Mumbai or Pune to reach Lonavala, 50 km away from Pimpri village- base camp of the park. From there, you start your trek. Or you can take a train to Lonavala too. Hiring a taxi is also a great way to reach Andharban trek.
How far is the Andharban Trek from Lonavala?
Andharban trek is 50 km from Lonavala and you can hire a private taxi or take your personal car to Pimpri village- the starting point of the trek.
How long does it take to complete the Andharban Trek?
You can complete the Andharban trek in 10 hours. The trek to Andharban is almost 14 km long and takes you through three beautiful waterfalls and dense forest.
What is the best way to reach Andharban Trek from Mumbai
Here is how you can reach Andhraban trek from Mumbai.
By Road: To reach Pimpri village, the starting point of the trek is 140 km from Mumbai and 50 km away from Lonavala. From Mumbai, take a cab or a bus to Pimpri village and strat your trek from there.
By Rail: Take a train to Mumbai and then here, take a train to Lonavala station. From there, you can book a cab to reach Pimpri village in an hour or so and start your trek.
By Flight: Take a flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, connected to all major cities of India. Book a cab from the airport to Pimpri village for starting your trek.
Are there any restrictions or permits required for the trek?
Yes, you need to take a permit from the forest authorities to enter Andharban for trekking. Moreover, there are a few restricted areas of Andharban where you cannot go. Lastly, there is an entry fee of INR 150 too. All these measures are taken to ensure the biodiversity of western ghats remains safe.