Travel Guide

How to reach Andharban trek

The Andharban trek starts from Pimpri village in the Tamhini Ghat region and ends at Bhira, near Bhira dam. This guide covers every practical way to get to Pimpri — from Pune, Mumbai, Lonavala or anywhere else in Maharashtra.

Short version: If you're booking a batch with us, we handle transport from Pune or Mumbai pickup points. If you're going self-drive, aim for Pimpri village via the Mumbai-Pune expressway and Tamhini Ghat.

By road

Pune → Andharban

Distance: approx. 68 km · Time: 2–3 hours · Route: Mumbai-Pune Expressway → Lonavala exit → Tamhini Ghat road → Pimpri village.

The drive from Pune is short and scenic. Take the Mumbai-Pune expressway heading west, exit at Lonavala, and follow the Tamhini Ghat road until you reach Pimpri. Cabs and self-drive both work well. If you're on a booked batch, our vehicle picks you up from Shastri Nagar Circle, FC Road, and Hinjewadi between 5:15 and 6:00 AM.

Mumbai → Andharban

Distance: approx. 130–150 km · Time: 3–4 hours · Route: Mumbai-Pune Expressway → Lonavala exit → Tamhini Ghat → Pimpri village.

From Mumbai the classic route is the same — expressway to Lonavala, then west through Tamhini. You can also drive down via the older highway, but the expressway is faster. Batches from Mumbai leave in the small hours to reach the trailhead by 8 AM.

Lonavala → Andharban

Distance: approx. 57 km · Time: 1.5 hours.

Lonavala is the practical hub for the trek if you're arriving by train. From the station you can take a private cab, a shared taxi, or a pre-booked vehicle to Pimpri. There's no direct bus, so plan the cab in advance.

By train

The nearest railway station is Lonavala. From Lonavala, Pimpri is a 57 km cab ride.

From Mumbai to Lonavala

• Intercity Express (11006) — Mumbai CST to Lonavala, roughly 2.5–3 hours.
• Mumbai–Lonavala local — frequent CST-to-Lonavala local trains, 2–2.5 hours.
• Deccan Express (11007) — Mumbai CST to Lonavala, about 2.5 hours.

From Pune to Lonavala

• Indrayani Express — Pune Junction to Lonavala, ~1 hr 20 min.
• Pune–Lonavala Passenger — frequent local, 1–1.5 hours.
• Shivneri Express (12160) — Pune to Lonavala.

Always cross-check train times on the official IRCTC / Indian Railways website — schedules change seasonally.

By air

Nearest airport: Pune International Airport, about 78 km from Pimpri (2–3 hours by cab).

Alternate: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai — around 136 km from the trailhead (3–4 hours by cab).

Pune is the more convenient airport for the trek. From there you can either take a cab directly to Pimpri, or catch a train to Lonavala and cab it from the station.

Distance & travel time chart

Practical tips

• The trek's start and end points are different (Pimpri → Bhira). If you're self-driving, plan how you'll get back to your vehicle.
• Use the washroom at the base village — there are no toilet facilities on the trail.
• Pack light. A heavy bag on a wet descending trail is punishing.
• Trekking shoes with grip, a rain jacket, and a waterproof pouch are essentials.
• In peak monsoon, plan drives with buffer — Tamhini Ghat can slow to a crawl in heavy rain.