Andharban - The Dark Jungle Hike

Dear Adventurists, Can you keep yourself away from social media for a day? Because from the moment you get into the forest like Andharban and till the time you get out you will be pleased not to have dithered by technology, for the forest will speak to you in a language that most fail to understand.

Andharban – Literally translates to the dark forest, where dark symbolizes the dense part of the forest.

Location: Tamhini Ghat is the stretch between Kolad and these backwaters. The gradual climb opens the doors to a different world of green velvety carpets, gushing streams, dark grey clouds stooping low, and the occasional waterfalls.

The rains has turned the parched land into a carpet of green with plants and flowers in full bloom such as Impatience, Gloriossa suparba, Karvi and wild turmeric. The hills stretch towards the skies like giant walls, partly covered by mist. The wildlife species found here are Danaid Eggfly, Blue Pansy, Rat snake, Green vine snake, Tree snake, Wild hare, Wild boar, Civet cat, mouse deer etc. Bird species – Scarlet minivet, Shikra, Mottled wood owl, Malabar grey hornbill.

Trek Plan Sunday August 6th: Andharban Trek – Medium Difficult – 5-6 hours hiking

Sunday Day 1: Our private bus will do the pick-up in Pune between 6:00 – 7:00 am Have heavy breakfast on the way. Arrive at our starting point by 10:00 am followed by a small orientation and introductions. Trek the 13 km long stretch of Andharban forest. We will direct our bus to meet us at the end point for the trek, which is near Bhira Dam. Depart back to Pune 6:00 pm – Tea and snacks on the way back. 9:00 pm – Reach Pune.

Date: August 6th 2017 Trip Duration: 1 Day Cost: Veg INR 1400 per person. Minimum age 12 years. Trek difficulty: Medium

Trip includes:

• Travel and toll: Pick up and drop off from our selected pick up points. • Meals covered on the trip: Heavy breakfast and evening tea and snacks • Mineral water for drinking. • Tour guides and camp leaders all along the trip. • Medical assistance if required.

Trip excludes:

• Personal expenses (beverages, snacks, equipment) • Lunch • Personal medication • Any other meal besides what is mentioned in 'trip includes' above.

Things to carry: Its monsoon season, be prepared to get wet in the rains. Full body clothing, jackets, track pants, pullovers. One extra set of clothes Good hiking or sports shoes Caps and Hats Sunglasses and sunscreen Hand Towel Munchies and personal snacks Personal medication Camera (optional) Binoculars (optional) Shawl (optional) One liter water bottle

IMPORTANT:

Please take care of all your belongings. Notify us immediately in case of any medical emergency. Anyone found under the influence of drugs or narcotics will be requested to leave the trip immediately, without any refund. Adventure camping and outdoor sports/ recreation is purely for nature lovers and not for party groups; we respect nature and do our best to spread the awareness about wilderness preservation.

Bookings and enquiry please contact Rohan: 7350064961

Thank you,

Team Rivers and Ridges