Location- Bhandardara lake
District - Ahmednagar
State - Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Summer and Winter
Called The Grand Canyon of Maharashtra,it is also referred to as The Valley of Shadows.
It is a popular tourist attraction for adventure seekers, trekkers, nature lovers etc.
It is visited for the purpose of trekking, rappelling, rock-climbing, stargazing and overnight camping.
It is a combination of valley and canyon , the valley's height being 4255 feet.
Barring only the time when the sun is directly overhead, sunlight does not reach to the ground and it is always low on natural light and chilly .
It is surrounded by the mighty Kalsubai and Ratangad in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra as also the historical forts of Alang, Ajoba, Madan and Kulang.
Due to the continuous erosion over the years by the water, a gorge is formed which is 2 km long and 200 feet deep with narrow walls.The trekkers have to cross this and also walk through the chilly waters that reaches up to the waist and also the chest depending on the month.
There is a 60 feet high rappelling spot on the trail along with 2 smaller ones of around 20 feet each that need rope ladders to climb.
Trekking is of medium to challenging level and needs expert guidance by experienced trek leaders.
The trekking base village is Samrad.
Trekking trips are arranged by various agencies that are led by experienced leaders.
Each group may include up to 20 trekkers.
It is a two-day trek.
Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed to join in the trek.
Monsoon season is to be avoided due to the dangers of slipping as also the valley being inaccessible.
Winter season is the most ideal due to the pleasant and cool climate while summer season may become hot and bothersome for the physically strained trekkers.
Picture - trailsandtreks.org
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