Aadrai Jungle Trek, Malshej Ghat

 Hill station - Malshej Ghat
District - Pune
State - Maharashtra
Event - Aadrai Jungle trek
Best time for the trek - Monsoon and post monsoon 
Distance of trail - 14 - 15 km 
Expected time to complete the trek - 4 -5  hours
Starting point - Khireshwar Village
Trail Landmarks - 

• Kulu Waterfall

• Nageshwar temple

• View of Malshej ghat, Harishchandragad, Konkankada

• Pimpalgaon Joga Dam

• Pushpawati river

• Ajoba hill fort

• Naneghat

• Jivdhan Chawan fort

• Darkoba peak

• Buddhist caves 

• Konkan kada 

• Taramati peak

Malshej Ghat located in the Sahyadri ranges, Maharashtra is surrounded by deep and dense forests. The forests are home to quite a few wild animals and exotic birds. There is great variety in the flora as well.

One of the most popular activities preferred by the trekkers and adventure enthusiasts is the Aadrai ( अड़राई )Forest Trek.

It is believed that this trek was discovered by mistake by a local villager who lost his way and  ended up in these uncharted locales.

This forest trek is full of fun, adventure and thrill and one of the most sought after jungle treks in the state of Maharashtra. The best season would be monsoon and post-monsoon when the jungle is lush, fresh and full of greenery and the waterfalls on the way are active. Though due to the height and sheer denseness of the trees sunlight hardly reaches the ground. This makes the weather cool and pleasant.

The trek goes through the forest and due to the elevation, the views of the valleys, mountains and peaks are breathtaking. The trail is fairly easy and accessible, though getting a local guide or an experienced leader would be advisable so as not to lose the way.  The call of the various birds fill the air while the gentle wind blows all around.

There are many small and big waterfalls on the way but the biggest and the most  majestic Kalu Waterfall falls from a height of 1200 feet. It is the highest one in this region. Getting soaked and frolicking in the water is one of the highlights of the trek. If it rains, it adds to the thrill. Though the monsoon season makes the surroundings misty and foggy due to the presence of clouds and decreases visibility. Utmost caution must be taken.

Taking one's food items and enough water is a must. Goes without saying that the trekkers dress appropriately as per the weather conditions with sensible tough grip shoes / sneakers. It's always better to go for group treks instead of solo ones. 

In conclusion, this trek has it all - forest, animals, birds, waterfalls, rain, wind, panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri peaks and valleys and various other landmarks of Malshej ghat region.

There are innumerable trekking organisers from both Mumbai and Pune among other places. 

They provide the novice trekker with necessary guidance and the support system for a successful and safe experience.

Picture credit  - Shrihari Shastry

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is one of the most popular and beautiful hill stations in the state of  Karnataka. It is blessed with cascading waterfalls, picturesque locales, cool climate, green and towering hills, scenic views,varied flora and fauna, sprawling coffee  plantations, spice estates, forts, valleys, hills, temples, treks, nature walks, pilgrimage centres, wildlife reservoirs & sanctuaries, the confluence of three holy rivers, Kaveri, Kannike and Sujyoti, water sports among other drool worthy tourist attractions.

Here is a list of the same - 

1. Abbey Falls, Madikeri

Best Time to Visit - October to December

Timing - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry - ₹ 15

2. Brahmagiri Hills, Yevakapadi

Activities - Trekking 

Timing - Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee - Starts from ₹ 200

3. Bhagamandala, Brahmagiri Hill

Activities - Pilgrimage and Holy place for Hindus, 

Timings - 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry - Free

4. Chiklihole Reservoir, Attur Forest 

Activities - Sightseeing, Picnic, Photography

Timing - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry  - Free

5. Cauvery Nisargadhama

Activities - Pedal boating, Elephant rides, Deer sighting and Swimming 

Timing - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry - ₹ 10 (Adults); ₹ 5 (Children)

6. Dubare Elephant Camp, Nanjarayapatna

Activities - Interaction with Elephants 

Timing - 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Entry - Starts from ₹ 4780 ( Includes stay, meals, Jeep safari, interactive experience & taxes)

7. Honnamana Kere Lake, Doddamalthe

Activities - Place of Religious Significance for Hindus 

Timings - 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry - Free

8. Harangi Dam, Somwarpet

Activities - Kayaking & camping

Timing - 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fee - ₹ 10 (Adults); ₹ 5 (Children aged below 12 years)

9. Iruppu Falls, Kurchi

Best Time to Visit - Post Monsoon

Timing - 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry - ₹ 50

10. Mallalli Falls, Kumaralli Village, Somwarpet

Best Time to Visit - Monsoon 

Timings - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry - Free 

11. Mandalpatti Viewpoint, Madikeri

Activities - Sightseeing

Timing - 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry - ₹ 25

12. Madikeri Fort, Madikeri

Activities - Visit the church, a tortoise sculpture and a museum on its premises.

Timing - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Entry -  Free

13. Nagarhole National Park, Mysore-Madikeri Road, Hunsur

Activities - Coracle Ride, Bus Safari & Jeep Safari 

Best Time to Visit - Summer months of April and May and / or Winter months of November and February

Entry  - Starts from ₹ 150

14. Namdroling Monastery, Arlikumari, Bylakuppe

Activities - Religious pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus 

Timing - 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entry - Free

15. Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri

Activities - Pilgrimage Place 

Timings - 6:30 am to 12:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Entry - Free

16. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumaralli Village, Somwarpet

Activities - Trekking to Pushpagiri Hill, 

Timing -  6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry - Free

17. Raja's Tomb, Madikeri, Coorg

Activities - For History enthusiasts

Timing - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Entry - Free

18.  Raja's Seat, Madikeri

Best Time to Visit - Early Mornings 

Timing - 5:30 am to 8:00 pm

Entry - ₹ 5

19. Tadiandamol Peak,  Kakkabe

Activities - Trekking 

Timing - Sunrise to Sunset

Entry - Free

20. Talacauvery, Brahmagiri Hill

Activities - Pilgrimage place for Hindus, Sightseeing

Timings - 6:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Entry - Free

Images - www.fabhotels.com 

Click here 

Maharashtra - Hill Stations

Maharashtra is a travellers' heaven, for it offers everything from a long coastline, cool mountain ranges , winding ghats , rich lush dense forests, majestic rivers , massive plains and gorgeous  plateaus.

It's tourist itinerary consists of pilgrimage centers , historical monuments , forts , palaces , caves , modern cosmopolitan cities to explore, national parks , wild life sanctuaries, national parks , and beautiful, picturesque , cool hill-stations full of old world charm of colonial grandeur and architecture.

The Sahyadri mountain range ( a UNESCO heritage ) ,running parallel to the western coast line is a boon for the State, not only ecologically but for the purpose of economy as well, as it provides the perfect geographical conditions vis a vis the weather, climate , elevation , natural beauty comprising of lush dense forests , rich flora and fauna , perennial flowing rivers like the Krishna and Godavari, high hills , deep valleys , grand canyons, high peaks , massive lakes and dams , high-falling seasonal  waterfalls for tourism.

        There is something for every kind of tourist…... National parks , forest reserves, wild life sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries,  quaint villages and towns , well developed, modern, yet culturally and ecologically protected hill stations that provide both a comfortable and modern stay along with an old world-charm from the colonial times.

So one gets all the modern technology and amenities for  one's comfort and convenience while at the same time enjoying the  old-world charm of  the historical architectural monuments , colonial buildings , hill forts, ancient temples, quaint little local bazaars, seasonal fresh  fruits, authentic cuisine , handicrafts and souvenirs, local products ranging from hand-made shoes, chappals,wooden idols showpieces,leather products, traditional clothes and jewellery. 

So go for a nature trek , visit the forts, enjoy the breezes by the lakes, go for bird - watching , wildlife safaris, adventure sports , boat rides, star-gazing, kayaking, paragliding, camping ,or enjoy a relaxed 5-star hotel and resort stay, learn the history of the tourist spots , go for a full-day trips or darshans arranged by the tourism dept or the private hotels, gorge on the variety of cuisine ranging from the local to the international, shop to your heart's content , collect souvenirs and gifts. 

All the hill stations compiled in the following list ,  are a perfect destination for all types of tourists ; families, honeymooners, friends ,the solo traveller, history lovers , nature buffs, adventure junkies. There is something for everyone.

So, get set and go for it !!

Hill Stations in Maharashtra

1. Amboli

Source - sindhudurg.nic.in

2. Bhandardara

3. Bhimashankar

4. Chikhaldara

5. Durshet

6. Gagan Bavda

7. Igatpuri

8. Jawhar

9. Khandala

10. Kamshet

11. Karjat

12. Koroli

13. Lonavala

           

            Source - wikipedia

14. Lavasa

15. Matheran

           

             Source - raigad.gov.in

16. Mahabaleshwar

17. Malshej Ghat

18. Panchgani

19. Panhala

20. Rajmachi

21. Sawantwadi

22. Suryamal

23. Satara

24. Toranmal

25. Tamhini Ghat

26. Wai

           

            Source - Wikipedia 

Generally , accommodation includes boarding lodges, budget - hotels, 2 star to 5 star hotels, private bungalows, condos , cottages , rooms for rent and MTDC resorts among others. 

( Most require advance bookings. )

Matheran, picture-perfect

Maharashtra's tiniest, yet one of the most popular hill stations ,Matheran in the district of Raigad,is a perfect getaway for the tourists from the neighbouring metros, Mumbai and Pune.

                

Nestled in the beautiful Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra lies this world's only Automobile-Free hill station.

It has also been declared an Eco-Sensitive region by India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

              The forests of Matheran 

Due to its elevation of 26,000 feet above sea level , the climate here is cool , mild and pleasant making it one of the most popular hill-stations in Maharashtra.

The local language of communication is predominantly Marathi with Hindi & English also being much in use due to it being a very popular tourist destination.

It's average temperature range is 32 ℃ to 16 ℃.

It's at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune.

One can reach by road only upto Dhindi point and then walk or choose horse-riding, hand-pulled rickshaws the rest of the way. 

 

The walk is only about a 30 minutes trek through beautiful forests with a Red Laterite mud road that looks amazingly beautiful, and get everywhere on the feet and clothes…!! 

The railway options are

• getting a local train from CST- Karjat  that stops at Neral.

• The Deccan Express from Mumbai to Neral 

• The Sahyadri Express from Pune to Neral 

Neral being the closest station to Matheran  and then traveling the rest of the way in the utterly unique & immensely enjoyable Toy-Train as it's popularly called.It meanders through hills, Ghats & even a tunnel adding to the feeling of fun & adventure.

            The popular Toy-Train 

Matheran has a surreal beauty due to the colonial style architecture, old style Parsi bungalows, cottages, beautiful resorts ,hotels , boarding lodges.

It's scenic beauty is unparalleled with it being constructed by clearing off the forests by the British who wanted a cool getaway during India's hot summer months.

Not surprisingly most of the tourist spots are named after the British explorers who reached or discovered it the first time.

Matheran is a textbook perfect hill station with beautiful views of the mountains, forests, forts , valleys , trekking routes, nature walks , rivers, lakes, parks , water falls, adventure sports ,rock-climbing ,camping.

It is also the most preferred spot for honeymooners, families, trekking- groups, adventure lovers due to its 38 beautiful tourist spots to visit and enjoy.

This Matheran-Darshan can take 2-3 days if one prefers walking / trekking whereas choosing horse - riding can cut it short into a one day adventure trip. 

In fact, the majority of tourists from the surrounding towns , cities do prefer one-day picnics to a stay-over due to budget or time constraints. 

The walking trails

List of the Tourist Places in Matheran

1. Alexander point

2. Ambarnath Shiv Temple

3. Big Chowk point

4. Belvedere point

5. Celia point

6. Chanderi caves

7. Charlotte lake

8. Dodhani WaterFalls

9. Echo Point

10. Honeymoon point

11. Hart point

12. Irshalgad Fort

13. King George point

14. Khandala point

15. Kalavantin Pinnacle

16. Little Chowk point

17. Louisa point

18. Lord point

19. Mt Barry

20. Monkey point

21. Malang point

22. Madhavji garden and point

23. Matheran Railway station

24. Matheran Shiv Mandir

25. Mayra point

26. Market 

27. One tree point

28. Olympia Race Course

29. Porcupine point ( Sunset point )

30. Panorama point ( Sunrise point )

31. Prabal Fort

32. Paymaster park

33. Pisharnath Madhav Mandir

34. Panther's caves

35. Rambag point

36. Shivaji's ladder

37. Toy Train

38. Vikatgad peb Fort Trek

                     Charlotte lake 

( source of pics  - wikipedia )