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

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

 Hill station - Malshej Ghat
District - Pune
State - Maharashtra
Elevation - 2296 feet ( 700 m )
Distance from Mumbai - 154 km
Distance from Pune - 130 km
Nearest railway stations - Kalyan and Karjat
Time to visit - June to January ( Monsoon and Winter seasons )
How to reach by road - Private vehicles, State transport buses from various points including right outside the Kalyan and Karjat railway stations,  cabs, two - wheelers etc.
Best place to stay - MTDC Resort

Without a doubt, come Monsoon,  Malshej Ghat is the go - to place for thousands of tourists from.the surrounding towns and cities like Mumbai, Pune and the districts of Pune, Thane and Suburban Mumbai.

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and a hill station in the Western Ghats , Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra. They lie at the border of Thane and Pune district.

The Ghats are a winding road and a mountain pass of about 13 km that provide a wonderful view of the valleys, villages, dense forests, high mountains and numerous Waterfalls.

It can be safely claimed that the driving factor of many tourists that bring them to the ghats in the monsoons are the innumerable and most wonderful waterfalls. Even more tempting are the waterfalls directly falling on the highways. Some roar down, some trickle, some are gentle and some form huge canopies through which the vehicles can pass. 

Such places turn into tourist spots with families and youngsters frolicking  in the falls and then enjoying piping hot tea and masaledar Corn Cobs from the roadside stalls. Roadside dhabas also provide yummy food choices.

Many people make it a one day trip just to enjoy the rains and the waterfalls, while quite a few prefer it as a weekend getaway. 

The ghats as well as the hill station is covered with mist, rain clouds and rain in the months from June to September. The clouds come so low as to be able to touch and pass through them.

Another USP of this picturesque region is the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna, with such birds like the pink flamingo, cuckoos, whistling thrush, purple moorhen, peacocks, crakes, quails, rails to name just a few. The surrounding forests are home to many wild animals like tigers, rabbits, leopards etc. 

The region is quite popular for numerous trekking trails as well.

Accordingly, the tourists here include a wide range that includes youngsters, couples, families, monsoon - lovers, nature - enthusiasts, trekkers, people looking for a break from their busy lives in a place that is calm, peaceful, beautiful, pleasant yet having all modern amenities for a comfortable stay. 

The environmentalists and bird watchers are attracted to see the pink flamingo that migrate here from the freezing Siberian winter in the month of June to September. The sight of hundreds of such graceful and colourful birds is mesmerizing. They can mostly be found in Dongarwadi and Khireshwar, both close to Malshej. 

Places to visit - 

• Ajoba hill fort

• Harishchandragad

• Buddhist caves

• Pushpawati river

• Pimpalgaon Dam

• Nageshwar temple

• Khireshwar temple 

• Trekking trails and rock climbing sites

• Shivneri fort 

Events -

Aadrai Jungle Trek ( Related post )

Magical Sunsets 

Picture source - thane.nic.in

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. )