Discover the Aadrai Jungle Trek at Malshej Ghat

Introduction to Malshej Ghat

Nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat is a picturesque hill station in the Pune district. Surrounded by deep and dense forests, Malshej Ghat is home to a rich variety of flora, wild animals, and exotic birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Aadrai Jungle Trek

One of the most sought-after activities in this region is the Aadrai Jungle Trek. This thrilling forest trek was discovered by a local villager who lost his way and stumbled upon this enchanting, uncharted locale.

Trek Details:

• 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:

• Kalu Waterfall: The trek's highlight, this majestic waterfall cascades from a height of 1200 feet.
• Nageshwar Temple
• Viewpoints: Malshej Ghat, Harishchandragad, Konkankada
• Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
• Pushpawati River
• Ajoba Hill Fort
• Naneghat
• Jivdhan Chawan Fort
• Darkoba Peak
• Buddhist Caves
• Konkan Kada
• Taramati Peak

Trekking Experience:

The Aadrai Jungle Trek offers a blend of adventure, thrill, and natural beauty. The best time to embark on this trek is during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when the forest is lush, vibrant, and brimming with greenery. The waterfalls, especially the spectacular Kalu Waterfall, are in full flow, enhancing the trek's scenic beauty.

Due to the forest's density and elevation, sunlight barely penetrates the canopy, creating a cool and pleasant environment. The trek provides breathtaking views of valleys, mountains, and peaks, making it a visual treat for trekkers. The trail is relatively easy and accessible, but hiring a local guide or an experienced leader is advisable to avoid getting lost.

The air is filled with the calls of various birds, and the gentle wind rustles through the trees, adding to the trek's charm. Trekkers should come prepared with food, water, and appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes with a good grip. Group treks are recommended over solo expeditions for safety reasons.

Conclusion:

The Aadrai Jungle Trek in Malshej Ghat is an adventure that has it all – dense forests, wildlife, birds, waterfalls, rain, wind, and panoramic views of the Sahyadri peaks and valleys. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich natural heritage of Maharashtra.

Many trekking organizers from Mumbai, Pune, and other places provide necessary guidance and support for a successful and safe trekking experience. Whether you are a novice or an experienced trekker, the Aadrai Jungle Trek is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Location: Malshej Ghat, Pune District, Maharashtra

Contact for Organizers: Available from Mumbai and Pune trekking clubs

Photo Credit: Shrihari Shastry

Keywords: Aadrai Jungle Trek, Malshej Ghat, trekking in Maharashtra, Kalu Waterfall, Sahyadri ranges, monsoon treks, Pune trekking, adventure activities Maharashtra, forest treks India

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. )