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

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

 Tourist Attractions of Mahabaleshwar

Pratapgadh

Mahabaleshwar is a perfect tourist spot due to its topography that includes the majestic Sahyadri ranges, proximity to major cities of Mumbai, Pune , Satara, Kolhapur; weather, natural beauty, old world charm of colonial architecture along with numerous modern hotels with all technological amenities, modern transport facilities, varied cuisine, that entails a stay of comfort and leisure.

Mahabaleshwar has a rich history that goes back to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj then on to the British who made it their summer capital.

The architecture of the colonial era is still seen in many historic structures, libraries, the Governor's Bungalow, old Parsi bungalows, the boarding schools of nearby Panchgani.

Most of the scenic tourist points are also named after the English explorers who explored and enjoyed the peaks in their lifetimes.

Lodwick point

Here is a list of the major attractions of Mahabaleshwar, not to be missed at all.

1. Arthur's Seat

2. Artist point

3. Babington point

4. Bombay point

5. Chinaman Waterfalls

6. Connaught point

7. Dhobi Waterfalls

8. Elephant's head point

9. Elphinstone point

10. Echo point

11. Falkland point

12. Gangadharpale

13. Gureghar nature trail viewpoint

14. Helen's point

15. Kate's point

16. Kamalgad fort

17. Koyna valley 

18. Lodwick point

19. Lucky games point

20. Lover's point

21. Lingmala waterfalls

22. Mapro garden

23. Marjorie point 

24. Morarji Castle

25. Market

26. Mini Kashmir

27. Old Mahabaleshwar, consisting of three temples and being the origin of the river Krishna as well as the meeting point of 5 rivers, namely the Krishna, the Venna, the Savitri, the Koyna and the Gayatri

28. Pratapgad fort 

29. Parsi point

30. Panchgani

31. Polo ground

32. Pratap Singh park 

33. Raigad museum

34. Rajapuri caves

35. Savitri point

36. Sydney point 

37. Tapola

38. Table land 

39. Three monkey point

40. Tiger Spring point

41. Venna lake and dam

42. Vajraj Falls

43. Wilson point ( Sunrise and Sunset point )

44. Wax Museum

Walking Treks

There are also numerous strawberry farms in and around Mahabaleshwar, gardens and many walking trails.

Lodging and Boarding facilities include budget hotels, 3-star and 5-star hotels, all categories of  resorts, private cottages and bungalows on rent, corporate guesthouses, MTDC resort , Railway Quarters.

Pre-booking is an absolute must, especially in the peak season of the summer and Diwali school , college holidays as well as the Christmas - New year week.

Weekends are also pre-booked as many tourists looking for a change prefer a 2 day break in these hills.

                                  Mapro Garden

( Also a must-read - 

• Old Mahabaleshwar for its rich history and religious significance as a Hindu pilgrimage place.

• Panchgani, a quaint town reminiscent of the British era )

Source of pictures - traveltriangle.com

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. )