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

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