Aadrai Jungle Trek — The Unexplored Sahyadri Rainforest
The Aadrai Jungle Trek is one of the best ways to explore an untouched corner of the Sahyadris. The trail leads deep into a lush, green forest of waterfalls, caves, valleys, and old shepherd paths, ending at a remote waterfall hidden in the trees — and you can experience all of it in a single day. With limited spots per batch, it's worth booking in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.
For anyone wanting to step away from the rush of the city, Aadrai is a genuine reset. The cool, clean forest air and the steady sound of falling water make every breath feel restorative — a true escape into the wild without travelling far from Mumbai or Pune.
This easy day trek near Malshej Ghat tops out at around 2,490 feet, with the base village at about 2,240 feet — a gentle overall gain. The trail runs roughly 6 km one way and takes about 6 hours both ways, including ample breaks at the waterfall and viewpoints.
Along the route, the forest offers both natural beauty and local heritage. The Kalu Waterfall is a spectacular sight, while the Nageshwar Temple and ancient caves give a glimpse into the area's history. A walk through Khireshwar village adds a quiet, rural close to the day.
Half the magic is the journey in. The drive through Malshej Ghat winds past fog-draped hills and hundreds of seasonal waterfalls, with sweeping viewpoints over Naneghat, Bhairavgad, Thitbi village, the old Malshej Ghat route, MTDC Malshej Ghat, and Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
Easy enough for beginners and families, yet scenic enough to delight seasoned trekkers, the Aadrai Jungle Trek runs every weekend through the monsoon — from both Mumbai and Pune.
Attractions on the Aadrai Jungle Trek
- Kalu Waterfall — a roughly 1,200 ft multi-tiered cascade, the trek's signature highlight
- Nageshwar Temple — historic and spiritual charm
- Ancient caves — quiet spots of historical interest
- The Aadrai rainforest — dense, untouched Sahyadri forest for nature lovers
- Khireshwar Village — quaint rural Sahyadri life
- Pimpalgaon Joga Dam — a picturesque water reservoir
- Malshej Ghat — scenic monsoon hill-station views, with vistas toward Naneghat, Bhairavgad, and Thitbi village
Aadrai Jungle Trek Details
- Trek location: Malshej Ghat, Junnar, on the Pune–Thane border
- Base village / trailhead: Khireshwar (near Pimpalgaon Joga Dam)
- Trek altitude: 2,490 feet (base village 2,240 feet)
- Trek distance: About 6 km one way
- Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours of trekking, both ways, with breaks
- Difficulty grade: Easy
- Trek type: Jungle trail through dense forest with waterfalls
- Fitness needed: Basic fitness; comfortable walking on forest trails
- Best time to visit: Monsoon to early winter (June to October)
- Distance from Pune: ~130 km (3–4 hours by road)
- Distance from Mumbai: ~138 km (around 4 hours by road)
- Batches: Every Friday–Saturday and Saturday–Sunday through the monsoon, from both Mumbai and Pune
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Aadrai jungle trek photos are available in the photo gallery above.
Aadrai Jungle Trek Itinerary
This trek runs as an overnight-departure, one-day trek from both Mumbai and Pune. Choose your city below.
Itinerary from Mumbai
Day Zero — Departure
- 09:45 PM — Meet at Borivali National Park main gate. (Map)
- 10:00 PM — Leave for the trek.
- 10:10 PM — Pickup at Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon. (Map)
- 10:30 PM — Pickup at Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. (Map)
- 10:45 PM — Pickup at Kalanagar Bus Stop, Bandra. (Map)
- 11:00 PM — Pickup at Everard Nagar Bus Stop, Sion. (Map)
- 11:10 PM — Pickup at Amar Mahal, Ghatkopar. (Map)
- 11:30 PM — Pickup at Teen Hath Naka, Thane. (Map)
- 12:15 AM — Pickup at Kalyan Bypass. (Map)
Day One — Trek Day
- 04:00 AM — Reach the base village; rest on the bus. Reporting time for self-drive participants (please be punctual).
- 05:00 AM — Wake up and freshen up.
- 05:30 AM — Breakfast and tea.
- 06:30 AM — Group introduction and trek briefing.
- 07:00 AM — Trek begins through the unexplored Aadrai Jungle.
- 02:00 PM — Return to the trek starting point.
- 03:00 PM — Freshen up and lunch.
- 04:00 PM — Return journey to Mumbai begins.
- 09:00 PM — Approximate arrival in Mumbai.
Itinerary from Pune
Day Zero — Departure
- 11:15 PM — Meet the trek leader near Inorbit Mall, Viman Nagar. (Map)
- 11:30 PM — Departure for the trek.
Day One — Trek Day
- 12:00 AM — Pickup at U.S. Polo Assn., JM Road, Deccan. (Map)
- 12:15 AM — Pickup at New Shivaji Nagar bus stop. (Map)
- 12:35 AM — Pickup at Nashik Phata, opposite Bhosari Vahtuk Vibhag. (Map)
- 04:00 AM — Reach the base village; rest on the bus. Reporting time for self-drive participants.
- 05:30 AM — Breakfast and tea.
- 06:30 AM — Group introduction and trek briefing.
- 07:00 AM — Trek begins through the unexplored Aadrai Jungle.
- 02:00 PM — Return to the trek starting point.
- 03:00 PM — Freshen up and lunch.
- 04:00 PM — Return journey to Pune begins.
- 09:30 PM — Approximate arrival in Pune.
Looking for a same-day daytime option from Pune? See our Aadrai Jungle One Day Trek from Pune, which leaves early morning instead of midnight.
Note: Both itineraries are indicative; timings shift with weather, traffic, and group pace. The trek leader's decisions on the day are final and made for group safety.
How to Book the Aadrai Jungle Trek
- Click the "Book Now" button.
- Select your departure date and tap Pay and Book.
- Choose your ticket type and quantity. Apply your coupon code here if you have one.
- Fill in your personal details, then review and proceed to payment.
- Pay securely via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- You'll receive a booking confirmation by email, so please enter a valid email ID.
- A WhatsApp group link is sent to your number around 8 hours before departure, so add a valid WhatsApp number while booking.
- All event details and your trek leader's contact will be shared in that WhatsApp group.
Please Note
- If you book the wrong date or batch and need to change it within 3 days of departure, a transfer charge of ₹200 per person applies.
- Batches run on all monsoon weekends (Friday–Saturday and Saturday–Sunday), from both Mumbai and Pune.
- Transport operates subject to participant numbers.
What is included in the tour
- Travel in a private Ac vehicle (with transport option)
- 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch
- Trek Leader expertise and Basic First Aid
What is NOT included in the tour
- Transportation till base village (without transport option)
- Entry fee for foreign nationals
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather.
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.
- 2/3 Liters of water
- Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek
- One Day Backpack 20 to 30 litres
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- Good Torch must with an extra battery
- Identity Proof
- Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
- Rains are expected, so pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet
- Double pack your valuables/phones in plastic bags
- Rainwear / Poncho / Waterproof jacket etc. if you don’t want to get wet
Cancellation Policy and Charges
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- Refunds won't be issued if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns or a personal medical emergency.
- Your booking cannot be shifted to another date if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns, or a personal medical emergency.
- If your area is prone to flooding, traveling from a flooded area, heavy traffic, heavy rains, missing the train, or any other reason, if you cannot attend the event, we won't issue a refund or shift you to another date.
- Management won't be held responsible if you are stuck due to heavy rains, traffic jams, personal emergencies or floods during the event.
- If you are bringing kids, please understand the possibility of getting stuck or delayed. You might have to stay back due to heavy rains, floods, bus breakdowns, and rush at the trekking destination. We won't be able to refund or shift you to another date. You will have to wait it out till the weather clears.
- Due to bad weather, floods, sudden changes in government rules, and overcrowding at the destination trek, the organizer has the right to change the trekking destination.
- During the trek , due to any circumstances seen or unseen trek leader has the right to cancel the trek for safety reason. No refund shall be issued.
TREKS AND TRAILS EVENTS RULES
- Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
- We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
- The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
- We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, or natural habitats on the trek.
- Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
- Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
- Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
- People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
- Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
- Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
- We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
- Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
- Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
- Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
- If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
- If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
- Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks.
Trekking E-Certificate
Every trekker who completes the Aadrai Jungle Trek with Treks and Trails receives a digital e-certificate carrying your name, the trek name, completion date, and a Treks and Trails digital signature — a great way to mark the achievement and share it online.
What is a trekking e-certificate? A digital certificate awarded on completion of a trek, serving as proof of participation and achievement.
How do I receive it? After completing your trek, you'll get an email with a download link to save or share on social media.
Can I share it online? Yes — it's tamper-proof, lifetime-valid, and built to be shared easily across social and professional networks.
Aadrai Jungle Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Aadrai Jungle Trek located? In the Malshej Ghat region near Junnar, on the Pune–Thane border, Maharashtra. The trek starts from Khireshwar village near Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
What is the Aadrai Jungle Trek distance? About 6 km one way. Including the return, you'll walk roughly 12 km over around 6 hours, with breaks at the waterfall and viewpoints.
What is the Aadrai Jungle Trek difficulty level? Easy. The trail is largely flat with a few gentle climbs, making it ideal for beginners, families, and first-timers. Wear good trekking shoes, as the monsoon route is slippery.
What is the trek altitude? The trek tops out around 2,490 ft, with the base village at about 2,240 ft — a gentle overall gain.
What is the Aadrai trek distance from Mumbai? About 138 km, roughly four hours by road.
What is the Aadrai trek distance from Pune? About 130 km, roughly three to four hours by road.
What is the Aadrai trek distance from Aurangabad? About 250 km, around five to six hours by road.
What is the best time to visit the Aadrai Jungle Trek? The monsoon to early winter (June to October), when the Kalu Waterfall is in full flow and the forest is lush, green, and misty.
Can I do the trek on my own without a guide? We strongly recommend a guided group. The forest is dense, unmarked, and often fog-covered in the monsoon, so navigation is difficult and it's easy to lose the trail. Our trek leaders keep the route safe.
Tell me about Kalu Waterfall. Kalu Waterfall is the trek's highlight — one of the largest falls in the Malshej region, plunging roughly 1,200 feet in a multi-tiered cascade. It originates near Harishchandragad and flows past Khireshwar village. The best time to see it in full force is June to October.
Is it safe to enter Kalu Waterfall? No. Kalu Waterfall is extremely dangerous in the rains, with powerful currents and past fatalities. We view it from a safe distance and do not permit entering the water.
Which railway station is nearest to Aadrai? Kalyan is the nearest major railhead, about 90 km from the Malshej Ghat area. State buses and local jeeps run from Kalyan toward Khubi Phata, from where you continue to Khireshwar village along the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam road.
Why is Aadrai famous as a rainy-season trek? The Malshej Ghat stretch comes alive in the monsoon with hundreds of seasonal waterfalls and fog-draped roads, making the drive in as memorable as the trek. Along the way you'll see Kalu Waterfall, Khireshwar village, rice fields, and views toward Naneghat, Bhairavgad, Sindola Fort, and Thitbi village.
Standard Treks and Trails FAQs
Is Jain food available? Yes — please mention it in the comments section while booking.
Is parking available at the base? Yes, at the base village; a small fee is payable to the local panchayat.
Are toilets available at the base? Basic Indian-style toilets are available at the base camp area.
Can solo trekkers join? Yes — solo trekkers are welcomed on our guided batches and easily become part of the group.
Is the trek safe for female trekkers? Yes. Female trekkers are welcomed, we maintain a roughly 6:4 male-to-female ratio per batch, and a female trek leader is assigned to every trek.
Pro Tip — Things to Bring
Pack light but smart. The essentials for the Aadrai Jungle Trek:
- Trekking shoes with good grip — non-negotiable on wet, muddy forest trails (no sandals or floaters).
- 2–3 litres of water — plus ORS, glucose, or electrolyte sachets for energy.
- A 20–30 litre backpack — lined with a plastic bag to keep contents dry.
- Rainwear — a poncho or waterproof jacket; skip the umbrella.
- Quick-dry, full-sleeve clothing — protects against scratches, insects, and leeches; avoid cotton.
- A spare set of clothes and socks — you will get wet.
- Personal first aid and any personal medicines.
- A torch or headlamp with a spare battery, for early starts and low-light forest sections.
- High-energy snacks — dry fruits, chocolate, energy bars.
- Valid government ID proof (mandatory).
- Zip-lock pouches for your phone, power bank, ID, and cash.
- A cap and light sunscreen for the drive and any open stretches.
How to Trek Safely in the Rainy Season
- Wear grippy trekking shoes, never sandals. Wet rock, mud, and stream crossings make the trail slippery.
- Carry a poncho, not an umbrella. It keeps both you and your backpack dry and leaves your hands free.
- Double-bag your electronics. Seal your phone, power bank, and ID in zip-locks; add silica gel packs for extra protection.
- Watch for leeches. Tuck trousers into socks, apply repellent on your legs, and carry a little salt to detach them painlessly.
- Step on rock, not moss. Mossy surfaces are the slickest — plant your feet on bare rock or soil.
- Follow your trek leader at stream crossings. Water levels rise fast in heavy rain; never cross alone.
- Stay with the group. Fog reduces visibility quickly in this forest — keep your trek leader in sight at all times.
- Start early and keep pace so you finish the trail before the heaviest afternoon weather.
Aadrai Jungle Trek Reviews
Sameer Joshi — A very well-organised trek; the guides explained the forest and wildlife beautifully, and the waterfall was stunning. Would happily do it again.
Hema Gandhi — A fantastic escape from city life, with a breathtaking waterfall and warm, friendly local guides.
Joel David — Comfortable, fun, and well-managed throughout, with knowledgeable and engaging trek leaders.
In case your question isn't listed here, WhatsApp us at +91 8828004949 (Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM).
