Sandhan Valley
2024-02-29
Sandhan Valley – Valley of Shadows
Have you ever been on an adventure trip that excites you and offers a life-threatening experience? Sandhan Valley Trek is one of the most liberating and challenging tasks that you should try once in a lifetime. It takes you through a marvelous journey that offers you a chance to find the innermost depths of your soul and set yourself free from the fear of heights. The Sandhan Valley is one of the greatest canyons in the splendid setting of Sahyadri Western Ghats. It attracts a large number of adventure seekers. It’s a difficult walk for everyone, but once it is completed, it provides you with a sense of satisfaction. If you are a trek lover then Sandhan Valley is the best place for you!
Sandhan Valley is located at Bhandardara near Igatpuri. Sandhan Valley is a carved valley that is dark and small. Between the two high sides of a mountain range, there lies a deep narrow rock-floored valley. There is no way for sunshine to enter. It is known as the Shadow Valley, but it still looks magnificent. The water-carved valley is about 1.5 kilometers long and 200 feet deep. The Alang, Madan, and Kulang mountains surround the valley known as AMK- rated as the toughest trek in Sahyadri.
Apart from trekking, there are a variety of other activities to enjoy here, like rappelling, rock climbing, and, of course, camping. Lighting bonfires and spending the night under the stars with your group of friends will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a difficult hike for everyone, but once it is completed, it provides you with a sense of satisfaction.
Best Time to visit Sandhan Valley
There is no restriction for the Sandhan Valley you can visit at any time of the year. Try to avoid the summer season because the temperature is very hot and humid and you get tired early. Most of your energy will be exhausted from the heat making the journey less enjoyable. The best time to visit Sandhan Valley is in monsoon, autumn, and winter. This will make your journey adventurous and mesmerizing.
How to reach Sandhan Valley
To get down the Sandhan Valley, you first one need to reach Kasara or Igatpuri and then reach Samrad Village. There are many shared jeeps available here. It is best to book a cab to the village. The distance from Mumbai to the Sandhan Valley is about 200 kilometers and you can be reached there within 5 hours.
From Train – Once you reach Mumbai, you will need to take the Kasara Fast Train from CSMT Station. When you arrive in Kasara, you can take a shared jeep and they take you to Samrad Village. Sandhan Valley has a large number of jeeps available from Kasara and Igatpuri.
From Bus – You can also take a public bus from Mumbai or Pune to Igatpuri-Ghoti. From there you will get more buses to Samrad Village available or from there a shared jeep to Samrad village.
Flight – There are no flights to Sandhan village.
Sandhan Valley Route
The Sandhan Valley Route begins from Samrad Village. First couple of hours you will be walking through shallow water bodies which are around 2 to 4 feet deep, so wear suitable footwear. You’ll come across Tarzan Swing Point on your descent, where you’ll have to rappel and use a rope ladder to get down.
After climbing there will be cave crawling waiting for you. Then you’ll hike across rock spots. Here you will explore a deep water pool which will wade in and large rocks to climb over.
There will be deep water pools to wade in, large rocks to climb over, and then the camping spot. After that, you will arrive at the camping area, from where you can witness the magnificent beauty of the Bann pinnacle and Ajoba Hill. After reaching the point spend the night under the stars if you’ve never done it before; it’ll be an unforgettable experience. Or, you can begin your return journey instantly.
While returning from the Sandhan Valley Trek, there will be two paths. For the first, you can return using the same route you used to get here. On the second path, you must continue descending from the pond through mild hills and a river bed to reach Dehne Village. From there many buses are available which will drop you at Asangaon station.
The trek to Sandhan Valley is a great experience, walking on an amazing rock, and deep pools is quite challenging. It is a unique and memorable experience.
Places to Stay on Sandhan Valley
The valley has a campsite where you can spend the night. In Sandhan Valley Trek there are no hotels or resorts nearby but many locals of the Samrad Village provide homestays. It is not very luxurious but it is quite comfortable. They offer home-cooked Maharashtrian meals.
You can also find hotels and resorts in Anandvan and Bhandardara for a comfortable stay after a long journey of trekking.
Best Places to Visit in Sandhan Valley
Ratangad Fort
Ratangad Fort is a 2000-year-old fort, captured by the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This fort is 4.7 km away from Sandhan Valley Trek. It offers you one of the most fantastic views of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri Range. A walk to Ratangad Fort, which is located at a height of 4,255 feet, is an adventure that you may add to an already exciting trek. Take a moderately steep ascent from Bhandardara to Ratangad Fort to make the journey more exciting and thrilling.
Amruteshwar Temple
Amruteshwar Temple is a vintage Shiva temple built on the shore of the holy river Pravara. It is 10 km away from Sandhan Valley and It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India to attract tourists from all over India. People who are keen on historic sightseeing should visit this temple.
Nanhe Ghat Waterfalls
Nanhe Ghat Waterfalls is one of the refreshing experiences. The beauty of nature and the reverse flow of the waterfall look appealing. Visit this stunning waterfall from base camp Bhandardara to Ratanwadi. You can have a peaceful time near a waterfall and enjoy the view of Mother Nature. It is a resting place after walking for hours during the Sandhan Valley Trek.
Things to do in Sandhan Valley
The Sandhan Valley includes a variety of thrilling activities – These are some of them:
Sandhan Valley Rappelling – Sandhan Valley involves rappelling at some places. You have to rappel down a patch maximum of 45 feet height on the Sandhan Valley rock.
Giant Swing – The giant swing is one of the activities offered by hiking organizations in Sandhan Valley. To reach the point where you can swing, you must rappel down a few steps. Swing activity is full of fun and enjoyment here. It is done under a professional trainer
Star Gazing – Inside the canyon, there is camping and a bonfire under a beautiful night sky. The skies of the Sandhan Valley are darkest and offer a starry night which makes it an ideal place
Food in Sandhan Valley
On Sandhan Valley Trek there is no food available because it is a shadowy valley. In Samrad village many locals serve fresh and hot home-cooked Marathi cuisine which includes upma, poha, bhaji, dal, and rice. Before you begin the trek have a healthy breakfast or pack your food. You can also have a tasty lunch at Dehne or Samrad.
Expenses
Sandhan Valley Trek Package
On Sandhan Valley, the trek operators usually charge around Rs.1600 to 2000.
Travel
The price of a Local Train ticket will be around Rs 70. A bus ticket from Mumbai to Bhandardara will charge you anywhere from Rs.600 to Rs.800. There are many shared jeeps available in Kasara that charge you Rs.50 Per Person.
A self-drive car from Mumbai to Bhandardara will cost roughly INR 5000 to 8000 for the round trip.
Food
Food expenses will be anywhere from Rs.200 to Rs.500 during the trek. It also depends on how you are carrying your food.
Accommodation
The cost of a night’s stay in Samrad village can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800. The budget stays in Bhandardara start at Rs.1000.
Sandhan Valley Trek is a unique and exciting experience with adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and camping. Walking through the narrow streak valley and staying overnight under the dark sky with sparkling stars gives an unforgettable trip.
Instructions for Sandhan Valley Trek
- For beginners first-time trek will be a little difficult, they should not experience the trek without trek guides.
- Trek needs a lot of energy and stamina. Someone who has medical issues should avoid the trek.
- Try to carry essential things only and pack light.
- Carry a fully charged power bank.
- Make sure to carry energy chocolate, mosquito repellants, and windbreakers with you.
- Carry enough packaged food and 2/3 liter of water. There are no restrooms.
- Please wear long-sleeved shirts or full tracksuit pants to protect yourself from the sun, thorns, insects, and prickles.
- Rain is expected so bring extra light clothes or you can bring raincoats
- Wear trekking shoes that provide more grip and comfort walking on the trek.
- The minimum age requirement for the trek is 15 years of age.
FAQ’S
Q1. What is Sandhan Valley famous for?
Sandhan Valley is famous for trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and camping in bonfires on starry nights. It is a wonderful location in Samrad Village in Maharashtra.
Q2. What is the altitude of Sandhan Valley?
4100 ft above sea level is the altitude of Sandhan Valley.
Q3. What are the nearby attractions in Sandhan Valley?
The nearby attractions in Sandhan Valley Trek are Ratangad Fort, AMK Forts, Nanhe Waterfalls, and Amruteshwar Temple here you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Sahyadri Ranges.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Sandhan Valley Trek?
The best time to visit Sandhan Valley Trek is in the rainy season from June to September.