Getting lost in Sandhan Valley; Maharashtra's Very Own Grand Canyon.

Continuous from Kalsubai trek. 

Exploring the Sandhan Valley (The Grand Canyon of Maharashtra) along with visit to Bhandardara dam was our plan as soon as we are done with Kalsubai trek. Ratangad fort (The Jewel of Sahyadri) falls in the same range of peaks, which offer the finest views in the Sahyadri. For those unaware of this place, Sandhan Valley is a 200 feet deep canyon situated in Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Closer to the beautiful Bhandardara region, the valley is surrounded by forts like Ratangad, Ajoba and the famous troika of Alang-Madan-Kulang (AMK) forts. Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra (1,646 m) is also close by.

@Team

Our journey began at 1:00 PM from Bari Village; from there we took a shared jeep to Shendi (Bhandardara Base Village) which costs us Rs 20 per head, reached Shendi at around 2.00 PM. From Shendi to Samrad which is base village for Sandhan Valley, there is no proper mode of transport, be ready to spend ample of time at Shendi. Meantime we had visited the Bhandardara Dam, which offers some spectacular views of Sahyadri’s and Ratangad fort view too. 

Bhandardara Dam view.

Sandhan Valley located 25 km from Bhandardara, behind Samrad village, is located in the Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra in the Akole taluka. The road between Shendi and Samrad offers the best views of the surrounding peaks like Ghanchakker, Kalsubai, Ratangad and the AMK mountains. You can also view the Bhandardara dam and umbrella waterfall when the gates are opened. Bhandardara dam is one of the oldest reservoirs in India built in 1910 across River Pravara. There is also reversing water falls nearby but it's active during monsoon only. We waited for the jeep longtime, and finally began our journey to Samrad, reached Samrad village at 6 in the evening. This was the time where I could see the Sun whacking through the mountains and there were different shades of colors spread all over the sky.

Backwaters of Dam near Samrad village.

Sandhan Valley is known by many names Grand Canyon of Maharashtra, Valley of Suspense and Valley of Shadows. Conversely, Sandhan is no comparison to the Grand Canyon of USA which is a 445 Kms long canyon cut by the Colorado River, Sandhan is barely 2 Kms long. Sunrays reach the valley only for a short span of time during the day when the sun is directly above the canyon, thus the gorge remains in shadow for most part of the day. There is no suspense in the gorge or the valley beneath. Sandhan Valley is a wonder of natural surroundings with stunning views, chilly weather and the spellbound majesty of nature.

Mr. Nags 

Being a remote village there are no hotels in Samrad. The locals make home stay arrangements. Trekkers and Mountaineers can opt to stay in their own camping tents carried along. There are no shops in Samrad, hence it is suggested to carry refreshments, packaged drinking water and medicines. Clean drinking water is also available from nearby well. There are no toilets in Samrad hence one has to make own sanitation arrangements in the open jungle. Stay put in the lap of nature in a camping tent is a thrilling experience and undoubtedly the best stay option. For more convenient and warm accommodation opt for homestay. Home cooked local Maharashtrian food is available consisting of Bhakri, Bhaji, Dal, Usal, Rice, Thecha and pickle. Breakfast could be Poha, Upma or Maggi with piping hot tea all cooked.

Initial patch of Valley.

Crossing 1st water pool.

On our way to Samrad we met a person who owns a Home stay near Samrad close to Dam backwaters. He offered us rooms to stay as a part of his home stay promotion for freely and also helped us with food, arranging guide. He was really helpful, charged a little amount only for food we had there. Our initial plan was to reach KonkanKada on the same day, as it was getting late and long lasting Kalsubai trek we decided not to visit. In the course of our conversations with the Home stay owner on the previous day, it was decided that we would start by 6 am from there next morning. He had shared his experiences of Sandhan Valley; how it came to existence and how Samrad village men and youth are getting benefited out of it. 

Rock confounded rainwater sliced valley!!

2nd Pool.

Steep valley and deep narrow route under over hangs in the mountainsides.

Samrad village people used to catch the fishes for their daily needs at Sandhan Valley before it became famous. Few years back, a researcher from Mumbai came in search of Nature’s glory here at beautiful valley of Shadows, published an article in local news paper at that time Valley of Shadows got more promotional. He also said “The youngsters of our village are using this Sandhan Valley like a ATM Machine by charging some decent amount for rappelling, bouldering & camping from the enthusiastic trekkers & groups”.

Nothing to help you, but your hands & your own head. 

Sandhan Valley is a gorge cut by wild water streams gushing down ferociously from nearby mountains during the monsoons for past thousands of years. The streams fall in to the valley beyond the gorge and form a pond. To reach the pond one has to rappel down from the far end of the gorge in to the valley. The views from the far end of the gorge are truly breath taking and the experience is amazing.

We started off from home stay early in the morning towards Samrad and there we met our guides Machendra and Atul Mandi, who were waiting for us. The initial part of the hike takes you through forest. Around 7’o clock we reach starting point of Sandhan Valley. Soon you enter the valley there is a rock patch close to 1st water pool which is quite easy one to descend down. During November and December months at the 1st water pool water would be around 2 to 3 feet, being it in January water receded to 1 ft.

  

Big rocks patches crossing were challenging job.

Almost near 1st rappelling point.

At the right hand side there is narrow route along the rock gorge, by taking support of rock using both hands, we balance our body and walked on narrow route until we cross the pool. Further down there is second water pool where the water level was around 4-5 ft. After crossing many boulders we reached 2nd pool, we all carried trekking sacks on our head and managed to cross towards other side of pool. Once you cross the 2nd water pool we would be half way through the Sandhan valley. Depth of valley was really scary to see from the top of the mountain. It was impossible for light to reach in the depth of valley. 

Tough & Challenging crossing huge boulders.

One can descend the valley beneath the far end of the gorge through rappelling. There are three big rock stretches, one 40 feet high, while the other two relatively smaller at 15 feet and 10 feet. By 9’o clock we reached 1^st rappelling point which is huge having 40ft deep. Tirth started with the proceedings rappelling down, and then we followed him while others giving courage to move ahead without fear. The trek itself is just about 2 Kms and is a complete decent, but it's full of boulders and two ponds which are full water just about waist high. If you want some rough adventure over the weekend then this place has to be on your list. Mind you this place is not fruitful for beginners; this needs some serious trekking and requires a lot of energy and skill to cross the valley.

Getting ready for adventure.

1st Rappelling point.

Tirth taking initiative rappelling down. 

Sandhan valley kept us amazed till the end. It's a nice place to visit and a place that is unique. Making way through the rocks is a new experience one can think of. However taking care while walking through this valley is utmost vital. Food is available at nearby village, but has to be kept informed prior for preparation. Sufficient water has to be carried. Keep yourself prepared for the long ride as it’s located quite away from the main road. Enjoy every bit of it. Sandhan is a great place to test a trekking endurance - it provides a challenging yet a beautiful trekking path to remember - simply awesome. Sun-rays obstructed by high rocks on both the sides of valley emit beautiful shadows in valley and echoes from footsteps. A full venture of adventure and beauty I would say - Rock climbing, bouldering , Shadows , Waterfalls , Ponds , reptiles , bats and a lot more to see. Best thing is it is not crowded like any other trek place - even clean compared to other trekking places and peaceful.

A small waterfall on the way down.

About to reach 2nd rappelling patch.

Post descend there’s a beautiful pond formed by the gushing water downhill.

There’s ample space for camping around the pond. It takes typically 4 – 5 hours to descend up to the pond but we finished it not more than 3 hours. Many trekkers camp overnight near the pond. A panoramic view of the peaks around includes the Bann pinnacle and Ajoba hill. Further descend from the pond leads to Dehne village which is the base village for Ajoba hill trek. From Dehne village, state transport buses are available for Asangaon railway station. As an alternative it is also possible to return to Samrad village from the pond, it takes another 4 to 5 hrs to reach Samrad.

That's me, rappelling down 3rd patch.

End of the Valley.

Valley view from all the way down.

As the bus moved my feelings were mix of achievement, relaxation and something beyond what I can explain in language. And just for that feeling I would love to visit this place again! This is all we experienced together and that was really mesmerized us...Guys please visit that place once in lifetime...See you again!!!!

Sandhan valley ranges of hills seen from Dehne village.

P.S : Photography is difficult in the valley because you get high contract of Sun rays & shadow. Many times photo gets burn & camera shake due to low light. So Exposure, Metering, White balance are most important factors, Use tripod.