Some travel plans are made months in advance, and some happen over a random Friday night phone call. That’s exactly how Rohan and I found ourselves escaping Bangalore’s hustle for a wild trek through Maharashtra’s Sandhan Valley, often called the “Grand Canyon of India.” Neither of us had seen anything quite like it before—a place where the sun barely touches the ground, where towering rock walls close in, and where adventure is guaranteed at every step.
Journey from Bangalore
Our journey kicked off with a late-night flight from Bangalore to Mumbai (about 1.5 hours). From there, we hopped on an early morning train from Mumbai CST to Kasara (approx. 2.5 hours). Kasara is the last major rail stop, after which shared jeeps took us straight to Samrad Village, the base camp for Sandhan Valley. The drive from Kasara to Samrad is about 80 km and takes 2 hours.
If you prefer more control over your schedule, renting a self-drive car from Mumbai to Samrad (170 km, around 5 hours) is also a solid option.
First Impressions
Samrad is a quiet, simple village surrounded by the Sahyadris. We reached in the afternoon and refueled on a hearty local meal — steaming hot bhakri, pithla, and spicy chutney. As we explored the area, the surrounding cliffs loomed in the distance, hinting at the adventure that lay ahead.
Standing at the edge of the gorge, we felt like we were about to enter a different world. Towering rock faces, barely a few meters apart, stretched endlessly ahead. The sunlight struggled to slip through. We knew this would be a special trip.
Photography Paradise
Sandhan Valley is great for photographers:
Golden hour magic with light spilling over the cliffs.
Dramatic shadow play inside the gorge.
Crystal-clear rock pools for reflection shots.
Night sky photography if you’re camping — minimal light pollution.
Action shots of rappelling and boulder scrambling.
Drone use is possible in open areas but limited inside the narrow sections. Always check with your guide first.
Packing List for Sandhan Valley
Clothing:
Quick-dry trekking t-shirts (2-3)
Trekking pants (preferably water-resistant)
Lightweight jacket (mornings and nights can get chilly)
Rain jacket (if trekking post-monsoon)
Extra pair of socks (trust me on this)
Cap/hat and sunglasses
Footwear:
Strong trekking shoes with good grip (avoid new shoes)
Floaters or sandals (for campsite use)
Gear:
30-40L backpack
Headlamp/torch (with extra batteries)
Power bank
Basic Essentials:
Lightweight sleeping bag or mat (if staying overnight)
Water bottles (2 liters minimum)
Dry snacks (trail mix, energy bars)
Basic first-aid kit (including pain relief spray, band-aids, and personal meds)
Trekking pole (optional but useful)
Camera (DSLR or GoPro) and extra memory cards
Personal:
Sunscreen and lip balm
Wet wipes and toilet paper (no restrooms in the valley)
Eco-friendly soap (if needed)
Small towel
ID proof
Other Essentials:
Waterproof covers for electronics
Trash bag (leave no trace!)
Rope (optional, guides usually have them)
How Challenging Is It?
Sandhan Valley is not your average weekend trek. Here’s what to expect:
12-14 km of trekking, often over uneven boulders.
Descending into water pools (waist-deep in some parts).
Technical sections requiring basic rappelling (done with guides).
Full-body workout: climbing, crawling, balancing, and sliding.
It’s rated as moderate to difficult, so reasonable fitness is a must. We were sore for days afterward!
What We Found Inside the gorge
Peace. Complete silence, broken only by wind and water trickles.
Nature at its rawest: polished stones, ancient rocks, and secret pools.
Night skies littered with stars — some of the clearest we’ve seen.
A true sense of disconnect, which we didn’t realize we craved until we found it.
Restrictions and Safety
Monsoon season (June-September): Trekking is closed due to flash flood danger.
Guides are highly recommended — the terrain can be confusing and dangerous without them.
Strict no littering policy. Respect the environment.
No mobile network inside the valley, so inform family ahead of time.
Is It Safe for Ladies and Kids?
Ladies: Yes! We met several all-women trekking groups. If you’re prepared for basic outdoor living and the physical challenge, it’s perfectly safe.
Kids: Only for 12+ years who are experienced in trekking. Definitely not suitable for toddlers or younger children due to the technical nature of the trail.
Final Thoughts
What began as a spontaneous plan turned out to be one of our most memorable adventures. Sandhan Valley tested our endurance but rewarded us with landscapes straight out of a fantasy film. If you’re sitting in Bangalore, itching for something wild and raw — book that ticket, pack smart, take extra batteries and start your journey.
