Sandhan & Ratangad Trek
Two Treks. Three Days. One Unforgettable Outdoor Journey.
Age group
7-17 Years
Duration
3 Days
Stay
Tents
Location
Maharashtra
Fee
On Enquiry
Overview
The Sandhan and Ratangad Experience — Two Landscapes. One Purpose. Lifelong Impact.
Not all classrooms have walls. Some have cliffs. Some have forts rising through the mist. Some echo with birdsong and stories carried on the wind. This is one of those classrooms.
Welcome to a 3-day outdoor education journey that takes students deep into the heart of Maharashtra’s Sahyadris — through the dramatic Sandhan Valley, often called the “Valley of Shadows”, and up the ancient, weathered ramparts of Ratangad Fort, a Maratha-era marvel perched in the clouds.
This program isn’t just about trekking. It’s about understanding landforms by walking them, learning group dynamics by depending on each other, and building resilience by rising with the sun and hiking through uncertainty.
Students will spend their days surrounded by rock walls, ridgelines, forests, and open skies — and their nights under canvas tents beside the serene Bhandardara Lake. In between, they’ll reflect, share, laugh, sweat, and grow.
This is not a vacation. It’s not sightseeing. It’s an immersive, facilitated experience that awakens curiosity, awareness, and strength — in body and in mind.
Schedule
Day 0 — Departure & Transition
8:00 PM | Departure from Hyderabad
Participants report in the evening and board the overnight vehicle, beginning the journey from city lights to mountain silence. As roads wind toward Maharashtra’s interior, the group settles into quiet anticipation.
Day 1 — Arrival, Lakeside Camp & Settling In
Morning | Arrival at Bhandardara Lake
The group reaches the serene Bhandardara region at dawn, greeted by the calm waters of the lake and the stillness of the surrounding hills.
Late Morning | Camp Setup & Orientation
Participants are shown to their tents, receive camping essentials, and are briefed on the days ahead — including safety protocols, roles, and team structure.
Afternoon | Icebreakers, Lake Exploration & Boating
After lunch, the group engages in lakeside games and gentle boating across Bhandardara Lake. This is the first step into nature immersion — learning to move slowly, observe deeply, and engage with the landscape.
Evening | Reflection Circle & Campfire Conversations
As the sun sets, students gather for a guided reflection circle under open skies. This is time to slow down, process the journey so far, and build connection within the group.
Day 2 — Sandhan Valley Trek: Into the Shadow Gorge
Early Morning | Breakfast & Departure to Trailhead
After an early meal, the group heads to Sandhan Valley — a striking canyon carved between high stone walls.
Morning to Midday | Trek Through Sandhan
Led by experienced guides, students navigate narrow crevices, dry rockbeds, boulders, and ridgeline views. Along the way, they engage in ecological observation and natural interpretation of the terrain.
Afternoon | Return to Camp & Lunch
The group returns by lunchtime, hungry but proud. A hearty meal is followed by quiet rest time by the lakeside.
Evening | Optional Workshops & Nature Journaling
Those who wish can join birdwatching sessions, sketching, or nature journaling. Others relax, talk, or explore camp at their own pace.
Day 3 — Ratangad Fort Trek & Closing Reflections
Early Morning | Departure to Ratangad Base
The final trek begins. The group travels to the base of Ratangad Fort, a majestic hill fort that once guarded the kingdom of the Marathas.
Morning to Midday | Trek to Ratangad
The trail climbs steadily through shaded paths, eventually opening up to panoramic views from the ancient stone bastions. The hike is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.
Afternoon | Return to Camp, Lunch & Farewell
After a well-earned lunch, the camp is packed up, and the group prepares to say goodbye — to the place, and to the people they’ve shared it with.
8:00 PM | Departure from Campsite
The journey back begins — a night of stories, sleep, and memories in motion.
Learning Beyond Classrooms
This is not just a trekking program — it’s an outdoor education experience where every valley, fort, and lake becomes a living classroom. Students engage with real landscapes, real challenges, and real learning that reaches far beyond traditional academics.
Across three days, they absorb knowledge through action, observation, and reflection — all designed to deepen their connection with the natural world and with themselves.
Core Educational Themes
Geography & Geology
Study of landforms, erosion, and rock formations in one of the most geologically significant parts of the Western Ghats.
Understand canyon formation through firsthand experience in Sandhan Valley — also known as the “Valley of Shadows.”
Identify terrain types, ridgelines, and elevation patterns through both treks.
History & Culture
Explore Ratangad Fort, a Maratha-era stronghold over 400 years old.
Engage with stories of Shivaji’s military strategies, fort architecture, and local lore.
Gain exposure to local village culture through interaction with guides and trail communities.
Ecology & Ornithology
Observe native and migratory birds, learn calls, behavior, and species recognition.
Understand micro-ecosystems around lakes, cliffs, and canyons.
Learn the importance of biodiversity and conservation through direct observation.
Leadership & Psychological Development
Build resilience through physically demanding yet achievable treks.
Develop leadership and communication skills through group tasks and reflection.
Foster teamwork, empathy, and emotional intelligence through shared living and challenges.
Inclusions
Round-trip transportation from Hyderabad to Bhandardara (private vehicle)
All meals at the campsite (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
Boating session in Bhandardara Lake
Entry, permits, and access for Sandhan Valley and Ratangad treks
Certified instructors and local guides
Wilderness first aid coverage and safety supervision
Tented accommodation with blankets, western toilets, and clean bathrooms
Reflection activities, journaling prompts, and evening circles
Exclusions
Personal gear: clothing, footwear, backpack, toiletries
Reusable water bottles (minimum 2 litres total capacity)
Any medication or specific personal health requirements
Mobile phones or electronics (strongly discouraged)
Snacks or packaged foods beyond provided meals
Our 3 Pillars of Outdoor Safety
1. People
All treks are led by certified mountaineers, wilderness first aid responders, and outdoor education facilitators.
Our staff includes both male and female instructors, all trained to work with young people.
We maintain a low 1:4 facilitator-to-student ratio, ensuring personal attention and constant supervision.
2. Process
Pre-departure briefings for students and parents (in some cases) to align expectations and safety practices.
On-site gear checks, hydration protocols, buddy systems, and pace regulation.
Trail monitoring and route management based on weather and participant condition.
Structured reflection circles help process challenges, reduce stress, and offer support.
3. Equipment
On-ground teams carry first aid kits, emergency communication tools, and backup supplies.
Campsites are equipped with well-maintained tents, blankets, western toilets, and clean bathrooms.
All treks are registered and permitted through official authorities; local guides are integrated for additional support and area-specific knowledge.
How To Register
Dates
This program is customised for schools and curated groups. Dates are flexible and can be tailored based on your academic calendar or travel window.
Program Fee – Available on Enquiry
The fee includes everything — from guided activities and accommodation to all meals, local transport, facilitators, and safety support. Refer to the Inclusions section for full details of what’s covered.
To Register or Know More
Call or WhatsApp us on +91-9871320753 or +91-81420-01966. Our team will be happy to guide you through the next steps, answer any final questions, and help you customise the experience for your school or group.
Something Else In Mind?
We get it — adventures should feel personal. We’re here to co-create a version of this journey that feels right for you.
Start on your preferred dates
Custom inclusions & stay options
Tweak the itinerary or route
Plan a private group experience
Fill out the form or drop us an email at mail@outdoorwhisperer.com with your questions & requirements, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For a quicker response, feel free to reach us directly at +91-8285967537.
Send Us Your Query
Why Outdoor Whisperer?
We design outdoor learning journeys that go far beyond sightseeing or tourism. At Outdoor Whisperer, each experience is carefully built to support student growth, school values, and long-lasting learning outcomes — with emotional safety, professionalism, and educational clarity at the core.
Founder-led Journeys
Each journey is personally led by our founding team — ensuring consistent mentorship and on-ground presence throughout the program.
Flexible Group Size
Whether it’s a smaller group or large, we adapt structure, and facilitation to suit the size — while preserving quality of experience and personal attention.
Designed With Heart
Each program is paced to match student energy, with time for rest, journaling, quiet observation, and open sharing — not just back-to-back activity.
Safety Comes First
Our team is certified in first aid, safety, and mountaineering — equipped with calm leadership, essential gear, and field-tested experience.
Clear Communication
Pre-program briefings ensure parents and teachers are informed, prepared, and reassured — from logistics to learning goals.
Collaborative Approach
We work with schools as partners, not clients — offering honest communication, fair pricing, and programs aligned with your values.
What To Pack?
What to Bring for Two Days in the Wild
To help your child stay comfortable, safe, and fully engaged, please ensure the following essentials are packed. Avoid sending expensive or unnecessary items — the goal is to stay light, functional, and nature-ready.
Clothing & Footwear
2–3 quick-dry T-shirts (lightweight, breathable)
2 pairs of trek pants or comfortable athletic trousers
A fleece or light jacket (mornings and evenings can be cool)
Raincoat or poncho (essential in unpredictable weather)
High-ankle trekking shoes or sturdy running shoes
Extra socks and undergarments
Cap/hat for sun protection
Personal Essentials
Water bottles (2 litres minimum total)
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
Small towel or handkerchief
Tiffin box or lunch container (reusable)
Torch or headlamp (optional but recommended)
Personal medication (if any)
Bag
Small backpack (20–30 liters) with comfortable shoulder straps
Waterproof cover for bag (optional but recommended during monsoons)
Please Do Not Bring
Electronics (mobile phones, tablets, games)
Expensive items (watches, jewellery, etc.)
Junk food, fizzy drinks, or chocolates
Knives or sharp tools of any kind
Common Questions
Children aged 8 to 16 years can join. Activities are age-appropriate and designed to include a mix of physical engagement, culture, nature learning, and reflection.
The program is held in Kakkabe, Coorg, with participants staying in a scenic, forest-facing bungalow. It starts and ends in Mysore.
It runs from 4th June to 7th June — a 4-day, 3-night residential experience.
Each batch is capped at 12 to 15 children, ensuring small-group learning, focused attention, and a safe, community-driven environment.
The program is designed and led by Outdoor Whisperer’s trained facilitators, with experience in outdoor education, youth mentorship, and experiential learning.
Children are accompanied at all times by facilitators and support staff. Group sizes are small, allowing close observation and quick assistance when needed.
A vehicle is on standby 24/7 for emergencies. The team carries a well-equipped first aid kit and is trained in basic emergency response.
Yes. Female facilitators are present throughout the program, ensuring comfort and support for girl participants.
Where required, we use UIAA-certified gear and follow strict safety protocols. The environment is low-risk but managed professionally.
No swimming in deep water. All stream dips and water play are shallow, supervised, and risk-assessed.
Schools/Families can bring children to Mysore by bus, train, or flight. From there, Outdoor Whisperer handles all local transport.
You will receive a detailed reporting time and location upon registration. Generally, arrival is expected by mid-morning on Day 1.
Children stay at Blyton Bungalow, a comfortable, forest-facing home with clean rooms, neat bathrooms, and shared occupancy.
Participants are served fresh homestyle vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, plus fruits, snacks, and milk at regular intervals.
Yes — please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions. We will try our best to accommodate reasonable dietary needs.
Each day includes a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, hands-on tasks, and group reflection. The pace balances movement with downtime.
They’ll learn about self-reliance, teamwork, biodiversity, local cultures, and how to live mindfully in nature. The learning is subtle, powerful, and experience-driven.
Yes — it connects meaningfully with the NEP’s vision for experiential, integrated learning across history, environment, art, and life skills.
No. The program is completely screen-free. Children are encouraged to be fully present with their environment and peers.
That’s completely okay. The program is structured to support all temperaments. Small group sizes and gentle facilitation help every child feel included and respected.
Basic participant information, a medical declaration, and consent form will be required before the program begins.