Are you looking for a refreshing and exciting getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to explore the natural beauty and the adventure activities of the Western Ghats? If yes, then Kasara Ghat is the perfect destination for you. Kasara Ghat is a mountain pass that connects Mumbai and Nashik in Maharashtra. It is one of the most scenic and adventurous places in the state, where you can enjoy the greenery, the waterfalls, the viewpoints, and the local culture. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kasara Ghat, and how you can plan your trip with Tripoto.
What is Kasara Ghat and where is it located?
Kasara Ghat is a mountain pass that lies on the Mumbai-Nashik highway, about 110 km from Mumbai and 70 km from Nashik. It is part of the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, and has an elevation of about 585 meters above sea level. Kasara Ghat is also known as Thal Ghat or Kasara Budruk, and has a historical significance as it was a strategic route for the Maratha Empire. The name Kasara comes from the Sanskrit word “kashara”, which means “a place where there is water”.
Why is Kasara Ghat a popular and attractive destination for nature and adventure lovers?
Kasara Ghat is a popular and attractive destination for nature and adventure lovers because it offers a variety of attractions and activities that suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, or challenge yourself and experience the thrill, Kasara Ghat has something for everyone. Some of the main attractions and activities at Kasara Ghat are:
Nature and Wildlife:
Kasara Ghat is home to diverse and lush greenery, forests, hills, and valleys. You can witness the beauty of nature and the wildlife at Kasara Ghat, and indulge in birdwatching, picnicking, and photography. You can also spot some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, such as the giant squirrel, the leopard, and the Malabar whistling thrush.
Trekking and Hiking:
Kasara Ghat is a paradise for trekkers and hikers, as it offers various trails, slopes, and paths that offer different levels of difficulty, duration, and views. You can explore the hidden gems and secret spots along the treks and hikes, and enjoy the vistas of the valleys, hills, and sunsets. Some of the popular treks and hikes at Kasara Ghat are the Kalsubai Peak, the Harishchandragad Fort, the Ratangad Fort, and the Sandhan Valley.
Waterfalls and Viewpoints:
Kasara Ghat is blessed with some of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls that can be seen and visited. You can admire the beauty and the power of the waterfalls, and even take a dip in the refreshing water. You can also visit some of the best viewpoints that offer panoramic and breathtaking views of the landscape, and capture some amazing photos. Some of the famous waterfalls and viewpoints at Kasara Ghat are the Vihigaon Waterfall, the Ashoka Waterfall, the Camel Valley, and the Bhatsa Dam.
Local Culture and Cuisine:
Kasara Ghat is rich in history, traditions, and culture of the local villages and communities. You can experience the hospitality and warmth of the local people, and learn about their lifestyle and customs. You can also taste and enjoy the delicious and authentic Maharashtrian dishes and beverages, such as misal pav, vada pav, poha, modak, and tea.
How to reach Kasara Ghat from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities?
Kasara Ghat is easily accessible from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the options to reach Kasara Ghat:
By Road:
You can drive to Kasara Ghat from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities by taking the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The road is well-maintained and scenic, and you can enjoy the drive through the mountain pass and the tea plantations. The distance from Mumbai to Kasara Ghat is about 110 km, and it takes about 2 hours to reach. The distance from Pune to Kasara Ghat is about 200 km, and it takes about 4 hours to reach.
By Rail:
You can take a train to Kasara Ghat from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities by boarding the Mumbai-Nashik local train or the Deccan Express. The train journey is comfortable and affordable, and you can enjoy the views of the countryside and the hills. The nearest railway station to Kasara Ghat is Kasara, which is about 5 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from Kasara to Kasara Ghat.
By Air:
You can fly to Kasara Ghat from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby cities by taking a flight to Mumbai or Nashik. The nearest airport to Kasara Ghat is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is about 120 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from Mumbai to Kasara Ghat. The other airport to Kasara Ghat is the Gandhinagar Airport in Nashik, which is about 75 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from Nashik to Kasara Ghat.
Best time to visit Kasara Ghat
Kasara Ghat can be visited throughout the year, as it has a pleasant and moderate climate. However, the best time to visit Kasara Ghat is from June to October, during the monsoon season. This is when Kasara Ghat is at its best, as the rains enhance the beauty and the freshness of the nature, the waterfalls, and the viewpoints. The temperature during this time ranges from 20°C to 30°C, and the humidity is high. You can enjoy the greenery, the waterfalls, and the misty views at Kasara Ghat during this time. However, you should also be careful of the slippery roads, the landslides, and the leeches during this time.
Another good time to visit Kasara Ghat is from November to February, during the winter season. This is when Kasara Ghat is cool and pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. You can enjoy the trekking, the hiking, and the camping at Kasara Ghat during this time. However, you should also be prepared for the cold nights, the fog, and the low visibility during this time.
Places to stay near Kasara Ghat
Kasara Ghat has a number of options for accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, and campsites, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the popular places to stay near Kasara Ghat are:
Manas Resort with Petting Zoo:
This is a luxury resort that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, cottages, and villas, with modern amenities and facilities. The resort also has a petting zoo, where you can interact with various animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, and birds. The resort also has a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a garden. The resort is about 10 km from Kasara Ghat, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000 per night.
Rainforest Resort:
This is a budget resort that offers cozy and clean rooms, with basic amenities and facilities. The resort also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a lawn. The resort is about 15 km from Kasara Ghat, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 per night.
Igatpuri Camping:
This is a camping site that offers tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses, with common amenities and facilities. The camping site also offers bonfire, barbecue, music, and games. The camping site is about 20 km from Kasara Ghat, and the tariff ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night.
Things to do at Kasara Ghat
Kasara Ghat has a lot of things to do for different types of travellers, such as families, solo travellers, couples, and groups. You can enjoy the nature, the adventure, and the culture at Kasara Ghat, and make some unforgettable memories. Some of the things to do at Kasara Ghat are:
Enjoy the nature and wildlife at Kasara Ghat:
Kasara Ghat is a place where you can immerse yourself in the nature and the wildlife, and feel the peace and tranquility. You can witness the beauty of the greenery, the forests, the hills, and the valleys, and spot some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. You can also indulge in birdwatching, picnicking, and photography, and capture some amazing shots of the nature and the wildlife. Some of the best spots for nature and wildlife at Kasara Ghat are the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Camel Valley, and the Bhatsa Dam.
Experience the thrill of trekking and hiking at Kasara Ghat:
Kasara Ghat is a paradise for trekkers and hikers, as it offers various trails, slopes, and paths that suit different levels of difficulty, duration, and views. You can explore the hidden gems and secret spots along the treks and hikes, and enjoy the vistas of the valleys, hills, and sunsets. Some of the popular treks and hikes at Kasara Ghat are the Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in Maharashtra, the Harishchandragad Fort, an ancient fort with a temple and a cave, the Ratangad Fort, a hill fort with a natural rock formation, and the Sandhan Valley, a narrow canyon with rappelling and camping options.
Admire the beauty of the waterfalls and viewpoints at Kasara Ghat:
Kasara Ghat is blessed with some of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls that can be seen and visited. You can admire the beauty and the power of the waterfalls, and even take a dip in the refreshing water. You can also visit some of the best viewpoints that offer panoramic and breathtaking views of the landscape, and capture some amazing photos. Some of the famous waterfalls and viewpoints at Kasara Ghat are the Vihigaon Waterfall, a cascading waterfall with a pool, the Ashoka Waterfall, a seasonal waterfall with a rock-cut temple, the Camel Valley, a valley with a waterfall and a camel-shaped rock, and the Bhatsa Dam, a dam with a lake and a garden.
Experience the hospitality and warmth of the local culture and cuisine at Kasara Ghat: Kasara Ghat is rich in history, traditions, and culture of the local villages and communities. You can experience the hospitality and warmth of the local people, and learn about their lifestyle and customs. You can also taste and enjoy the delicious and authentic Maharashtrian dishes and beverages, such as misal pav, a spicy curry with bread, vada pav, a fried potato patty with bread, poha, a flattened rice dish, modak, a sweet dumpling, and tea, a hot drink with milk and spices.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kasara Ghat with Tripoto today, and get ready for an amazing adventure. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it useful and informative.
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