Chasing Waterfalls of Maharashtra - I

Chasing waterfalls around the region of Mumbai is quite an adventure. I’ve been doing it for some years, once the first drop of rain kisses the ground.

That peculiar fragrance of soil draws me towards the hinterland and forces me to step out of my comfy home and tread on the path of nature.

Trekking has become clichéd nowadays in the monsoon in my state of Maharashtra. Also, I have completed major trekking trails that my state has to offer. Therefore, I will not write about them in this piece. Also, chasing waterfalls I enjoy the most.

The monsoon fills up the tank somewhere on the mountains and when they overflow they give birth to a beauty that is so serene that I feel taking a bath, cleanses me off all the wrongdoings I do in a year. This is my way of spirituality. Okay, this is too much.

I think I should not brag about myself and come right to the point.

I have prepared a list of waterfalls that you can cherish as I did in the past.

1) Bhagirathi Waterfall –

This one I did as a pillion when on a bike trip. It was suggested to me by a friend and we added it to the itinerary. In fact, bikes are the best option for chasing a waterfall. Cars and private buses become hectic for such activity as most are found in the interior section and parking becomes a challenge.

It falls on the way to Karjat and near to Vangani village. There are share auto ricks available that will take you to this waterfall from the Vangani railway station.

2) Kondeshwar Waterfall - This waterfall too falls on the Karjat route. The nearby station would be Badlapur. I've been visiting this one since my school days. We use to trek for about 12+kms from Badlapur station to reach this heaven. A lot of things have changed especially the population. Now I find a lot of people around this location on the way, Earlier, we could hardly catch sight of humans en route. However, you do have villages spread in this region. Traversing on foot through these villages is one beautiful sight. And Monsoon adds more beauty to this place. The trek and trails leading to Chanderi fort also fall on this route. However, I would suggest you, avoid trekking to Chanderi fort during monsoon. It is difficult and monsoon makes it more challenging. It can be a life-threatening trek. Please avoid it during the monsoon.

As you would see in the above picture, the locals do take care of you. Seeing the flow of visitors to this place, they have opened stalls for us generating a passive way of income from themselves. If you plan to savor a bowl of maggie or grab a cup of hot tea then you want for nothing. Such is the hospitality.

Most important, please maintain decorum because these may look like a decent stream or flow, however, do not underestimate it. A few visitors have lost their lives here at this spot. This place is also a religious pilgrimage for some. So please be careful.

3) Bhivpuri Waterfall -

This one is the most famous waterfall en route Karjat. I would suggest you, avoid this one during weekends. It is gorgeous and the area around it is splendid. However, please do not leave for it during weekends or any public holidays. It gets crowded that even finding a space to stand becomes an activity.

4) Solanpada Dam - It is not a waterfall however a dam that supports agriculture in the nearby vicinity. Again, people have lost their lives here as well. So be careful and do not try to get close to the dam. This is the place that one should visit in the last section of their trip when our bodies are tired by visiting the former waterfalls and we need some rest especially our eyes. You will understand why I say this. This area is on the outskirts of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Yes, it is near a forest area. You will witness a series of waterfalls taking a deep plunge from the Bhimashankar Mountain series and finally arriving at the dam. It is the best sight that one can have after a tiring day. If there is an ideal place to retire after a back-breaking ride then this is that place. I hope the pictures will convince you and make you realize the excitement in my words. Here as well, the locals take good care of you. Just make sure, you too take good care of this poetry of nature during your stay.

The Mighty Bhimashankar Temple is behind this mountain ranges. However, I would suggest not to take this route. There is a possibility of meeting leopards or any other wild animal on this trail. It is not recommended by the officials as well. So please do not try to venture. I guess the route is also blocked by the officials as told to me by a local.

So these are my favorites waterfalls I'd like to recommend to you folks who are reading this. It may seem that you somewhere far from Mumbai but in reality not at all far from the city.

It is well connected to the state highways and mobile network connectivity is decent as well. On the way, you will find local hotels and lodge facilities. So you can plan to take your family and spend some quiet time.

I was invited by a local to stay at his home. On request, the family also prepared a non-vegetarian supper. I am a huge fan of gavti (village) chicken and mutton. While leaving I did offer them some money as a gesture of appreciation and kindness in return to the kindness and openness I enjoyed.

A Big Thank you to him and his family for their hospitality.

I hope this piece helps you plan your visit.

A humble request to all, please avoid the usage of plastics. If you plan to take alcohol to party, please do not throw bottles in the area. The locals find it difficult as they may find glass pieces in the water that is sometimes used for drinking and while performing various household chores by their women.

Let us be respectful to our people and especially to mother nature.

Regards,

Your Punter.

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