The Great Escapers

Kumbhe Waterfall is a picturesque and easily accessible trekking destination located near Mumbai and Pune. It's known for its stunning beauty, relatively easy trekking path, and the refreshing experience it offers to nature enthusiasts. Here's a comprehensive guide to Kumbhe Waterfall:

Location

• Proximity: The waterfall is situated near the village of Kumbhe in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
• Distance: Approximately 100 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune, making it a convenient weekend getaway.

Trekking Experience

• Trail Difficulty: The trek to Kumbhe Waterfall is considered easy, making it suitable for beginners, families, and children.
• Trek Duration: The trek usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your pace.
• Starting Point: The trek starts from Kumbhe village, where you can park your vehicle and begin the journey on foot.

Scenic Beauty

• Waterfall: The waterfall cascades down in multiple tiers, creating a stunning visual spectacle, especially during the monsoon season when it is in full flow.
• Surroundings: The trek takes you through lush green forests, small streams, and scenic landscapes that are rejuvenating and peaceful.
• Flora and Fauna: The region is rich in biodiversity, offering sightings of various plants, birds, and butterflies.

Best Time to Visit

• Monsoon Season (June to September): The waterfall is at its most magnificent during the monsoon, with the surrounding area turning into a verdant paradise. However, be prepared for slippery trails.
• Post-Monsoon Season (October to February): This period offers clear weather, making it a pleasant time for trekking and enjoying the waterfall.

How to Reach

• By Road: Kumbhe Waterfall is accessible by road from both Mumbai and Pune. You can drive or hire a cab to reach Kumbhe village.
  • From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH66) and then follow the local roads to Kumbhe village.
  • From Pune: Take the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and then follow the directions to Kumbhe village.
• By Public Transport: Buses and trains are available to the nearest town, after which you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to Kumbhe village.

Preparation and Tips

• Trekking Gear: Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip, especially during the monsoon. Carry rain gear if you are visiting during the rainy season.
• Essentials: Pack sufficient water, snacks, a first aid kit, and insect repellent.
• Safety: Trek in groups, follow the marked trails, and avoid venturing into unknown paths. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid heavy rains.

Additional Attractions

• Nearby Villages: Explore the local villages to experience the rural lifestyle and enjoy local cuisine.
• Photography: The scenic beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding landscapes make it a perfect spot for photography.

Guidelines and Etiquette

• Respect Nature: Avoid littering, respect the local flora and fauna, and carry back all your waste.
• Local Customs: Be respectful towards the local communities and their customs.

Kumbhe Waterfall is an ideal destination for a quick and refreshing trek, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner, this waterfall trek near Mumbai and Pune provides a delightful escape into nature.

“Kataldhar Waterfall Trek” gives us the immense pleasure of Trekking. “Katal” means the wall of Rock & “Dhar” means a Waterfall.

Located close to Lonavala, the Kataldhar trek takes about 4-5 hours to get to the waterfall. You'll start your trek by walking along a road that cuts through tropical forests. The waterfall is not too far from Rajmachi. Take on the challenge of an adventurous route | Traverse a dense forest filled with the sounds of nature. 

Kataldhar is a waterfall near Lonavala in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This waterfall is not so famous because reaching the valley is somewhat difficult and requires basic trekking experience. Water is not available there for the whole year, but a good amount of water falls during the monsoon season.

Kataldhar Waterfall is located near Rajmachi Fort. To get there, find 3 mango trees on the Rajmachi Trekking route, at which point you can descend the Ulhas valley through dense forest. After reaching Kataldhar Waterfall you will see one eye shaped cave that could easily accommodate 100 people. At this cave, you will see Rajmachi Fort (Srivardhan Fort Balekilla).

The height of Kataldhar Lonavla is about 350 feet with an overhand of more than 100 feet. 

 Devkund Falls is a waterfall located near Bhira, in Raigad district, India. It is a 'plunge' waterfall pouring massive amounts of water on the rocky surface underneath. It is a popular spot for one day picnics.

Devkund Waterfall is located in Bhira Patnus and since it went viral on social media, it has become extremely crowded and dangerous place. Several lives have been lost while amateurs try to visit this place on their own. It is the confluence of three waterfalls and is said to be the origin of Kundalika River. It is about a three-hour trek from base village along the dam backwater and through forest to reach this place known as ‘Devkund’. A major part of the trek goes through some semi-dried forests with the river running parallel and sometimes crisscrossing through the route.[3] A guide is required to be taken during the trek as there is dense forest around.

Distance from Pune: 110 km

Distance from Mumbai: 170 km

Distance from Lonavala: 52 km

 Lonavala, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, India, is especially enchanting during the monsoon season. The rains bring lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, and misty landscapes, making it a perfect getaway. Here are ten must-visit places in Lonavala during the monsoon:

1. Bhushi Dam

• Description: A popular spot where visitors can enjoy the overflow of the dam, creating a natural waterfall.
• Activities: Relaxing in the cascading water, picnicking.

2. Tiger's Leap (Tiger Point)

• Description: A cliff-top with a drop resembling a tiger leaping into the valley.
• Activities: Scenic views, photography, enjoying the mist and fog.

3. Rajmachi Point

• Description: Offers a panoramic view of Rajmachi Fort and the surrounding valley.
• Activities: Trekking, photography, enjoying the verdant landscape.

4. Lonavala Lake

• Description: A serene lake that fills up during the monsoon, surrounded by greenery.
• Activities: Boating, relaxing by the lakeside, picnicking.

5. Kune Waterfalls

• Description: One of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra, cascading down in three tiers.
• Activities: Viewing the waterfall, nature walks, photography.

6. Karla and Bhaja Caves

• Description: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with intricate carvings and stupas.
• Activities: Exploring the caves, learning about history, trekking.

7. Pawna Lake

• Description: An artificial lake popular for camping and scenic views.
• Activities: Camping, boating, relaxing by the lake.

8. Lohagad Fort

• Description: A historic fort with well-preserved structures and panoramic views.
• Activities: Trekking, exploring the fort, photography.

9. Duke's Nose (Nagphani)

• Description: A cliff resembling the shape of a snake’s hood, offering breathtaking views.
• Activities: Trekking, rock climbing, enjoying the view.

10. Visapur Fort

• Description: A large fort adjacent to Lohagad Fort with ruins and scenic vistas.
• Activities: Trekking, exploring historical structures, enjoying the monsoon greenery.

Tips for Visiting Lonavala in Monsoon

• Travel Preparedness: Carry rain gear, wear sturdy shoes, and be cautious of slippery paths.
• Health and Safety: Stay hydrated, carry insect repellent, and be mindful of leeches in some areas.
• Timing: Start your day early to make the most of daylight and avoid afternoon fog and mist.

Lonavala transforms into a lush paradise during the monsoon, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

 This is Sitamai Cha Palna trek in Ajoba Hills. The real Ajoba lies at 1100m whereas the Luv Kush caves are at 700m. Ajoba is also known as Ajaparvat.

Ajobagad is a fort in the state of Maharashtra , India .

Grandfather's hill in the middle of Ratangad and Harishchandragad in the Balaghat range looks like an ancient man. The 3,000 feet high wall of this fort is a challenge and a unique goal for the climbers. 

According to mythology, Valmiki wrote the Ramayana while sitting on this fort . It was on this fort that Sitamai gave birth to Love and Kush . Love and Kush used to call Valmiki 'Grandfather', hence the name 'Ajobagad'. There is an ashram and samadhi of Valmiki on the fort.

The first way is to reach the ashram of Valmiki sage in about half an hour. Since there is no way to get to the top of the fort from the ashram of Valmiki sage, you have to stay at the ashram. There is a hut on the fort. There is a spring nearby. If there is a stay program, you have to arrange the meal from home. If you go up the waterfall from the ashram, you will find a cave at the top after about an hour and a half. Here Lovekusha's shoes are carved in the rock. There is also a water tank on the left. Iron ladders have also been installed to reach the cave. This is the way to return to the ashram. Thus, for those coming from Mumbai, grandfather's fort is a scenic fort. Leaving two to three water tanks at the top of the fort is nothing special to see. Many Durgavirs trek for 4 to 5 days from Ratangad - Grandfather's Fort - Harishchandragad.

From Mumbai to Asangaon Railway Station:

The easiest way to reach the fort is to reach Asangaon railway station from Mumbai.

From here to Shahapur by rickshaw or ST. From here in the morning by ST or jeep via Dolkhamb-Sakurli to reach the village 'Dehane'. There is a plateau in the middle of the village. The plateau is divided into three parts. One of these bullock carts leads straight to the ashram of Valmiki sage. The other way goes to the hill of Katrabai and further to the village of 'Kumshet'. The third way goes to the forest. It is better not to go this way.

By Kalyan - Murbad - Malshej - Dolkhamb:

Dene village can also be reached by Kalyan - Murbad - Malshej -Dolkhamb route.

Kasara - Ghoti - Rajur - Kumshet Route:

To see the top of the fort, one can go through Kasara - Ghoti - Rajur -Kumshet.