Located close to Lonavala, the Devkund Waterfalls is a famous tourist attraction in Maharashtra. A popular picnic spot, the waterfalls are surrounded by lush green plains.
The highlight of the Devkund Waterfalls is that it is one of the few falls in Maharashtra that falls under the category of a plunge fall. This means that the waterfall pours down with a strong gush on the rocky surface right into the pool. This makes your experience in Devkund, a majestic one.
If you are planning a trip to the Devkund Waterfalls, you would first want to get enough information about the place. To help you, we have put together this concise guide to the Devkund Waterfalls. Read on to know more.
Why You Should Visit
Due to its proximity to Mumbai, the Devkund Waterfalls is the perfect getaway for a short trip away from the city life. It is also a cool place to be, away from crowds at hill stations. Another good reason to visit is that it gives you the chance to enjoy hiking. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the experience of trekking up to the peak of the waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Devkund Waterfalls
It is best to go during the monsoon. Temperature is on the lower side and the atmosphere is perfect for a trek or a day out. The Waterfall is at its striking best between the months of July and August when the rainfall is at its peak.
In the monsoon, you should take precautions while hiking up the mountain, we have mentioned a few safety measures to take (further ahead in the article).
Getting to Devkund Waterfalls From Mumbai
By Road
You can get to Devkund Waterfalls from Mumbai by road. This is probably the easiest way to reach. To get to Devkund, you need to drive to Karjat, from there to Pali, and from there to Bhira. Parking is a bit of a problem in Bhira. So, it is best to drive to Pali, park your car there and then head to Bhira by bus.
If you want to travel by bus, you need to board one from Karjat Station, go up to Pali and change buses to get to Bhira.
By Train
Catch a CST local to Karjat and from there a bus to Pali, then onto Bhira. Check local listings for bus timing.
Getting to Devkund Waterfalls From Pune
By Road
The drive from Pune to Devkund is about an hour and a half. Follow map instructions, if you are using GPS or ask for directions along the way. The drive is fairly comfortable, but we recommend booking a cab from Pune to the waterfalls as there aren’t adequate parking facilities available near the falls.
Buses to Devkund ply from Khopoli to Pali and from Pali to Bhira.
By Train
There are no direct trains to Bhira from Pune. To get to the falls, you will have to take a train from Pune to Khopoli and from there take a bus.
Devkund Trail
The Devkund trail begins from the Bhira village. The trek will take you two hours to complete, at a normal pace. To know where to start, look out for the Tata Power Plant or the Bhira Dam. Take a left from the power plant and then head into the village where you’ll come across a food stall. You could have a few snacks, get proper directions and then make the climb up.
Please note that it is safer to take a guide with you to the falls. Local guides are available near the starting point in Bhira. They charge around Rs.100 per head. They know the routes well and can also tell you a few fun facts about the falls.
Things To Do At Devkund Waterfalls
1. Click Stunning Pictures Of The Falls
As soon as you reach the top, soak in the stunning views of the Devkund Hills. You will be surprised at how gorgeous the waterfall looks, especially in the monsoon. While checking out the waterfalls, do not forget to catch a glimpse of the Tamhini Ghat that is nearby.
2. Enjoy A Picnic At The Waterfalls
At the waterfalls, there are a few open places that are ideal for picnics. In fact, many families from Pune and Mumbai, often drop by on the weekend for a picnic. You will have to carry food and other picnic essentials, as there is nothing available near the waterfall.
3. Enjoy Rafting At The Kundalika River
Just a few kilometres away from the Devkund Waterfalls is a stretch of the Kundalika river that is famous for river rafting. Since you are already making the trip to Devkund, why not try your hand at rafting? It is a fabulous experience to ride the rapids of the Kundalika.
Accommodation Near Devkund Waterfalls
There are homestays and mid-sized resorts located about 10 miles away from the falls. These accommodations have the basic comfort facilities and good options for food.
For those willing to stay outdoors, there are some awesome camping sites available near the Devkund Waterfalls.
Things To Carry On Devkund Waterfalls Trek
- Carry mosquito repellents.
- Make sure you have a torch.
- A good pair of running shoes.
- A bottle of water for the way
- A jacket, if you are going in the monsoon.
Things To Remember
- Swimming is not allowed at the falls, so do not attempt it.
- If you are in a group, always stick together, the path can get confusing.
- Do not venture deep into the forest area.
- It is highly recommended that you do not carry any edibles to the sanctuary or near the waterfalls to avoid littering and unwarranted curiosity from animals.
That was a short guide to the Devkund Waterfalls. You now know how to get there, things to keep in mind during your trip and a little about the trail.
Although we have listed most of the details you need to know about a trek to Devkund Waterfalls, if there is any more information you need, ask us in the comments below. We would be glad to answer all your questions.
