Thokarwadi, Bendewadi, Lalwadi & Khandi Waterfalls

This post is about my easy road trip to Thokarwadi waterfalls, Bendewadi waterfalls, Lalwadi waterfalls and cave, and Khandi waterfall. All of them are located in Maval taluka near the Thokarwadi dam backwaters. This region turns into a wonderland of waterfalls in the monsoon. I saw more than 20 different waterfalls falling through the surrounding mountains on my left. And on my right, I could see the Thokarwadi dam backwaters. Most of the surrounding hills have windmills, which look very pretty as the monsoon clouds pass through them.

If you are looking for an easy trip, with little to no trekking, then you should plan a visit to this area in Maval. Most of the waterfalls are kid-friendly, and they are very close to the main road. Moreover, not many people know about this place yet, so there are no crowds around.

Quick details about waterfalls in Maval taluka

• Best time to visit: Monsoon (June – Sept) Go after a few good rainfalls. But you should avoid the area if the weather forecast is extremely heavy rains or monsoon red alert.
• Watch my video from this wonderland of waterfalls
• Pune to Thokarwadi waterfalls distance: 65 km
• Mumbai to Thokarwadi waterfalls distance: 127 km
• Transport: Take your own vehicle to explore this place. Or you can just rent a bike in Pune or Lonavala. The frequency and timeliness of public transport are debatable.

Trip Highlights: As I was going through these amazing roads, a beautiful peacock suddenly flew across the road. Although I couldn’t capture it, the sudden appearance was rewarding. Peacocks have fully grown feathers during the monsoon time, so it was a great sight. Yes, peacocks shed their feathers in summer, and get new ones again before the monsoon. So, this one I saw had an amazing shining blue-green tail and beautiful golden feathers…ufff!

Thokarwadi windmills, scenery and a small bridge in Maval

As soon as you leave the highway, and cross into this area, the beautiful scenery starts. Just as I was getting blown away by the green mountains, hills, and winding roads, I spotted windmills. Most of the surrounding hills have windmills, which add beautiful motion to the landscape while generating clean energy.

After some time, you come across a small pretty bridge over the Indrayani river. There are green mountains on both sides in the distance. As I crossed this bridge, I decided to stop here for taking pictures. This place was so beautiful, that I didn’t even feel the need to go further. I even spotted these 2 tiny birds sitting leisurely on wire cables.

Jagtap waterfall and Mau waterfall

The first waterfall I came across was Japtap waterfall. This waterfall is in a private area, and it is developed by the owners in the most beautiful way. There is a small pool below the waterfalls, and some steps, over which the water cascades. They also have a canteen for snacks, washrooms and changing rooms. As we went here in the pandemic, this place was obviously closed.

Just a few minutes of the drive ahead is another waterfall called Mau waterfall. There is a tar road beside the waterfalls from where you can go all the way to the top of the falls. The views around are extremely beautiful. This waterfall is free. I hiked to a place near the base of waterfalls, which was quite slippery. So I had to return without actually dipping my fingers in this waterfall too.

Wonderland of Waterfalls

From Mau waterfall, you have to go 16 km ahead to reach the Bendewadi waterfalls and Laalwadi waterfalls. This 16 km stretch of road is the most beautiful place in Maval. There are mountains on your left side and the Thokarwadi dam backwaters on your right. Every minute of this drive you will be spotting a creamy white waterfall falling from the mountains. All around the roads, you will see acres upon acres of farmland. The main crop seemed to be paddy or rice.

In between the drive, I spotted yet another waterfall, which was closer to the road. So, I thought this one is perfect for my mandatory ritual of dipping my hands in the water. As I went closer, the sound of gushing water was increasing. And then I finally, dipped my hands in the crystal clear cold waters. Just as I was wondering how the water disappears below the tar road, I heard the familiar gurgling sound from the other side of the road. I realised that these roads were built through numerous waterfalls.

Best Unnamed Waterfall near Bendewadi

As I proceeded further I saw numerous random waterfalls, but by now I was eager to reach the waterfalls in Bendewadi village. Just before you reach the actual place where Bendewadi Waterfalls are marked in the Google maps, there is another unnamed waterfall, in which you can play around. It’s like a gurgling stream that takes up all the attention from the surrounding landscape. The surrounding landscape is some other world entirely. There is one big waterfall and 2-3 small waterfalls which you can see from the same place. Our gurgling flat stream comes from this big unnamed waterfall.

I loved this place so much that I ended up spending most of my time here. One minute it was raining light showers, and the next moment the mountains were shining lime green in the sun. I decided this will be the place where I should eat the snacks that I brought from my home.

The crystal clear gurgling water was so enticing that I removed my shoes and walked over the pebbled stream. I dipped my feet in this beautiful water and had my snacks first. Then I filmed a lot around this place and enjoyed playing in the stream. The water was just up to my ankles here. And the walking on the tiny pebbles was like natural foot acupressure or spa.

This place is so close to the main road, that you don’t have to trek at all. In fact, you can come and sit here in this stream even if you are disabled, or differently-abled. Needless to say, this place is a must-visit if you are with kids.

Bendewadi Waterfalls

Just a little ahead from my favourite unnamed waterfall, you will come across a water reservoir made by a tiny dam. This is the best place where you should stop and park your vehicle. From here you can see 3 huge waterfalls on the surrounding mountains at the same time. And depending on the monsoon and water levels, you can see the water cascading from this tiny dam.

There’s a small road from nearby this tiny dam or reservoir. This road takes you all the way up to the base of two waterfalls. Here you have to climb uphill. After a short hike, the road evens out and gets a bit flat. At this place, you can see 3 huge waterfalls and numerous small ones. I found a right turn to hike to the base of the waterfall on the right. And the road that goes straight ahead goes to the waterfall in the centre.

As I went ahead on this trail, I heard some peacocks on my right. But I couldn’t spot them in the dense greenery. A bit ahead I came across a fresh footprint in the wet mud. I don’t know what animal it was, but you can have a look at it yourself. I am guessing it must be a black panther. Comment below if you can recognise who made these prints. I really want to know!

The rice fields surrounding the hiking trail made it so much prettier. And there was a small worn-out hut on the top. Somewhere on the faraway green hill, a shepherd was walking around with his goats. It was raining when I started to hike up here. But by the time I reached near the waterfall, it was beautiful and sunny. Here I couldn’t find a way, to reach near the base of the waterfall. But I did enjoy my hike through the rice fields, up to the point which is very close to the waterfall.

Lalwadi Waterfall

Drive just 2-3 minutes ahead of Bendewadi waterfalls and you will see two more waterfalls of Lalwadi. There is a road which goes uphill and you can take your vehicle. At the top, are a few houses. From here you can see one waterfall on the left and hear another one on your right.

The locals have their houses here, and more rice fields around. Due to corona pandemic, the hike towards the base of these waterfalls was also closed. But we could enjoy the close-up views of the Lalwadi waterfalls. If you visit here after the pandemic, make sure to ask the locals the way to Lalwadi waterfall cave. Yes, there’s a cave behind the waterfalls on the right side. The locals normally sell food and snacks to the tourists. And they can also guide you to reach the Lalwadi cave. From inside this cave, you can see the beautiful surrounding area from between the cascading waterfalls.

Khandi Waterfall

Just 11 km ahead of Lalwadi waterfall and Bendewadi waterfalls, is the most beautiful of them all the Khandi waterfall. But I must say it is all about the journey, and not about the destination. The road twists around the Thokarwadi dam backwaters. And after some point, the earlier mentioned waterfalls can be seen on the other side of the dam waters. There are a few more tiny dams on the way. And numerous more mountains on your left.

After you pass through the Khandi village you have to drive a bit to reach the Khandi waterfall. At Khandi waterfalls, there is a dead-end viewpoint. The views into the surrounding valleys, mountains and waterfalls from here are mesmerizing. Khandi waterfall itself is like heaven on earth.

Khandi Waterfall distance from Pune: 83 km

Journey home

If you think that just like any other trip, the journey homewards must be boring, you are wrong. The journey homewards towards Pune or Mumbai, up to the highway NH 48 is equally beautiful. Basically, you get to see everything you saw before, but in reverse order.

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