41 Waterfalls near Pune to visit in monsoon

How many waterfalls near Pune do you know apart from the usual Devkund, Baneshwar, Shivtharghal? Maybe you know about Kataldhar and Thoseghar too? This list of 41 Waterfalls near Pune will leave you speechless. I have also included the reverse waterfalls in Pune in the end! Somewhere in between, I have mentioned my favourite- the highest waterfall in Maharashtra, that you should visit. To reach these waterfalls, its best to have your own bike or car for transportation. The frequency and timeliness of public transport cant be relied upon.

Caution: Before we begin, let me tell you all the waterfalls flow only in the monsoon – June to Sept. If you don’t see a drop of water at these places in the month of May, don’t blame me! Some of them may be flowing very thin water from Oct to Jan. When you decide where to go, check the local news and weather forecasts. In the past, some of these waterfalls have been closed for a while, due to natural reasons, like rainstorms, floods, landslides etc. You have to be careful, as the water levels sometimes increase suddenly. This is how nature is – calm and beautiful or suddenly wild and destructive.

Devkund Waterfall, Pune

I feel like, it’s almost mandatory to start waterfalls in Pune list with Devkund Waterfall. For those of you who don’t know, Devkund is the most popular and most visited waterfall near Pune city. A few years back Devkund used to be the hidden gem of waterfalls. But that’s not the case anymore. It is located near the Bhira village deep inside the jungle of Bhira. You have to take a small trek to reach the waterfalls – 6.5 km one way. It takes around 1-2 hours of trekking time. Due to its popularity, you may find a traffic jam on these trekking routes on a rainy Sunday.

Pune to Devkund distance: 99 km.

If you like trekking, check this ultimate guide for trekking near Pune, which also includes some monsoon treks.

THE THOKARWADI WATERFALLS

The region around Thokarwadi dam is quiet and unexplored. There are numerous waterfalls on this route, which are all easily accessible from the main road. This region is the most scenic area, with dense forests, mountains, the dam and the Thokarwadi village. Many windmills can be seen all over the mountains around. And the road is next to the backwaters of the dam. So, while going from Pune you have water to your right and the mountains to your left.

There are 5 major waterfalls in this area which you should visit in this order- Jagtap Waterfall, Mau waterfall, Lalvadi waterfalls and cave, Bendewadi waterfalls and Khandi Waterfall if you are going here from Pune city.

Read more about my road trip to Thokarwadi waterfalls from Pune.

Thokarwadi dam distance from Pune: 65 km

Jagtap waterfall

Jagtap waterfall is a lot safer than other public waterfalls. You don’t have to worry about drunkards here, because the owners don’t allow alcohol and tobacco inside. The natural waterfall is cleverly converted into an infinity pool. And the infinity pool further breaks into numerous steps, which make the entire area very photogenic. You also have the facility of washrooms, changing rooms, and a canteen. These make things everything a lot easier for girls and families. For this waterfall, you need to pay a small entry fee of ₹150 as it is located on a private estate.

Pune to Jagtap Waterfall distance: 58 km

Mau waterfall

Mau waterfall is located very close to the Jagtap Waterfall. This waterfall is a little farther from the road, and your vehicle cannot reach right up to the point of waterfalls. Just park your vehicles on the side of the road, and after a small hike, you come across the falls. But you can see it from the road, it’s hard to miss.

Pune to Mau waterfall distance: 58 km

Lalvadi cave and waterfall

Around 15 km ahead of Mau waterfalls, are – Lalvadi and Bendewadi waterfalls. To reach Lalvadi waterfalls, you need to trek a bit, through the mountains and few gushing streams. Behind the waterfalls is a small cave. You can easily go inside this Lalvadi cave. The phone networks aren’t that strong in this area, so make sure you download the maps before you go. It is an easy hike to the falls, but they aren’t right next to the road. On Google maps, this place is marked as Lalvadi cave.

Pune to Lalvadi Cave and waterfall distance: 73 km

Bendewadi waterfall

Bhendewadi waterfall is very close to Laalwadi waterfall. Before reaching the actual waterfalls, you will come across a small pool. From here you can see the Bendewadi waterfalls in the distance. At Bendewadi waterfall, the hiking trail goes close to the left side of the waterfall. This water too is easily accessible, but not really on the main road. The scenery, nature and landscape here will leave you speechless.

There is one more unnamed waterfall, really close to Bendewadi waterfall, which you should not miss. It is on the left turn on the way to Bendewadi falls.

Pune to Bendewadi waterfall distance: 73 km

Khandi Waterfall

A one-day road trip to Khandi point from Pune city in the monsoon will give you more than what you asked for! Khandi waterfall is the secret waterfall near Pune. At Khandi point, you can see far and beyond into the beautiful valleys, while standing next to a stream that plunges into a waterfall in the valley below. This is the best waterfall near Pune.

Khandi waterfalls distance from Pune: 85 km

WATERFALLS IN LONAVALA

Lonavala is an extremely popular hill station between Pune and Mumbai. But don’t worry there won’t be any crowds at the waterfalls mentioned below. Ok, at least for some of them.

Pune to Lonavala distance: 65 km

Kataldhar Waterfall

Kataldhar Waterfall is located in the Rajmachi, in Lonavala. While Rajmachi itself is a natural paradise, Kataldhar is what adds the ultimate beauty. Kataldhar waterfall which is quite huge can be seen clearly from the Shrivardhan Fort nearby. You can also hike to the base of the falls, which takes 0.5 to 1 hour of trekking. The falls have circular rocks all the way from top to bottom. This is why it is also called the Horse Shoe Waterfall.

Pune to Kataldhar waterfall: 78 km

Kune Falls, Pune

Kune Waterfall is located very close to Rajmachi in Lonavala. While trekking to Rajmachi and Kataldhar, this waterfall is on the way on your right side. But don’t mistake it with other Kune waterfall which is located near the highway and is private property.

The right Kune Falls is located inside the Rajmachi jungles, far away from the main road. There is a rough road, where you can take an SUV, Jeep or a good dirt bike. You can easily hike from Dellas adventures to Kune waterfall. When you see a small cement bridge look towards the right, you will see the waterfalls.

Click here for Google location.

Pune to Kune Waterfalls distance: 75 km

Dudhiware Waterfall

Dudhiware is another small waterfall located in the Maval region close to Lonavala. Its located near the Pawna Lake camping area, so you can do it as a combined trip. The waterfall and the surrounding area is very beautiful. But the reason why the majority of the adrenaline junkies visit this place is below.

Pune to Dudhiware Waterfall distance: 76 km

Dudhiware Waterfall Rappelling

Rappelling is a sport where you climb a mountain and descend slowly from the top while being tied with ropes. Here at Dudhiware waterfall, you can rappel down the rock face where the water gushes out and falls on you. The whole sport will be over in 2-3 minutes, but this hair raising experience will stay with you forever. There is also a zipline which you try.

Check out some other crazy things to do in Pune.

Lonavala Lake Waterfall

This waterfall is located near Lonavala Lake in Lonavala. It is very easy to reach, parking space is available along with food and snacks stalls. It is a popular spot in Lonavala, frequented by tourists all the times. Its also called the Lonavala Falls. Its a small waterfall, which you can visit as an on the way spot while going to Kataldhar or Kune waterfalls.

Pune to Lonavala Waterfall distance: 71 km

Bhaje Waterfall

This waterfall is located near the Bhaja Caves, in Lonavala. You can trek up from here to reach the Bhaja caves. It is the most beautiful waterfall in Lonavala region. The Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist caves carved from basalt rock. The caves are interesting and they are surrounded by many more small waterfalls.

Bedse Waterfall

Bedse caves are located near Bhaje caves, in Kamshet near Lonavala. These caves are from the same group and similar to Bhaja caves. The scenery all around them is mindblowing. You can see how the ancient Buddhist monks, lived here in small rooms. And how they built the caves, to ensure the best water supply from the waterfalls.

Visapur Waterfall

Visapur Waterfall also called a staircase waterfall, is located on the Visapur Fort. The Visapur fort overlooks the scenic region of Lonavala. Making this trip in monsoon will let you combine it with a visit to the popular staircase waterfalls of Visapur. I love the feeling of walking over these steps while the water rushes down. But you need to be careful, there are several difficult points in the monsoon.

Check other places to visit near Pune in the monsoon.

WATERFALLS IN TAMHINI GHAT

Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls

Tamhini Ghat just connects the Pune region to the Konkan region. A road trip or a long drive through Tamhini Ghat is a must in the monsoon. You will find 4 to 5 large waterfalls all near the main road of Tamhini Ghat. Basically, you just need to drive on this road of Tamhini Ghat in the monsoon. There are several small streams, along with these big waterfalls. The whole area turns into a wonderland of waterfalls in the monsoon.

Pune to Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls distance: 73 km

*A ‘ghat’ is a mountain pass.

Plus Valley Waterfall

This valley located in the Tamhini ghat is shaped like a plus. In the monsoon, several waterfalls and streams flow in the valley. And pretty pools with crystal clear blue water are formed inside. The best time to visit this valley is at the start of the monsoon. The light rain and foggy weather will fill your trip with adventure. In heavy monsoon, the water flow increases in the valley, which makes it unsafe for exploration. This place was quite unknown a few years ago, but now it’s getting popularity fast. Make sure you go here before the tourist crowds arrive.

Hemant’s waterfall

This waterfall in Tamhini is not so crowded and equally beautiful. You can enjoy a good bath here. This waterfall is heavenly, although some rocks here are very slippery. You just have to experience this place, it somehow makes you very happy.

Malshej Ghat – Car Wash Waterfall

Like Tamhini Ghat, another place for a beautiful monsoon drive near Pune is Malshej Ghat. There are many waterfalls and even small streams all around this region. You can see most of them from the highway. The car wash waterfall, just like the name suggests will wash your car! The rocks are structured in such a way that the water falls straight on the road on your car. If you are on a bike though, park it on the side, and then enjoy this nature’s little wonder.

Pune to Malshej Ghat distance: 127 km

WATERFALLS IN SATARA

Vajrai Waterfall

Vajrai waterfall is located in the Bhamnoli forest near the Kas Pathar in Satara. Nature here is raw and unexplored. You have to take your vehicle through some dirt roads in order to reach the point from where you can see the waterfalls. This is the highest waterfall in Maharashtra. The adjoining valleys have numerous small silver streams falling from between the dark green trees in the monsoon. It is very beautiful to see clouds unravelling this unique landscape in the monsoon. If you want to reach the base of this waterfalls, you will have to do a Vajrai Waterfall trek. I haven’t uploaded an image for Vajrai waterfall purposely. You have to see this waterfall with your own eyes because this is one of the best waterfalls near Pune.

Pune to Vajrai Waterfall distance: 150 km

Thoseghar Waterfalls

These waterfalls flow throughout the year, but monsoon is the best time to explore this place. There are 2-3 huge waterfalls, and numerous smaller ones all around. Thoseghar waterfalls are located in the small village of Thoseghar near Satara. You have to see the waterfalls from a distance. There are proper railings at various viewpoints. I found some good local organic fruits and vegetables at farmers markets nearby.

Read more about Thoseghar waterfall in Satara here.

Pune to Thoseghar Waterfall distance: 148 km

WATERFALLS IN MAHABALESHWAR AND PANCHGANI

You should definitely plan for staying a few days in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.

Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance: 131 km

Shivtharghal

Shivtharghal is a waterfall + spiritual destination in Wai near Mahabaleshwar. A small and beautiful Shiva temple here attracts many pilgrims from Maharashtra. The story goes that Ramdas Swami (saint) hid in the cave behind the waterfall to escape before his parents forced him to marry. He lived here for 22 years and dictated Dasbodha to Kalyan Swami. This is also the place where he met Chp Shivaji Maharaj for the first time. The waterfall is huge and beautiful. You can easily walk into the same cave. The place is well developed and maintained as it also has a temple.

Pune to Shivtharghal distance: 120 km

Lingmala Waterfall

Lingmala is the highest waterfall in Mahabaleshwar. After a short walk from the parking area, you can reach the point where you can see the waterfall. There are proper railings and walkways around the falls. From here you can see the waterfall and also the rainbows around it. You will have to pay a small entry fee of ₹20.

Pune to Lingmala waterfalls distance: 127 km

Chinaman Waterfall

The Chinaman Waterfalls have the most dramatic landscape in Mahabaleshwar. You should visit in monsoon, after some rains, to watch the water flowing at full speed. A bit of hiking is required to reach the top, and view the waterfalls up close.

Pune to Chinaman Waterfall distance: 131 km

Ozarde Waterfall

This is another waterfall in Mahabaleshwar near Pune city that you should not miss! The waterfalls have proper safety railings and the place is nicely maintained. For entry, they will charge you ₹20. But trust me this waterfall is worth much more.

Pune to Ozarde waterfall distance: 214 km

Dhobi Waterfall

Thre are many other viewpoints along the way to Dhobi Waterfall. The route is through a forest which is extremely beautiful. Very few people go here, so its quiet and beautiful place in Mahabaleshwar. It’s best to visit in the monsoon, after some rains. The waterfall is active all around the year, but it’s very thin in other seasons.

Pune to Dhobi Waterfall distance: 132 km

Varandha Ghat waterfalls

Varandha Ghat is a mountain pass, which is equally beautiful to Tamhini Ghat or Malshej Ghat. While going towards Mahabaleshwar from Pune, you can go via Varandha Ghat. The best nature can be experienced here in the monsoon. Shivtharghal mentioned above is also a part of Varandha Ghat.

Pune to Varandha Ghat waterfalls: 109 km

WATERFALLS IN BHIMASHANKAR

Bhimashankar is a wildlife reserve forest in Maharashtra. It has the best nature and forests and it is also a spiritual destination. There are a few waterfalls in the forests of Bhimashankar.

Pune to Bhimashankar distance: 111 km

Kondhwal waterfall

Not many people really know about the Kondhwal waterfall, which is a blessing. This waterfall is close to Bhimashankar temple, which you can also visit on the same trip. The road to reach this waterfall is a bit tricky and small, with several potholes. So make sure you are taking a good vehicle. If you have just a bike, you should hike to reach here.

Pune to Kondhwal waterfall distance: 107 km

Ahupe waterfalls

Ahupe waterfalls are located in the Ahupe village near Bhimashankar. You can even camp nearby at the camping grounds here. The view from this place is otherworldly. On one side you can see a steep drop into the valley all the way to Konkan. And on the other side, tall mountains seal off any possible views of the Deccan plateau. This makes Ahupe look like a small village in the wilderness.

Pune to Ahupe waterfalls distance: 134 km

Trimurti waterfall

Trimurti waterfall is not exactly in Bhimashankar, but it is close by. It is an extremely beautiful place, but very few people know about it. This is the least visited waterfall near Pune. Just visit it before it gets popular!

Pune to Trimurti waterfalls distance: 111 km

WATERFALLS NEAR BHOR AND RAIGAD

Madhe Ghat waterfalls

Madhe Ghat is located near Raigad, Rajgad and Torna Fort. Just like the other ghats, you should visit this one in the monsoon. Numerous waterfalls can be seen lined up all along the scenic route of Madhe Ghat. You can stop at whichever one you like. While going from Pune, make sure to make small stops at Bhatghar Dam and Necklace point. Madhe Ghat Waterfall rappelling is also quite famous, just like Dudhiware.

Pune to Madhe Ghat waterfalls distance: 86 km

Kemburli waterfall

This waterfall is on the Mumbai Goa highway. Its is just 5 minutes walk away from the road. It can be easily missed as its not visible from the road. This waterfall is even kids friendly, as it is completely safe. If you are on the way to Goa by road Kemburli waterfall and Amboli Ghat waterfall are the stops that you should make.

Pune to Kemburli waterfalls distance: 135 km

Baneshwar Waterfall

Baneshwar waterfall is to the south of Pune. The rocks around this place are such that you cannot reach to the base of the waterfall. You cannot even see it plunging down below, as the area is sealed off for safety reasons. Here, they have a viewing platform on the top of the waterfalls, from where you can see the water gushing down. You can also see the surrounding fields from here. The place is turned into a beautiful garden. A Shiva temple near the waterfalls is beautiful.

Pune to Baneshwar Waterfall distance: 41 km

My experience: Disappointed that I could not see the actual waterfall. Also, there were several couples cuddling all over the gardens, which is extremely unpleasant, not family-friendly.

WATERFALLS IN PUNE

If you are planning a Pune trip, from outside the city, these are the places to visit in Pune city.

Shivapur waterfall

Shivapur Waterfall is just 25 km from the Pune Station. It is the best place to visit for a quick getaway, within 1-2 hours. Being in the main city, don’t expect to see freshwater here. The water can be dirty, and this isn’t a place for a bath, but just a quick visit.

Pune to Shivapur waterfall distance: 25 km

Kund Mala waterfall

This is a small waterfall in the Talegaon region near Pune. It is a beautiful spot and a good one for photography. But you need to be careful while going near the water. The numerous plantations in the fields around like sugarcane etc make the area scenic. But the waterfall is extremely narrow place.

Pune to Kund Mala waterfall distance: 33 km

Jaibai Devi temple and waterfalls

This temple is located on the Mumbai Pune Express Highway. You will find no one around here. The waterfalls near the temple are magnificent. The place is very beautiful for photography or photoshoot. Parking along the expressway can be an issue, so take a small vehicle or a bike if you can. You have to hike up to the temple as there is no road for the car.

Pune to Jaibai devi temple and waterfalls distance: 46 km

Varasgao Waterfall

This waterfall is located on the Panshet to Lavasa road. After you come to Panshet, you have to take a rough road that goes to Lavasa. On this road, the Varasgaon Dam backwaters will be to your left and this waterfall is from the mountains to the right. It is a very scenic drive, but take care in the monsoon or consult the locals.

Pune to Varasgaon waterfalls distance: 46 km

WATERFALLS IN KONKAN AND SOUTHERN MAHARASHTRA

Amboli Ghat Waterfall

Anyone who goes from Pune to Goa, or Mumbai to Goa, by road must mandatorily stop at Amboli Ghat in all the seasons. In the summers, it is completely dry or very thin, but still, you should make this stop in your journey. The Amboli waterfall is massive and there are proper steps to reach halfway to the top. It is right next to the highway. You will see several people who have stopped at this place, to experience these massive waterfalls. Beware of the monkeys though!

Pune to Amboli ghat waterfalls distance: 360 km

Sawat Sada waterfall

This waterfall is also located on the NH66-Mumbai to Goa highway, in Chiplun. Its just a 10-15 minute walk to reach this place. The place is developed and well maintained. There is a good road, on which you can walk to reach the highway. Even seniors can visit easily.

Pune to Sawat Sada waterfall distance: 198 km

REVERSE WATERFALLS IN PUNE

The reverse waterfall is a natural phenomenon where a waterfall, reverses due to the wind, and the water goes back up on the mountains. Its almost as if, clouds get formed from the waterfall, and the wind carries the water back to the mountain top. This beautiful phenomenon can be experienced only at a few places in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Sinhagad Reverse Waterfall

Sinhagad Fort is the nearest place to Pune where you can see a reverse waterfall. It is very easy to reach the fort top in your vehicle. And once at the top, go towards the valley side, which has this reverse waterfall. It is best experienced on a windy and rainy day.

Lohagad Reverse Waterfall

At Lohagad Fort, near Vinchu Kada, you can experience a huge reverse waterfall. Make sure to go to the farthest point on the hill here. It’s like a road to heaven. Near the reverse waterfall, it is very windy. This isn’t a safe place for the kids, seniors, or pregnant ladies.

Naneghat reverse waterfall

Naneghat has beautiful views into the valleys, mountains and dam backwaters along with this phenomenon of a reverse waterfall. The tales of Naneghat’s reverse waterfall have reached far and wide. So you can expect a crowd here in the monsoons.

Pune to Naneghat Reverse Waterfall: 124 km

Kalveshet Reverse Waterfall

Kalveshet Point is located above the Amboli Ghat Waterfall. There are a few seats and benches, at the place where water is thrown up from the waterfall. It is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit in the monsoon.

Pune to Kalveshet point reverse waterfall distance: 354 km

A BONUS WATERFALL

Dudhsagar Waterfall, Goa

Yeah, I saved the best one for the last. Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa is a good one day trip, loved by everyone from Pune. You have to take a train to the nearest station- Kulem. After rigorous trekking of 11 km, you will reach the base of the waterfalls. The trekking route is through Braganza Ghat and you have to pass some tunnels on the way. It is an extremely beautiful journey. If you are planning a trip to Goa, first check these beaches near Pune.

Pune to Dudhsagar distance: 446 km.

FAQs on Waterfalls near Pune

I have taken care while compiling this list of waterfalls near Pune. But, if you spot any mistakes or discrepancies, or if you want to share your experience or add another secret waterfall to this list – Comment below!

If you are from Pune or visiting Pune, check my Pune Travel Guide here.