Devkund Water Fall: Majestic Water Fall
This gorgeous waterfall is located in the dense forest near Bhira, Raigad district, which is close to the Tamhini Ghat of the Western Ghats of India. It is about 170 km from Mumbai.
It is said to be the origin of the Kundalika River. Devkund means: The bathing ponds of Gods. and therefore it is considered sacred by the locals. It is a popular weekend hiking and picnic spot...It takes 1 to 2 hrs to reach the waterfall from the base village.
Best time to visit: Post Monsoon (September to February).
Distance: 6.5 km approx. (one-sided) from Bhira village.
Difficulty level: Moderate (becomes life-threatening in heavy monsoons since you have to cross three river streams) avoid during Monsoon.
Endurance Required: Easy to Frequent hikers and Medium to first-time hikers.
To visit this magical waterfall, you have to either arrange your own vehicle or form a group or join any trekking organizer. There is no proper government transportation to reach Bhira Village. Luckily I managed to join a group of energetic nature enthusiasts under the leadership of Mayur on 6th December 2019. He has arranged a 16 seater minibus for us. Many of the participants reported at Dadar near Pritam Dhaba. Some have boarded from New Mumbai. We started moving from Dadar at 11pm.
We reached the Bhira village around 4am. It was a bit cold and windy. If you are going to Devkund during winter, make sure that you wear a warm jacket. So we have slept in the bus itself to catch up some sleep. Many slept outside those who brought sleeping bags or warm chaddars.
The parking area and only one local Maharashtrian Dhaba.They serve traditional Maharashtrian breakfast (Poha/ WadaPav/ Misal Pao and Thali for lunch.
Introduction and briefing session
Finally, we all woke up at 6am and refreshed ourselves. There is only one common washroom at the backside of the Dhaba. The guide has asked the ladies to use it and gentlemen are asked to enjoy the open air in the forest to manage the morning activity. Finally, my wait got over and the morning light gets brighter and could see the surrounding hills and hear the bird's chirping sounds. We had a quick yummy breakfast and our leader called us for a quick introduction round and necessary instructions to be followed.
the trail starts from here: walk straight into the forest
We have started our journey at 7.30am after the quick introduction and instruction round. The trail leads through the lush green forest and beautiful Bhira reservoir dam as the first landmark.
Bhira Reservoir Dam
Till one hour the trail is easy and straight. There are signboards on the way. We have to pass through two beautiful streams and it becomes a full flash river during the monsoon.
one of the streams on the way( serene and calm)
This stream becomes a river during the monsoon season
Delicate wooden bridge build by the villagers. They asked for donations to build a proper bridge shortly.
After crossing the two streams, The trail leads us towards the ascending part. We have to do a short climbing towards the hill.
After half an hour of ascending, we reached a rocky open field which is a good place to stop for a while to catch up your breath and few sip of water. Another 30 minutes of a straight walk across the forest will lead to the waterfall.
Finally, we reached a beautiful curved valley where we can hear the roaring sound of a waterfall. Your tiredness will disappear once you view the beautiful Devkund waterfall. The pool water looks pure green in color. The whole trail is so beautiful and with breathtaking views around. It is a shared joy and refreshing to walk across the lush green forest.
Important tips:
- You can bring little dry snacks and 2-liter water for your refreshment at waterfalls after you dip into the waterfall.
- Breakfast & Lunch: Available at Dhaba near the Parking area. They serve proper and yummy traditional Maharashtrian breakfast and thali (veg/non-veg food to be ordered in advance.
- Not allowed to swim in the reservoir dam.
- Hire a local guide if you are going for the first time and not good at navigation.
- Devkund waterfall is a sacred place so do not leave any trash or drink alcohol.
- There will be parking charges.
- Avoid during Monsoon season.
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