Kataldhar Waterfall Trek: A Gigantic Waterfall hidden in the Deep Forest near Lonavala

Kataldhar Waterfall Trek: A Gigantic Waterfall hidden in the Deep Forest near Lonavala

Kataldhar waterfall is situated in the dense forest of Ulhas Valley near Lonavala. Pune district. Maharashtra.

The gigantic waterfall is a natural and seasonal waterfall and it depends totally on rain. Therefore, it is obvious that the best time to visit this waterfall is in monsoon. You may not see the waterfall if you visit it post-monsoon.

The Kataldhar is a Maharashtrian word. “Katal” means a Rock & “Dhar” means a Waterfall. This waterfall is seen from the Rajmachi Fort. Though the Lonavala becomes the hot destination for adventure lovers during the monsoon season. However, Kataldhar waterfall is a less exploited spot due to the complicated trek route and it is hidden in the deep valley. Another unique feature of the Kataldhar waterfall trek its trail, for most of the trek, we have to ascend first to summit the trek and then descend while returning back to the base. But for Kataldhar waterfall trek, it is the opposite. You have to descend the valley up to waterfall first, and then ascend while returning back which becomes tedious. However, if you are a frequent trekker/hiker or nature lover, this waterfall trek is a must-visit spot and you will be amazed to find yourself standing in front of such a beautiful and giant waterfall in the deep valley which you may not have imagined. This trek involves all the essence of good trekking and trusts me, this trek will give you the real trekking pleasure in rains. Kun and Kathaldhar waterfalls are the two giant waterfalls near Lonavala.

Soaked in the beauty of the waterfall

Trek Details:

Kataldhar Waterfall Trek Distance: 9 km
Kataldhar Waterfall Trek Difficulty: Medium
Kataldhar Waterfall Trek Endurance level: Medium to High
Kataldhar Trek time required:2 hours one way from the two Mango trees.
Nearest railway station: Lonavala railway station
Base village: Fanasrai Village (Rajmachi Trek route)
Location: Ulhas Valley near Lonavala, Pune District.
Best time to Visit: Monsoon

How to Reach Kataldhar Waterfall from Mumbai and Pune?

Lonavala to Rajhmachi Trek route by Walk (Udhewadi Village)

From Lonavla Railway Station: Take the famous Rajmachi route. VVS Gurukul school is your first landmark and once you cross the school, you will see the New Mumbai - Pune expressway. From there you have to go across the expressway and follow the rough and muddy route which is a famous Rajmachi trek route. It covers almost 8 km and takes approx. 2 hrs to reach the starting point.

Lonavala Railway station to Fanasrai Village by Taxi:

If you are taking a cab to avoid long walks and save time, you can book a Tata Sumo or Jeep available outside the Lonavala railway station. They may charge you Ra.1000 during the peak season. The taxi will take you up to the Fanasrai Village directly or up to the two identical Mango tree (Starting Point of the trek) just before Fanasrai Village. You can book the same taxi for pick up in the evening as well.

From Mumbai to Lonavala by Train

Indrayani Express

05:40 CSMT
05:51 Dadar
06:14 Thane
06:33 Kalyan
07:58 Lonavala

Map showing trek route from two mango trees to Kathaldhar waterfall

Map created by spiritedblogger.com

Kataldhar Waterfall trek start point

Kataldhar Waterfall trek starting point is a bit confusing as there is no prominent landmark, gate, or signboard as such. Therefore, many trekkers are confused and tend to miss the starting point. The only landmark is two identical Mango trees on the left side of the road just before the Fanasrai Village is an actual starting point of the trek. You may find vehicles parking on the right side of the road and you can ask anyone. Rajmachi Trek route is a busy road during the rainy season. From there you have to leave the main road and step down the left side through the two mango trees. Once you go down between two mango trees, you will see another indicator as a white arrow that directs you to the waterfall route.

Two Mango trees: Trek Starting Point

My Journey to Kataldhar Waterfall

I happened to know about the Kataldhar Waterfall trek from the Quechua Hiking WhatsApp group. So I enquired immediately and it was decathlon itself who was organizing the trek. Though the name of the waterfall sounds unfamiliar to me. However, I decided to join this trek for the fact that Decathlon was organizing this trek. That is more than enough for me to make my decision. They always organized good treks.

Lonavala city view

We took Indrayani Express from Thane at 6.15 a.m. Our meeting point was the Lonavala railway station at platform no 1. We reached Lonavala railway station around 8.00 a.m. We had a quick meet and greeted each other. Our group was quite big and Rajat from Decathlon was leading the trek along with one local guide from Pune. We had a quick breakfast outside of the railway station. The trek organizers have arranged for 3 Jeeps. They dropped us somewhere near the Della Adventure.

Beautiful landscape view on the way

From there, we had to take a rough and muddy road which is a very famous Rajmachi Trek route. We walked through the same route. Mostly flat surface except mild ascends at the initial point.

Seasonal waterfalls

Though the route was not so pleasant, however, on the way we could see so many beautiful seasonal sparkling waterfalls and lush green hills on the way. The whole route looks very scenic. We had to walk almost 2 hours till we reached the trek starting point (two Mango trees). If you go straight, you will reach Fanasari Village which is the last vehicle stop for the Rajmachi fort trek during the monsoon.

The picture to remember: With my adventurous hiking Partners

Famous Rajmachi Trek route

From the two Mango tree points, we went off the main road and start descending from the two Mango trees. There is also a white arrow sign which gives you the direction of the waterfall. We had to descend the deep valley. After 60 minutes of steep descending, we had to cross the small streams which lead us to a plateau. There are monkeys around. The route was pretty slippery. There are a few more water streams on the way.

Quick briefing and introduction round

These streams look very photogenic but become hurdles for us to cross as it is very slippery. One has to walk very cautiously.

Descending into a deep valley

I just removed my shoe to cross the water stream to avoid slip. We slowly descending into a deep forest and there were many yellow crabs and birds and mosquitoes in the forest to welcome you. These creatures were there with you in the forest nothing else.

Crossing the first stream at the plateau

Crossing another slippery stream

Please note that do not step on those stones which are covered with moss while crossing the river, it is extremely slippery. One of our group members has slipped down and hurt her hand badly. The organizer had to give her first aid service.

Crossing the last and biggest stream

The more you descend the valley, the more confusing the route becomes. But there are Ribbons tied on the tree throughout the forest route to guide us. You are supposed to follow the ribbons. I really appreciate the trekker who has tied those ribbons to guide other trekkers.

Entering into the dense forest

We finally entered into the deep forest after descending almost one and a half hours. We reached the most thrilling portion of this trek, that was walking into the very dense forest and it was so quiet, dark, and confusing too. We could hardly see any daylight through the branches.

Short water break

There are also chances that you may be lost the way in this section. You should not come alone If you do not have the experienced trek leader or local guide accompanying you. No google map will work here. However, we are in a big group and our local guide was familiar with the route. So we have no problem with finding the route.

Finding our way out in the dense forest

We finally came out of the dense forest and could hear the sound of the waterfall. From that point, you have to follow the sound. We were pretty excited but can’t see the waterfall yet.

Gives you a similar experience of Anderban Forest walk

But our guide warned us that we are entering into the last patch of waterfall route which leads us to a small ascent but the route was full of mud and on top of that, it was drizzling becomes more slippery. We struggled here for some time to climb that muddy route. We supported each other and took the support of surrounding trees while climbing.

Final section: Short ascent to the waterfall. Very slippery patch

The trekking rope could help at this patch. Once we managed to climb that small ascend,

Final moment: Standing in front of the giant waterfall

we were there in front of the marvelous breath-taking waterfall. I was amazed looking at the waterfall. It was huge and produce scary sound. We posed ourselves for a few pictures. Our guide took us further towards the waterfall. There was one eye like shape big cave that can accommodate more than 60 people. We were asked to drop our bags in the cave to avoid getting wet and enjoy the waterfall. The rain stops for sometimes but we were fully soaked in the beauty of the waterfall. The water was falling above the cave walls as well. We moved a little nearer to the waterfall just to feel and it was as good as taking a shower. The drops of waterfalls were so refreshing. But I didn’t go down to the bottom of the waterfall as we were discouraged by our trek leader as it was a bit risky because it was raining and the water flow was quite strong. It seems that there was a cave inside the waterfall at the bottom. We took lots of pictures and enjoyed looking at the waterfall. Finally, we had our packed lunch in the cave. I had enough of my share of excitement and the joy of looking at this marvelous waterfall. I felt like I could spend some time more but finally, our trek leader called us for the return journey. The return journey was more tedious as we have to ascend the valley up to the top. We refilled our water bottle from a waterfall and mixed with the electrolyte powder to recharge ourselves on the way up. We started our return journey with the same route with great satisfaction. Some of our ladies’ participants had to struggle in the last section of ascending as their legs were tired to climb further. We had to give them liquid electrolyte powder to boost their energy and our trek leader had pushed them slowly up to the top. Matter of fact, we all were quite tired ascending the valley and paused a few times to catch our breath. Thank god that, our jeep was waiting for us to pick us up near the Mango tree. We board the jeep and went back to the Lonavala station and board the train back to Mumbai with lots of beautiful memories.

TIPS:

1. A good trekking shoe is a must for this trek

2. Wear full sleeves T-shirt and full trek pants to avoid mosquito bites.

3. Carry enough pack lunch and snacks. There is nothing in the forest.

4. Carry 2 water bottle and Glucon D or Electoral powder you may need it on your return journey.

5. Avoid going alone if you are not familiar with the route. It is very confusing and the forest is dense. The best idea is to join a group or hire a local guide.

6. Do not leave your trash near the waterfall area as the place is very pristine and clean.

7. Follow the ribbon tied on the trees in the right direction throughout the route.

8. Locate the two mango trees before the Fanasrai Village.

9. Be careful while crossing those small streams on the way. The stones are very slippery. Avoid going to the bottom of the waterfall if it is raining heavily. (Your safety is more important than anything else. The water pressure increases anytime).

A short Video of Kataldhar Waterfall. Horse Shoe Shape Waterfall