Looking to escape the city’s mundane noise and discover a hidden, serene spot? Read the full article to learn about Devkund Waterfall trek. We are the best travel guide of 2024 to provide all information on how to go, when, how many days, and cost. Start your travel journey with Itinerary Plans.
Devkund Waterfall trek lies deep within a dense forest, known as Devkund, located in Bhira village near Kolad, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Situated in the Western Ghats, it is close to Tamhini Ghat, a mountain passage in the Sahyadri ranges. Tamhini Ghat is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include sprawling valleys, dense forests, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls, riverbeds, and lakes.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts of Devkund Waterfall Trek
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- Address: FCJ3+R4M, Patnus, Pimpri, Maharashtra 402308, India
- FCJ3+R4M, Patnus, Pimpri, Maharashtra 402308, India
- Entry fee: No official entry fee
- Best time to visit: July to September
- Height: 100 feet tall
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Base Village: Bhira
- Distance from Mumbai: 147 km
- Distance from Lonavala: 52 km
- Distance from Pune: 66 km
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Map
Short History of Devkund Waterfall
Shrouded in legend, Devkund Waterfall’s history is surprisingly recent. While locals hold tales of miraculous appearances, the falls remained hidden until the 20th century. The nearby Bhira Hydroelectric Station (1927), Asia’s first, brought initial attention, but true fame arrived later with intrepid trekkers. Today, its popularity demands responsible tourism to preserve this natural marvel for generations to come.
Devkund Waterfall trek starting point
The Devkund Waterfall adventure begins in Bhira village, Raigad district, Maharashtra, India. Look for the Bhira Dam or Tata Power Plant, then veer left to enter the village. You’ll find food stalls and a small parking area marking the official trek starting point.
Best time to visit Devkund Waterfall Trek
The best time to visit Devkund Waterfall Trek depends on what experience you’re looking for:
Thrilling Waterfalls & Adventure:
- Monsoon Season (July – September): Witness the most powerful cascades, lush landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere. However, be aware of the high risk of flash floods, slippery trails, and potential closures.
Balance & Comfort:
- Post-Monsoon (October – November): Enjoy impressive water levels, comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds compared to monsoon season. Waterfalls won’t be as dramatic, but the overall experience is more manageable.
Peaceful Trek & Scenic Views:
- Winter (December – February): Experience pleasant weather, minimal crowds, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills. Waterfalls will have the lowest water levels, and some activities like swimming might be restricted.
Remember:
- Monsoon season offers the most dramatic waterfalls but carries significant risks. Choose wisely!
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Devkund Waterfall Trek & Nearby Attractions: 2-Day Itinerary
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Day – 1
Morning: Arrive at base village (Patnus or Bhira). Freshen up & enjoy breakfast at a local homestay. Embark on Devkund Waterfall Trek (2 hours).
Mid-Morning: Reach Devkund Waterfall, swim & explore. Enjoy a packed lunch by the waterfall or purchase refreshments from vendors.
Afternoon: Then start the journey for Milkybar Waterfall, Milkybar Waterfall Trek Starting Point -8 min (4.3km) away from Devkund Waterfall Trek, after the wonderful hike you will enjoy Milkybar Waterfall. After start hiking you will get Plus Valley View Point, it’s 2 minutes away, a wonderful place for tourists.
Evening: Back from Milkybar waterfall, you can visit Somjaishwar Mahadev mandir – 11 min(6km) away from Devkund waterfall Trek. It’s a Hindu temple on rode side of way milky bar waterfall.
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Day – 2
Morning: Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Afternoon: Explore the historical Hadashi Pandurang Mandir Museum, learning about the saint’s life. Immerse yourself in the Sant Darshan Museum Hadshi, delving into another saint’s teachings. After that return to the base village and have lunch.
Evening: Depart for Mumbai/Pune with unforgettable memories.
Optional:
Day 2: Extend your stay by enjoying relaxing activities like birdwatching, fishing, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
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Reaching Devkund Waterfall
By Air:
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- The nearest airport to Devkund Waterfall Trek is the Pune International Airport, located approximately 80 kilometers away.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or cab to Bhira village, the starting point of the trek. The taxi fare would be around INR 3000-4000 and the journey would take about 4-5 hours.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Devkund Waterfall Trek is the Khopoli railway station, located approximately 63 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can take a local bus or a shared taxi to Bhira village. The bus fare would be around INR 50-100 and the journey would take about 2-3 hours.
Transportation Available from the Nearest Area:
Once you reach Bhira village, the starting point of the trek, you can avail the following transportation options to reach the waterfall:
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- Shared Rickshaws: Shared rickshaws are readily available from Bhira village to the starting point of the trek, which is about 2 kilometers away. The fare is usually around INR 20-30 per person.
- Jeepneys: Jeepneys are another option for reaching the starting point of the trek. They are typically more expensive than rickshaws, but they can accommodate more people and luggage. The fare is usually around INR 100-150 per person.
- Walking: If you are feeling adventurous, you can also walk to the starting point of the trek. The walk is about 2 kilometers long and takes about 30-40 minutes.
Rental Costs:
The rental cost of transportation options in Bhira village can vary depending on the season, demand, and your bargaining skills. Here’s a general idea:
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- Shared rickshaw: INR 20-30 per person
- Jeepney: INR 100-150 per person
- Motorcycle: INR 200-300 per day
Distances:
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- Pune International Airport (PNQ) to Bhira village: 180 kilometers
- Khopoli railway station to Bhira village: 50 kilometers
- Bhira village to the starting point of the trek: 2 kilometers
- Starting point of the trek to Devkund Waterfall: 4 kilometers
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Here are some nearby attractions in Devkund Waterfall Trek
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- Tamini Ghat Mini Waterfall: 9min (5.3km) away, This place has a lot of twisty roads covered with dense trees. Perfect place for one-day bike rides. Beautiful views, valleys, sunsets, gorges, steams – all in one.
- GMCKS Arhatic Yoga Ashram: 6min (3.0km) away from Devkund waterfall trek. It is a scenic place filled with magic. It is open to people who have completed a certain level of course. It is in the interiors. The Ashram staff and trustees have beautifully maintained it.
- Kundalika Valley View Point: 9 minutes away from your trek. Natural view.
- Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary: 13 min (10.3km) from Devkund waterfall trek. It’s a wildlife refuge in Pune.
- Fort Kailas gad: 29min(14.3km) away from trek
- Mulshi Dam: 35min (27.2km) Historical landmark
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Here are some hotels for stay near Devkund Waterfall Trek
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- Hotel Prince Hills – Just a 4-minute (2.3 km) drive away, this hotel offers affordable, fresh food and well-decorated accommodations.
- JV Cottages – Forest Retreat – Located 6 minutes (3.2 km) from Devkund, this retreat can be booked online for a convenient stay.
- Andharban Homestay – An 11-minute (5.7 km) drive from the trek’s starting point, this homestay is available for online booking.
- Lake Forest Resort – Situated 13 minutes (6.7 km) away, this resort offers beautiful natural views.
- Hotel Arohi Homestay & Camping – A 21-minute (10 km) drive from Devkund, this homestay provides a clean and comfortable environment.
- SaffronStays Fragrant Sun – Located 27 minutes (12.4 km) away, this accommodation can be booked online.
- The Waterfront Resorts – Just a 26-minute (12.9 km) drive, this resort is available for online booking and offers a pleasant stay.
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Things to Avoid at Devkund Waterfall Trek
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- Visiting during monsoon season if you’re uncomfortable with potential flash floods and slippery trails.
- Littering or polluting the environment.
- Damaging local flora and fauna.
- Disrespecting local culture and traditions.
- Swimming if you’re not a strong swimmer or if weather conditions are unsafe.
- Climbing on rocks or venturing into restricted areas.
- Making excessive noise or disturbing other visitors.
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Potential Problems and Contact Information for Devkund Waterfall Trek
Emergency Services:
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- Ambulance: It’s crucial to understand that calling an ambulance directly to Devkund Waterfall might not be feasible due to the lack of proper roads and accessibility.
- Local Help: In an emergency, the primary course of action is to seek help from locals or your trek guide. They will likely have established contacts or knowledge of the quickest way to access medical assistance.
- Nearest Hospital: The nearest major hospital is in Khopoli town, approximately 50 kilometers away.
- Police Station: The nearest police station is also in Khopoli.
Contact Information:
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- Forestry Department Office (Bhira): +91 2191 222360
- Local Police Station (Khopoli): +91 2191 261084
- Khopoli Rural Hospital: +91 2191 261357 (Landline)
Important Tips:
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- Inform your trek guide or homestay owner about any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor injuries.
- For emergencies, think about purchasing a satellite phone or personal locating beacon.
- Download offline maps of the area in case you lose GPS signal.
- To prevent mishaps, pay attention to your surroundings and take the appropriate safety measures.
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FAQs of Devkund Waterfall Trek
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Q: To what level is the Devkund Waterfall Trek difficult?
A: The Devkund Waterfall Trek is considered moderate.
Q: What is the best time to visit Devkund Waterfall for the most dramatic falls?
A: For the most powerful waterfalls, visit during the monsoon season (July-September). However, be aware of potential flash floods and slippery trails.
Q: Is it safe to swim in the Devkund Waterfall pool?
A: Swimming in the Devkund Waterfall pool is generally safe in designated areas.
Q: Are there any guided tours available for the Devkund Waterfall Trek?
A: Yes, guided tours are available and recommended, especially for first-time visitors. They offer guidance, knowledge, and safety assistance.
Q: What facilities are available at the base village near Devkund Waterfall?
A: The base village (Patnus or Bhira) has basic amenities like homestays, restaurants, toilets, and local shops. Be prepared for limited options like ATMs and medical facilities.
Q: What are some other nearby attractions I can visit after the Devkund Waterfall Trek?
A: Popular choices include Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary, Devkund Durga Mandir, Hadashi Pandurang Mandir Museum, and Sant Darshan Museum Hadshi.
Q: What are the risks associated with visiting Devkund Waterfall during the monsoon season?
A: Flash floods, slippery trails, and potential closures due to safety concerns. Prioritize safety and choose alternative dates if necessary.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what visitors can bring or do at Devkund Waterfall?
A: No littering, damaging flora/fauna, disturbing locals, loud noise, climbing rocks/restricted areas, or exceeding designated swimming areas. Follow responsible tourism practices.
Q: Can I cycle or drive part of the Devkund Waterfall Trek distance?
A: No, cycling or driving is not allowed on the official trail. It’s crucial to protect the environment and avoid disturbing other hikers.