Brief About Devkund Waterfall Trek
If you are an adventure seeker and love to trek, then Devkund Waterfall is the perfect location for you. Located in Bhira Patnus, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. It is the origin of the Kundalika River and is the confluence of three waterfalls. It is a three-hour trek from the base village through the forest, with the river running parallel and sometimes crisscrossing through the route. A guide is required to be taken during the trek as there is dense forest around. In my case, I had a friend who had gone to this trek in past already so I didn’t need any guide.
Devkund Waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, and many species of animals and birds call it home. You will navigate slippery rocks, and there will be medium to easy obstacles along the way. But once you reach Devkund Waterfall, you will be overwhelmed with its beauty and filled with joy. You can explore some famous spots like the Bhira dam & Tamhini Ghat on your way. However, one must keep in mind that due to its popularity, it has become extremely crowded and dangerous, and several lives have been lost while amateurs try to visit this place on their own.
Key details of the Devkund Waterfall Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1 day
- Trek Distance: 5-6 km
- Trek Altitude Range: 2700 feet
- Starting Point: Bhira
- Nearest Railway Station: Mangaon Railway Station (30 km)
- Nearest Airport: Pune Airport (110 km)
Table of Contents
Best Places to Visit & Explore around Devkund Waterfall Trek
As a traveler, there are several exciting things to do in and around the Devkund waterfall. One of the most popular activities is to take a 4.5 km trek from Bhira village, which is an easy trek with clear signposts along the way.
During the trek, you will come across several landmarks such as water streams, Bhira Reservoir, and an open rocky field that is perfect for taking a rest. The trek ends with a breathtaking view of the waterfall, which is surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountains.
Camping at Bhira Reservoir Dam is also a popular activity for tourists after their trek to the waterfall. The dam has several lakeside camping sites and provides stunning views of the hills and lush greenery.
Another attraction near the Devkund waterfall is the Ghangad Fort, which is about 9 km away from the waterfall. The trek to the fort is easy and safe, and adventure enthusiasts enjoy trekking, hiking, and camping in the fort’s vicinity.
In conclusion, Devkund waterfall and its surrounding areas offer several adventurous activities, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. From trekking to camping, sightseeing to hiking, there is something for everyone here.
What is the best time to visit Devkund Waterfall Trek
The best time to visit is from late September and October to April, as the months right after monsoon remains pleasant. During this time, the visitors can experience the beauty of the falls and take better pictures.
The trek is closed from July to September due to the peak rainy season, which can be turbulent in the Western Ghats.
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
To reach Devkund waterfall, travellers have three options: by air, rail, or road.
The nearest airports are in Pune and Mumbai, with the Mangaon and Lonavala railway stations being the closest by train.
By road, travellers can rent a car or take public transport to reach the base village of Bhira. The best way to travel is by personal or hired vehicle, as the state transport buses from Pali to Bhira are infrequent.
From Bhira, there are two options to reach Pali village, which is the starting point of the trek. The recommended route from Mumbai is via Khalapur and Pali, and from Pune, it is via Tamhini Ghat and Bhira.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
For food, lunch and dinner are available in the base village, and travelers can find small huts selling tea, lemon juice, and chips on the way. As for accommodation,
Accommodation:
While there are several lodging options in Bhira, travelers can also explore other options before making a final decision. Bhira has several resorts and hotels located conveniently in and around it.
Here are some comfortable accommodation options to consider.
1: Encore A Boutique Resort: It is located in Mulshi and provides guests with air-conditioned accommodation, a bar, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service. The resort also offers free WiFi and a garden for guests to enjoy.
2: The Green Gate Resort: Located in Pune, the resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. The resort also features a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. The property has free WiFi throughout and some rooms have balconies with mountain views. One can enjoy a vegetarian or à la carte breakfast and activities like billiards, table tennis, and hiking are also available at the resort. The location is popular among hikers and offers free private parking for guests.
3: Residency Lake Resort & Spa: The resort is located in Mulshi, Maharashtra, and features an outdoor pool and a spa center. The property offers a 24-hour front desk and an on-site bar. Pune is 38 km away from the resort, while Lonavala is 32 km away. The Pune International Airport is the closest airport to the property, which is 46 km away.
The Difficulty level of the Devkund Waterfall Trek
The Devkund Waterfall trek covers a moderate distance of 5-6 Kms with an easy difficulty level. It takes about 4 hours to complete, with only a small patch that can be difficult during the rainy season. The trek offers some beautiful sights and involves some straight walking with a few stretches of gradual ascent across semi-dried forests set along the river.
Preparation required for the Devkund Waterfall Trek
There are limited ATMs in the nearby town of Ibrahimpatnam, so it’s better to carry cash while trekking at Rachakonda Fort. Mobile network coverage is also limited, with Airtel and BSNL being the most reliable. It is advisable to download offline maps to avoid getting lost. In case of an emergency, the nearest hospital is the Primary Health Centre, the nearest police station is the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate, and the ERSS number is 112.
