Malshej Ghat is equidistant from Mumbai and Pune, which
attracts a lot of weekend breakers from both these cities. It is around 4hour
drive from Pune.
Route: Pune > Chakan > Rajgurunagar > Narayangaon
> Junnar > Malshej Ghat
We started our journey at around 7 am from Pune. Our first
stop was Shivneri Fort, the birth place of Chhatrapati Shivaji. After a bit of
hiking and roaming around the fort, we resumed our journey to Malshej Ghat. There
are a couple of famous Ganesh (Ganpati) temples around Shivneri, one of the
Ashtavinayaka temples. So based on your priorities and the available time, you
can take diversions to include them.
By the time we reached Malshej ghat it was almost noon time.
The view from the ghat was breath taking. On one side there were numerous
waterfalls and on the other side it was a lush green valley. There are a couple
of big waterfalls, which attracts most of the tourists. However we ignored them
and went to a smaller one. It was kind of a private waterfall for us :). I
would recommend you to do the same, just go across the entire patch and check
out all the waterfalls. Then you can pick one of the less crowded one for you.
Sitting beneath the waterfall for ten minutes, not only rejuvenates your body
but your soul also feels the freshness.
Changing rooms (temporary hut type) are available near the
big waterfalls. They charge around 20-40 Rs per person to let you use the rooms
for changing the wet cloths. After changing we walked around the place for a
while and had the Makai Bhutta (corn), best to have in rains at such a place. Please
be careful while walking on the road there, it is a state highway and it is
being used by many privet and public transport vehicles.
After spending some quality time at Malshej Ghat, we decided
to start our return journey. On the way back we stopped at a couple of places
to enjoy the view. Lush green hills, open fields and clouds – it was no less
than the DDLJ shooting places. We did some photography there and resumed our
backward journey to Pune.
MTDC
has a resort at Malshej Ghat. It is located on a perfect location, just on
the edge of a valley. The view from the resort is amazing and in the monsoon,
due to clouds, you will feel like heaven. Obviously being the only place to
stay at Malshej Ghat, this place is booked well in advanced in monsoon season. So
if you are planning for a night stay then, making advance booking is highly
recommended.
For trekkers, it has one of the best trekking destination around Pune – Harishchandragad.
There are a couple of ways to go at the peak. One day trek would be little
exhausting and would need great endurance. Instead, most of the people prefer
night stay at the peak. You need to do your own arrangement for night stay
there. You could sleep in the temple area.
My Verdict:
A perfect monsoon getaway from Pune or Mumbai. It is an ideal
one day trip destination, overnight stay would also be a great experience as
well. The drive is nice, includes ghats, villages, waterfalls, lush green hills
and valleys. A must visit place for nature lover, trekkers and photographers.
Best time to visit:
Monsoon (Jul-Sep) is the best time to visit this place. For
trekking however, best time is Oct-Dec. Trekking in monsoon is extremely risky.
Places around:
Shivneri Fort, Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar Sanctuary,
Harishchandragad, Buddhist caves
Tips:
- Carry some snacks with you if you can’t stay hungry for a long time. There is a high chance that you don’t get anything to eat for at least 3-4 hours.
- Seal pack your electronic items and wallets, even if it is not raining. The weather could change quickly there.
- Advance booking is must, in case you are planning to stay overnight
- For trekking at Harishchandragad, do some research and be prepared for cold night stay
- Keep the place clean
This place on map:
Tags:
One day Trip, Monsoon Drive, Water Fall, Pune Getaways,
Mumbai Getaways
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