The moment i saw the close up pictures of a huge waterfall in front of Rajmachi I was awestruck. I did some research to find its name as Kataldhar waterfall . There are very rare moments for a regular trekker to come across something so exciting that it leaves an ever-lasting impression. Kataldhar waterfall trek was one such experience which i like to revisit every monsoon. Over the years the trek has got famous and the route now has many trekkers on weekends. This will be your trek guide to plan this Kataldhar trek yourself. The Katladhar waterfall trek is downhill towards the waterfall which means after you have reached the Katladhar waterfall , taken your photos and consumed most of your excitement you have to climb all the way back UP to the top to TWO MANGOES which is very strenuous. Along with this, the route towards the Kataldhar waterfall is very confusing and passes through dense forest enclosure. The forest is so thick that at places the sun light doesnt even reach the ground. Needless to say that the route is very confusing , damp and dark. This all makes it to be a “Difficult Trek” based on the risk of getting lost. However with this spot getting very famous you will find many people on weekends hence reducing the difficulty level. Update 2023 : This is now a famous trek with more crowd on weekends hence I now term it as an Intermediate trek
How long is the Kataldhar Waterfall Trek ? It would take about 90 minutes from TWO mangoes to reach Kataldhar if you are fast. You can easily spend more than 2 -3 hours at the waterfall. While it would take about 2 hours to return as it is an uphill climb back to the top. Overall Kataldhar trek time can be said to be 6 hours. But if you visit all the other waterfalls like we did you can easily add 3 more hours.
How to Reach kataldhar Waterfall from Mumbai & Pune? Where is Kataldhar waterfall located? Kataldhar is located on the trek route from Lonavla to Rajmachi as such there is no base village but just a walking trail. Kataldhar waterfall is 10 kms from Lonavla, 80 kms from Pune & 90kms from Mumbai
Lonavla is the nearest Railway station for Kataldhar waterfall
The Kataldhar waterfall trek starting point lies on the famous route from lonavla to rajmachi just before Fansarai village. On the left of the route are two mango trees which is the starting point of the trek ( I know its not a clear marker, but thats all that it is . Henceforth referred to as TWO MANGOES, more about it below)
Route from Lonavla to Kataldhar Route 1: ( 8 km walk from Lonavla Railway station ): From Lonavla Railway Station ask/search route to Rajmachi route and start walking. Use google maps to search Upper Deck Resort which is at 5kms . Just ahead of this resort is Waterfall1 where you meet the road from Route 2. This route is famously known as the Upper Deck resort Route. From here onwards just walk straight to Two Mango Point where the trek starts. NOTE: Proper road is available till Upper Deck resort after which there is a small trail till you reach Waterfall 1 where you meet the Route 2 which is rough car road Route 2: (6.6 km road from Mumbai-Pune Expressway) Route from Kune Village: This would be nearer for people from Mumbai side or for those who want to take their vehicle. Just start walking from under the Mumbai- Pune expressway towards the Della Adventure & continue ahead to Rajmachi. After Della the road is bad , good for offroading. ( I guess Della has paid the officials to get the road concretised till there entrance ) This would be about 6.6 kms till the start point. I call it the Della Route
Both of these above routes meet at Waterfall 1 & from here the starting point of TWO MANGOES is about a km away.
TAXI: there are sumo Taxi’s available from Lonavla Railway station which would charge for 1000 bucks till Fanasrai they can drop you at the Kataldhar trek start point. If you are lucky you might get a shared Sumo Taxi for 100 Rs per seat but chances of that...
Read moreTitle: Kataldhaar Waterfall - Nature's Majestic Cascade
Kataldhaar Waterfall, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Pune, is a captivating marvel of nature that enchants visitors with its majestic cascade. Having recently experienced the beauty of this natural wonder, I was awe-struck by its grandeur, tranquility, and the mesmerizing spectacle it presents.
As you venture towards Kataldhaar Waterfall, you are greeted by a harmonious symphony of rushing water, the soothing sound of which echoes through the surrounding hills. The sight of the waterfall, cascading down in multiple tiers, is truly breathtaking. The pristine waters glisten under the sunlight, creating a shimmering display of natural beauty.
The journey to reach Kataldhaar Waterfall involves traversing through scenic trails and lush greenery, further adding to the allure of the experience. The trek offers a chance to immerse oneself in nature's embrace, with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and the fragrance of fresh foliage in the air.
Upon reaching the waterfall, the sheer power and beauty of the cascading water leave an indelible impression. The majestic flow creates a captivating sight, as water plunges down the rocky cliffs, creating a misty spray that cools the surrounding atmosphere. The picturesque backdrop of verdant hills and the serene ambiance make it an ideal spot for relaxation, photography, and reconnecting with nature.
Swimming in the cool waters beneath the waterfall is a refreshing and invigorating experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the embrace of nature. However, it is important to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines, as the water currents can be strong at times.
The surroundings of Kataldhaar Waterfall provide ample space for picnics and enjoying quality time with family and friends. The shaded areas and seating spots allow visitors to savor a meal or simply bask in the beauty of the surroundings. It's advisable to carry snacks, water, and necessary provisions, as there may not be food services available nearby.
One aspect that deserves special mention is the ecological preservation efforts undertaken at Kataldhaar Waterfall. The authorities have taken steps to maintain the cleanliness of the area, ensuring that the natural beauty remains intact. As visitors, it is our responsibility to contribute to this conservation by disposing of waste properly and respecting the environment.
In conclusion, Kataldhaar Waterfall is a captivating natural marvel that beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its awe-inspiring cascade, picturesque surroundings, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace, beauty, and an escape into nature's embrace. Embark on the journey to Kataldhaar Waterfall and witness the power and grace of this majestic cascade, leaving with memories that will...
Read moreKataldhar is a beautiful and relatively lesser-known waterfall located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular trekking destination and an enchanting natural attraction for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Here are some key features and information about Kataldhar Waterfall:
Location: Kataldhar Waterfall is situated near the village of Lonavala, in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra.
Access: The trek to Kataldhar Waterfall starts from the picturesque village of Rajmachi, which is about 15 kilometers from Lonavala. The trek to the waterfall involves a moderate level of difficulty and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pace of the trekkers.
Scenic Beauty: The trek to Kataldhar is known for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and picturesque views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The trail passes through dense forests, small streams, and rocky terrains, making it a delightful experience for nature lovers.
The Magnificent Waterfall: The Kataldhar Waterfall is a seasonal waterfall that flows at its peak during the monsoon season. The waterfall cascades down from a considerable height, forming a mesmerizing curtain of water that adds to the beauty of the surroundings.
Ideal Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kataldhar Waterfall is during the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. During this period, the waterfall is at its fullest, fed by the monsoon rains, and the entire region turns lush and green.
Trekking Experience: The trek to Kataldhar Waterfall offers an adventurous experience, and trekkers can enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of the area. However, as with any trek, it is essential to take necessary precautions, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Note: Since Kataldhar is a seasonal waterfall, its flow might be less pronounced during the dry seasons outside of monsoon.
As always, before planning a trek to Kataldhar Waterfall, it's advisable to check the latest information, weather conditions, and local guidance. Respect the environment, follow responsible trekking practices, and ensure you have a memorable and safe experience in this beautiful...
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