We were at a family function in Pune when we decided to explore the renowned western ghats near Pune. Tamhini ghats are what we chose. We all know about the beauty of Western ghats and how it gets enhanced during monsoons. Our drive from Pune to Tamhini ghats that too during the monsoons were mesmerizing that we can’t even move our eyes from the picture of cascading natural waterfalls.
Location & Connectivity
Tamhini Ghat is
- 70 Kms from Pune
- 65 Kms from Lonavala
- 115 Kms from Vashi
- 150 Kms from Mumbai
Western ghats are studded with many scenic and seasonal waterfalls during Monsoons.
Tamhini Ghat is situated on the crest of Western ghat mountain ranges between Mulshi Dam and Tamhini in Maharashtra. Tamhini is known for its scenic beauty, cascading waterfalls, and hairpin-like turns and lakes.
This ghat is around 70 kms from Pune thus it is ideal for a day picnic. Otherwise an offbeat location it blooms during monsoons so August and September are the ideal time to visit this natural wonder.
Mulshi Dam: is on the way to Tamhini, almost midway, thus giving an additional place to enjoy en route. Mulshi Dam is huge. Overlooking the Dam, are many luxury resorts, wellness centers, and even homestays. Far away from city life, it is a quaint and calm place to relax and enjoy.
Our journey Our Way
We started at around 9 AM in the morning. It was mid-august and raining heavily. Time taken as compared to the distance was comparatively more because it’s a hilly area and even the conditions of the roads were not so good.
Mulshi Dam or the reservoir is so huge that it is difficult to compare. Tata even has its power plant there. As we reached Mulshi Dam it was on and off raining, so we thought of enjoying a short break with a beautiful view and hot steaming sweet corn from the local stall along the dam.
As we moved further we couldn’t move our eyes from the breathtaking view of the seasonal waterfalls. We were so excited that kids wanted to stop now and then. And after moving ahead at around 2 PM we reached the bigger waterfall, the Tamhini waterfall.
We couldn’t get under the falls and enjoy as we were not aware and prepared but people who know about the place were even trekking to the high points of the fall and carrying clothes to change if required. So we just enjoyed sitting around. Most people were in groups of friends and family.
As every such place is incomplete without a Maggie stall here also there was one. Maggie, pakoras, waterfall, rain, and a cup of hot tea. You can very well imagine how contended we could have felt.
As we headed back, it was post-lunch and we were too hungry so we stopped at Basho’s which is one of the restaurants and resorts overlooking the Mulshi Dam. The view and the food preparation was very good. It was only by late evening we reached back home, Pune.
Few Important points not to be missed
- As it’s a seasonal tourist spot, it has a parking lot but not so good public convenience facilities, but still, it was manageable.
- An offbeat route so the road condition was really bad when we went.
- Do carry enough food and water, as very few shops were there, but you can really enjoy small tea stalls along.
- Although the distance is less but the time taken to reach Tamhini was more than expected because of the road condition.
- Do carry an extra pair of clothes just in case.
To conclude
From the city to the outskirts, from the outskirts to the dam, from the dam to the ghats, from the ghats to the natural and seasonal waterfalls it was all very beautiful, soothing and a treat to our eyes.