Bhandardara Waterfall Tour
When the monsoon sweeps across the Sahyadris, Bhandardara becomes the waterfall capital of Maharashtra — and our one-day Bhandardara Waterfall Tour takes you straight into the heart of it. Just 165 km from Mumbai and 156 km from Pune, this Western Ghats hill station comes alive between June and September with cascades on every turn, misty green valleys, and the tranquil waters of Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam.
On this guided trip you'll go waterfall-hopping across 5–6 of the region's finest falls — the thundering Randha Falls, the seasonal Umbrella Falls below Wilson Dam, and the lesser-known Necklace, Nhani and Vasundhara falls tucked along the Ratanwadi trail. You'll also seek blessings at the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Temple and walk through paddy fields wrapped in cloud. Easy enough for first-time trekkers, families and solo travellers, yet scenic enough to keep photographers busy all day, it's the perfect monsoon escape — peaceful, adventurous, and unforgettable.
Top Waterfall Attractions
- Randha Falls: A massive 170-foot plunge on the Pravara River, best viewed during peak monsoon.
- Umbrella Falls: Created by the overflow of Wilson Dam, fanning out into a natural umbrella shape over the rocks.
- Necklace, Vasundhara & Nhani Falls: Picturesque jungle cascades along the Ratanwadi trail — perfect for waterfall-hopping and monsoon photography.
- Reverse Waterfall (Samrad): On the way near Sandhan Valley, where strong valley winds push the water upward instead of letting it fall — a mesmerising monsoon-only phenomenon and one of the tour's highlights.
- Amruteshwar Temple & Wilson Dam: Round off the circuit with the 1,200-year-old Hemadpanthi temple in Ratanwadi and the historic 1910 dam on the Pravara River.
Bhandardara Waterfall Tour Itinerary from Mumbai
A one-night, one-day monsoon getaway from Mumbai to the waterfalls of Bhandardara, with overnight travel so you reach the base village by dawn and spend the full day waterfall-hopping.
Day Zero — Saturday Night (Departure & Pickups from Mumbai)
- 09:45 PM — Assemble at Borivali National Park main gate. View on Map
- 10:00 PM — Depart for Bhandardara.
- 10:10 PM — Pickup at Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon. View on Map
- 10:30 PM — Pickup at Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. View on Map
- 10:45 PM — Pickup at Kala Nagar Bus Stop, Bandra. View on Map
- 11:00 PM — Pickup at Everard Nagar Bus Stop, Sion. View on Map
- 11:10 PM — Pickup at Amar Mahal, Ghatkopar. View on Map
- 11:30 PM — Pickup at Teen Hath Naka, Thane. View on Map
- 12:00 AM — Final pickup at Kalyan Bypass. View on Map
Settle in for an overnight drive of roughly 165 km as we head into the Sahyadris.
Day One — Sunday (Bhandardara Waterfall Exploration)
- 05:00 AM — Reach the base village in the Bhandardara dam region. Freshen up and soak in the misty mountain morning.
- 05:30 AM — Breakfast.
- 06:30 AM — Begin our waterfall-hopping tour. Explore the region's finest cascades, including Vasundhara Waterfall, Koltembhe Waterfall, Nhani Waterfall and the Necklace Fall viewpoint, set among forest and paddy fields.
- Visit the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Temple in Ratanwadi — an ancient Hemadpanthi Shiva temple known for its intricate stone carvings.
- 01:00 PM — Lunch. Enjoy an authentic local Maharashtrian veg thali.
- Post-lunch — Head to the famous Reverse Waterfall, where strong monsoon winds push the water upward instead of letting it fall.
- 04:00 PM — Begin the return journey to Mumbai.
- 11:00 PM — Approximate arrival in Mumbai. Please note that ghat roads can be slow in heavy monsoon, so some delays are expected.
Bhandardara Waterfall Tour Itinerary (from Pune)
A one-day monsoon escape from Pune to the waterfalls of Bhandardara with Treks and Trails India — overnight travel so you reach the base village by dawn and spend the full day waterfall-hopping across the Sahyadris, just ~156 km from the city.
Day Zero — Pickup Points from Pune
- Novotel Hotel, Viman Nagar — 11:00 PM — View on Map
- J.M. Corner, JM Road — 11:30 PM — View on Map
- Bremen Chowk, Aundh — 11:45 PM — View on Map
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MSRTC Bus Stop (Below Flyover), Nashik Phata — 12:00 AM — View on Map
Day One — Bhandardara Waterfall Exploration
- 04:00 AM — Arrive at the base village in the Bhandardara dam region. Meet your Treks and Trails leader and fellow trekkers, rest, gear up and prepare for the day ahead.
- 07:00 AM – 01:00 PM — After a quick breakfast, begin your exploration. Seek blessings at the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Temple in Ratanwadi, then go waterfall-hopping across 5–6 of the region's finest cascades — including Vasundhara, Koltembhe and Nhani falls and the Necklace Fall viewpoint — set among forest and paddy fields.
- 02:00 PM — Return to the base village for a refreshing break and a hearty lunch of authentic Maharashtrian cuisine, a well-deserved treat after your morning trek.
- 02:00 – 03:00 PM — Relax and unwind, then begin the return journey to Pune, leaving no trace behind in the village or forest.
- 09:00 – 11:00 PM — Approximate arrival back in Pune, carrying memories of lush trails, misty valleys and the spectacular waterfalls of Bhandardara.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, dam water release, traffic or other unforeseen circumstances, and can be customised for private batches. Umbrella Falls and Randha Falls are seasonal and visible only when the dam overflows. Please follow all safety guidelines and respect the environment while exploring the wilderness.
Bhandardara Waterfall
What is included in the tour
- 1 veg Breakfast and 1 veg lunch
- Pune to Pune - Non AC Bus
- Mumbai to Mumbai travel by private AC vehicle
- Trek Leader expertise charges.
- Forest Entry fees
What is NOT included in the tour
- Entry fee for foreign nationals
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
- Private car guest will have to pay entry fees on own expense
- 2/3 liters of water
- Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on trek
- Good Torch must with extra battery
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters
- Rains are expected, so pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet
- Double pack your valuables / phones in plastic bags
- Rainwear / Poncho / Waterproof jacket etc. if you don’t want to get wet
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
- Identity Proof
- Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
Cancellation Policy and Charges
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- Refunds won't be issued if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns or a personal medical emergency.
- Your booking cannot be shifted to another date if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns, or a personal medical emergency.
- If your area is prone to flooding, traveling from a flooded area, heavy traffic, heavy rains, missing the train, or any other reason, if you cannot attend the event, we won't issue a refund or shift you to another date.
- Management won't be held responsible if you are stuck due to heavy rains, traffic jams, personal emergencies or floods during the event.
- If you are bringing kids, please understand the possibility of getting stuck or delayed. You might have to stay back due to heavy rains, floods, bus breakdowns, and rush at the trekking destination. We won't be able to refund or shift you to another date. You will have to wait it out till the weather clears.
- Due to bad weather, floods, sudden changes in government rules, and overcrowding at the destination trek, the organizer has the right to change the trekking destination.
- During the trek , due to any circumstances seen or unseen trek leader has the right to cancel the trek for safety reason. No refund shall be issued.
Bhandardara Waterfall Tour — Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Trip
Which waterfalls are covered in the Bhandardara waterfall tour? The tour covers 5–6 waterfalls in the Bhandardara dam region, including the iconic Randha Falls, the seasonal Umbrella Falls below Wilson Dam, and the offbeat Necklace, Nhani and Vasundhara falls along the Ratanwadi trail. You also visit the 1,200-year-old Amruteshwar Temple.
What is the best time to visit Bhandardara waterfalls? The monsoon, from mid-June to late September, is the best time. The waterfalls are at their fullest in July and August. Umbrella Falls and Randha Falls only flow strongly when Wilson Dam overflows, so peak monsoon is ideal.
Can you visit Bhandardara waterfalls in summer? Most waterfalls run dry outside the monsoon. In summer (March–May), the lakes, dam and Amruteshwar Temple are still worth visiting, but for the full waterfall experience you should plan your trip during the rains.
How many days do you need for Bhandardara? One day is enough to cover the main waterfalls, the temple and the dam region on a guided trip. Two days lets you add trekking and camping at Kalsubai Peak or Sandhan Valley.
Getting There
How far is Bhandardara from Mumbai? Bhandardara is about 165 km from Mumbai, roughly a 4–5 hour drive. Our tour includes overnight private AC travel with pickups across Mumbai, from Borivali to Kalyan.
How far is Bhandardara from Pune? Bhandardara is about 156 km from Pune, roughly a 4–5 hour drive. Our Pune departure has pickups at Viman Nagar, JM Road, Aundh and Nashik Phata.
What is the nearest railway station to Bhandardara? The nearest railheads are Igatpuri and Kasara on the Mumbai–Nashik line. From there it is a short road journey to the Bhandardara dam region.
Is there a self-drive option for the Bhandardara tour? Self-drive travellers can join at the base village by 04:00 AM. Download offline Google Maps in advance, as mobile network is patchy in the mountains.
On the Tour
Is the Bhandardara waterfall tour suitable for beginners and families? Yes. It is an easy, guided one-day trip suitable for first-time trekkers, families and solo travellers. Solo trekkers are welcomed, and a 6:4 male-to-female ratio is maintained per batch, with female trek guides assigned when available.
What is the Reverse Waterfall in Bhandardara? The Reverse Waterfall is a monsoon phenomenon where strong winds push falling water upward instead of letting it drop. It is one of the most photographed sights near the Naneghat–Bhandardara region.
What should I carry for the Bhandardara waterfall tour? Carry trekking shoes with good grip, a raincoat or poncho, 1–2 litres of water, a torch, a power bank, personal medicines, an ID proof, and a complete spare set of clothes. Pack valuables in plastic bags as heavy rain is expected.
Is food included on the tour? Yes. The package includes one vegetarian breakfast and one Maharashtrian veg thali lunch. Jain food is available — please mention it in the comments at the time of booking.
Are toilets and parking available? Basic Indian-style toilets are available at the base camp. Parking is available at the base, with a fee payable to the local panchayat.
Booking & Pricing
How much does the Bhandardara waterfall tour cost? The Mumbai-to-Mumbai tour starts at ₹1,999 per person, including AC travel, breakfast, lunch and trek leader charges. An early-booking discount (EARLY75) is available.
Can the Bhandardara tour be booked as a private group? Yes, the itinerary can be customised for private batches based on your preferred pickups, pace and the activities available on the date.
What is the Reverse Waterfall near Bhandardara? The Reverse Waterfall is a monsoon phenomenon in the Sahyadris where strong valley winds push falling water upward instead of letting it drop. The most famous reverse waterfalls in Maharashtra are at Samrad–Sandhan Valley area near Bhandardara and Ghatghar, best seen during peak monsoon when winds are strongest.
