Kondhane Caves Waterfall Trek
The Kondhane Caves Trek is one of the easiest and most rewarding monsoon treks near Mumbai — a short, gentle hike that's perfect for first-time trekkers, beginners, families, and kids. In just about an hour's walk from the base village, you reach a cluster of 2,000-year-old Buddhist rock-cut caves set beside a beautiful seasonal waterfall, making it a wonderful introduction to trekking in the Sahyadris.
There's no steep or technical climbing here — just a scenic forest trail that rewards you with history, greenery, and a refreshing monsoon waterfall. With a quick journey from Mumbai and a budget-friendly cost, it's an ideal weekend escape for families and groups looking to enjoy nature without a demanding trek.
- Location: Kondivade village, near Karjat, Raigad district
- Difficulty: Easy — ideal for beginners, families, and kids
- Climb time: About 1 hour one way (short and gentle)
- Waterfall height: Around 115 feet (seasonal — monsoon only)
- Distance from Mumbai: ~83 km
- Best season: Monsoon (June to September)
- Cost: ₹1500 per person (incl. GST)
Looking for an easy first trek? Kondhane is one of the most beginner- and family-friendly waterfall treks near Mumbai. On the same mountain as Rajmachi Fort — pair the two for a longer day out.
Cost for Kondhane Caves Trek
- Cost without transport: Rs. 899/- per person
- Cost with transport: Rs. 1499/- per person
Kondhane Caves Trek Itinerary — From Mumbai
Day One
- 05:00 AM — Meet at Borivali National Park main gate. (Map)
- 05:10 AM — Depart for the trek.
- 05:20 AM — Pickup at Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon. (Map)
- 05:30 AM — Pickup at Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. (Map)
- 05:40 AM — Pickup at Kalanagar Bus Stop, Bandra. (Map)
- 05:45 AM — Pickup at Everard Nagar Bus Stop, Sion. (Map)
- 06:00 AM — Pickup at Diamond Garden, Chembur. (Map)
- 06:25 AM — Pickup at Vashi Plaza. (Map)
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06:55 AM — Pickup at McDonald's, Kalamboli. (Map)
- 09:00 AM — Reach Kondivade base village and have breakfast.
- 09:45 AM — Begin the gentle ascent through forest towards the Kondhane Caves.
- 10:45 AM — Reach the caves and waterfall; explore the 2,000-year-old Buddhist caves and enjoy the waterfall safely from a distance.
- 12:00 PM — Begin the descent.
- 01:00 PM — Reach the base village and have lunch.
- 02:00 PM — Begin the return journey towards Mumbai.
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06:30 PM — Approximate arrival in Mumbai (depending on traffic).
Note: The waterfall is visible only during the monsoon season. This itinerary is indicative and timings may shift with weather, traffic, and group pace. The trek leader's decisions on the day are final and made in the interest of group safety.
How to Book the Kondane Caves Trek
- Click the "Book Now" button.
- Select your departure date and tap Pay and Book.
- Choose your ticket type and quantity. Apply your coupon code here if you have one.
- Fill in your personal details, then review and proceed to payment.
- Pay securely via UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- You'll receive a booking confirmation by email, so please enter a valid email ID.
- A WhatsApp group link is sent to your number around 8 hours before departure, so do add a valid WhatsApp number while booking.
- All event details and your trek leader's contact will be shared in that WhatsApp group
Trekking in Western Ghats
Waterfall at Kondane Caves
What is included in the tour
- 1 veg Breakfast and 1 veg Lunch
- Dadar to Dadar travel by private AC bus
- Guide
- Treks and Trails expertise charges
- GST
What is NOT included in the tour
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
- Any kind of personal expenses (Camera charges, etc.)
- 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
- 2/3 liters of water.
- Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on trek.
- One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters.
- Good Torch must with extra battery.
- Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars.
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQ — Kondhane Caves Trek & Nearby Treks
What other treks are near the Kondhane Caves?
The Kondhane Caves sit in a dense cluster of Sahyadri treks near Karjat, so several easy and moderate trails lie close by. Within the same belt you have Rajmachi Fort (on the same mountain as the caves), Korigad Fort, Lohagad Fort, Sondai Fort, and Karnala Fort, plus seasonal monsoon waterfall trails. Most are beginner to moderate and can be done as a one-day trip from Mumbai.
How do I trek to Rajmachi Fort from the Kondhane Caves?
The Kondhane Caves and Rajmachi Fort lie on the same mountain, connected by a single continuous trail. From the caves you continue uphill along the ridge to reach Udhewadi village and the twin Rajmachi forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. This Karjat-side approach via Kondhane is the more adventurous and scenic route; the alternative is the longer, gentler 16 km approach from Lonavala. Trekkers commonly explore the 2,000-year-old caves first and then push up to Rajmachi for a fuller day. See our combined Rajmachi and Kondhane Caves Trek for the full route.
Which is a good one-day trek near Mumbai for beginners?
The Kondhane Caves Trek itself is one of the best one-day beginner treks near Mumbai, about 83 km away with only a gentle one-hour climb. If you want similar easy day trips, Sondai Fort (near Karjat, ~80 km) and Korigad Fort (near Lonavala) are also short, well-marked, and beginner-friendly, and all three can be done and returned in a single day from Mumbai.
What are the best treks near Karjat?
Karjat is one of Maharashtra's busiest trekking hubs, with trails ranging from easy to tough. Popular options include the Kondhane Caves Trek (easy, historic Buddhist caves and a monsoon waterfall), Sondai Fort (easy, 360-degree summit views), Kothaligad or Peth Fort (easy to moderate, with a carved funnel pinnacle), and Rajmachi Fort (moderate, via the Kondhane ridge). The monsoon, June to September, is the most scenic season for all of them.
Are there treks near Khopoli close to the Kondhane Caves?
Yes. Khopoli is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway exit used to reach this side of the Sahyadris, and the Kondhane Caves are a short drive from it. The same region around Khopoli and Karjat includes Sondai Fort and the Rajmachi-Kondhane ridge, along with seasonal monsoon waterfalls. The Khopoli exit is the quickest road approach to the Kondhane and Rajmachi base from Mumbai.
What treks are near Lonavala?
Lonavala anchors the western side of this trekking belt and shares several trails with the Karjat side. Notable Lonavala treks include Rajmachi Fort (reachable from Lonavala or via the Kondhane Caves from Karjat), Korigad Fort (an easy two-hour climb to a 500-year-old gate), Lohagad Fort (a popular beginner fort trek), and Duke's Nose. Rajmachi is the direct link between Lonavala and the Kondhane Caves, since both approaches meet at the same fort.
Is the Kondhane Caves trek connected to any longer trek?
Yes. Beyond the standalone caves walk, Kondhane is the Karjat-side gateway to the longer Rajmachi Fort trek. Because the two share a mountain and a connecting trail, you can combine them into a single longer outing that pairs ancient Buddhist heritage with a Maratha-era hill fort.
