Devkund Waterfall- It Is An Awesome Hidden Trek

DEVKUND WATERFALL-IT IS AN AWESOME HIDDEN TREK

ABOUT DEVKUND

Devkund (Dev means God and Kund means Reservior) is hidden waterfall situated in the range of Tamhini Ghat. It is ‘plunge’ waterfall pouring massive amount of water on rocky surface. The place is till date so true to its name. It is confluence of three waterfalls and it is said to be the origin of Kundalika River. It is located in Bhira Patnus village. Very few people had an idea about this place. Though it is attractive, several live has been lost here as some fellows tried to visit this place without knowing anything. It is three hours trek from base village passing through back water to reach ‘Devkund waterfall’. This is one of worth visiting place from Tamhini Ghat region. Devkund waterfall is 6 km long stretch from base village. Very few people are connected with this place due to jungle trail. This is also known as hidden waterfall trek.

HOW YOU CAN REACH TO DEVKUND WATERFALL

BY AIR

Nearest airport is Pune and Mumbai International airport. One can take self-drive car to Devkund or can also option for bus.

BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station is Karjat and Khopoli where rail route is accessible from major cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nashik which is further connected to other states of India. From Karjat and Khopoli bus service available towards Pali village. Take another bus from Pali towards Bhira village which is base village of trek.

BY ROAD

Devkund is 170 km from Mumbai and 100 km from Pune. There is diversion from Khopoli towards village Pali and then further to Bhira village. From Mumbai you can drive to Khopoli-Pali-Bhira. From Pune you can drive to Tamhini ghat and then to Bhira village. Bus service available from Khopoli and Karjat towards Pali and Bhira village but Frequency is low. (Bus fare may cost around 60 to 70 INR).

Self-drive vehicle is preferable and time saving way to reach. 

After getting in touch with social media I found Devkund a hidden waterfall from Bhira village which is less known and more graceful. I goggled more about this hidden trek and found one of the mesmerizing trek from Maharashtra and decided to visit here. I gathered more information to reach there. There is no doubt as it was going to be one of the thrilling experience, but keep in mind this is the place where several live has lost there. Not to worry, this is safe if we go with proper information.

Being frequent traveler I usually prefer to travel by bike which is money saving and also time consuming for me. So this time also I took my Honda shine and Activa along with my 3 more group mate traveled to Devkund via Khopoli Pali road from Mumbai. It took us 2 and half hours to reach Pali as road ahead of Imagica on Pali road is under construction. As we are on the way to Bhira village there were so many bikers and cars on the way to Bhira. Those crowd was only for hidden trek. After drive of 3 hours we reached Bhira village and parked our vehicle at one corner. After reaching near to Devkund, we all were so happy but here comes some twist in story. There was huge queue of people at entrance of the forest where start point of trek lies and their face was looking disappointed. When I went to check what has happened, there were few police in front and said due to huge crowd near to waterfall area we are sealing off tourist to enter. It felt that somebody scratched my happiness forcefully. As I said Devkund is safe if one go with proper information. Heavy monsoon at Devkund can lock the place for tourist. After sometime everyone tried to request police since so many people had come from long way to witness the beauty of this place. Cops made us to wait for some-time and after about 30 minutes they showed their kindness and asked us to move in queue following cops rules and regulation. I was so happy now and started moving in queue towards destination.

TREK TO DEVKUND WATERFALL

Moving further to my experience we started our trek through dense forest where the walking trail is as narrow as people have to hold each other while passing with those who are coming from opposite direction. Initial 45 minute trek is through dense forest and some vast area that also passes through Bhira dam with marvelous view of back water on left side. People also do camping near to this back water in other season as view of surrounding is amazing. To walk in this dense forest one must have shoes with proper sole. This trail is well marked with arrow so there is least chances of getting lost. Slight descend from here will take you along the banks of the reservoir from where the trail connects further into forest. In this 45 minutes trail you have to cross the river, as increased in water flow was making it bit difficult for us to move. There is one small River crossing where thick rope was tied to cross the water streams, and at Second River local villagers have put wooden bridge to cross Kundalika River that goes from this trail. The bridge was placed in such manner where 3 to 4 persons at a time can pass through that bridge. We wasted almost half hour extra to cross this trail. The route through the dense forest, one can only imagine lush greeneries on all the side. The trekking experience through the forest was remarkable.

FIRST WATER STREAMS THAT NEED TO CROSS WITH THE HELP OF ROPE

WOODEN BRIDGE THAT HELPS TO CROSS THE KUNDALIKA RIVER STREAM

Moving further in the trail route started with ascending up for some more minutes. Though the climb isn’t steep, one needs good amount of energy. You may find small huts selling lemon juice and snacks. The climb is through dense forest hence little care needs to be taken while moving. Once you start the trek, I am pretty sure you will take photo session break for every 10 minutes as view are amazing filled with flora and fauna. Slowly sound of water appears on your ear which seems like you are meditating. Post completion of this climb a 10 minutes trail is open that passes through rocky patch and it also takes you to beautiful waterfall called Devkund.  

Locals have marked line of control in the pond. Swimming in the first half is allowed. No one is allowed to go to the point where water streams directly hits the ground as the depth over there is around 60 feet and there have been incidences of visitors drowning in it. We stayed here for some-time to enjoy the breathe taking view. Being a weekend it was so crowded. At waterfall area there is small hut that sells ‘tea and hot Pakoda’.

After clicking some pictures we started return journey since we were running out of time and it was raining very heavily. Do carry proper bag-pack loaded with some energy bar and water that may keep your body re hydrated throughout the trek. Here we ended our trek with cherish memories for lifetime.

My total expenses per person was:

Bike Petrol- 650

Food-200

Entry fees-50 per person.

BACK WATER PLACE AT DEVKUND

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT DEVKUND TREK

It is best to go during the monsoon. Temperature is on lower side and the atmosphere is perfect for trek. Avoid going in heavy monsoon as locals close the trek. Post monsoon up to February month you can visit there to witness waterfall. Apart from temperature you can also visit there if one wants to do camping near back water.

WHERE TO STAY

Local home stays can be done along with home-made food.

Bhira village has some lodge and resorts around. The range varies from 1500 to 2500 INR per person.

In non-rainy season Camping is the best way to get engaged near Dam.

Local may provide tents on rent.

WHAT TO EAT NEAR DEVKUND WATERFALL

Being local village never miss chance to taste home-made food from locals. Veg and Non veg can be served.

THINGS TO EXPLORE AROUND DEVKUND WATERFALL

• Devkund trek
• Camping near Bhira Dam
• Tamhini Ghat located on the distance of 40 km.
• River rafting at Kolad which is on the distance of 25 km.
• Ashtavinayak temple at Pali.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING DEVKUND WATERFALL

• Avoid visiting this place in heavy monsoon because some-times trek remain close for security reason.
• Entry fees are 50 INR per person.
• Carry proper hiking shoes as the route is through dense forest.
• Keep waterproof bag-pack loaded with snacks and water.
• Reach early before 12 noon. After 12 noon entry gets closed.
• Better to drive your own vehicle which would be time consuming and money saving as parking space is available at base.
• No need to take guide. 
• Do not litter the area.