Often referred to as the 'Jewel of Sahyadri’, Lonavala is a perfect weekend getaway destination to unwind amidst lush green valleys, Buddhist caves and serene lakes. Another attraction of this hill station is its postcard-perfect landscapes dotted with some ethereal waterfalls.

Cloaked in serenity, these waterfalls in Lonavala boast a surreal setting with a symphony created by these numerous cascades dropping on enormous rocks.

So, if you seek solitude, visit the following waterfalls in and around the ‘City of Caves’.

Keep reading to know about their location, the best time to visit, how to reach and activities you can enjoy at each spot.

1. Kune Waterfalls, Khandala, Lonavala, Pune

The 14th highest waterfall in India and one of the most-visited falls in Lonavala, Kune Waterfalls is a scenic three-tiered cascade surrounded by a verdant forest. The serene ambience, lush greenery and sprawling water offer an exquisite experience.

Its majestic form of natural beauty set against the backdrop of the majestic Sahyadri range reveals its full glory during the monsoon months.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 660 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via road by tourist bus, car, taxi
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Things to Do: Swimming, zip lining, bathing, trekking, and rappelling
• Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

2. Kataldhar Waterfalls, Rajmachi Village

Though unrecognised due to difficult accessibility and high chances of getting lost in the dense forest, Kataldhar Waterfall is one of the hidden treasures of Ulhas Valley, near Lonavala.

This seasonal waterfall is located on the trekking route to the Rajmachi Fort, serving as a scenic refuge. To get a thrilling view of the Kataldhar thundering down over the boulders and spraying water all around, trek up to the Rajmachi Fort.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 350 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via buses, trains, shared jeeps or rickshaws and private vehicles
• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Things to Do: Trekking, camping, hiking and rappelling
• Ideal trip duration: 4-6 hours

3. Bhaje Waterfalls, Malawali

This Kamshet locale Bhaje Waterfalls truly complements the rugged beauty of the ancient Bhaje Caves. The tranquillity and exotic ambience with verdure all around make every penny worth visiting this enchanting cascade. You should trek to the waterfall to relish the sizzling silver water droplets gushing from the rocky hills.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 200 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM
• How to Reach: Via train, bus, rental bikes or private vehicles
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Things to Do: Camping, rappelling, picnic, and trekking
• Ideal trip duration: 1 hour

4. Zenith Waterfalls, Khopoli

Visit this seasonal waterfall near Lonavala to spend your monsoon blues amidst the true magic of nature. It is surrounded by greenery and picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect weekend getaway destination for both friends and families.

Besides, the trekking trials will lead you through dense woods, uphill terrains, and small patches of vegetation leading to this three-tiered cascade.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 25 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: Throughout the day
• How to Reach: Via train or private vehicle, then 6 KM trekking through the stream
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Things to Do: Trekking, camping, and picnic
• Ideal trip duration: 1-2 hours

5. Madap Waterfall, Khalapur Raigarh

Apart from Raigarh Fort, another prime attraction of the district is Madap Waterfall. This seasonal waterfall is a popular destination for trying out some adventure sports and thus attracts tourists from different parts of India.

Additionally, being close to the Mumbai-Pune expressway, this is an ideal weekend hideout spot with friends.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 126 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via private or public cars or train and then trekking to the falls
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Things to Do: Trekking and rappelling
• Ideal trip duration: 2 hours

6. Jummapatti Waterfalls, Neral Matheran Route

Another rewarding view you must not miss is of Jummapatti Waterfalls, white water cascading over grey rocks amidst the thick carpet of thick green of different shades. It extends a 360-degree view of the Western Ghats, boasting an abundance of natural beauty and rich flora and fauna.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 120 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: Throughout the day
• How to Reach: Via toy train to Matheran or in a private vehicle
• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Things to Do: Rappelling and hiking
• Ideal trip duration: 1-2 hours

7. Bhivpuri Waterfall, Karjat Taluka

Bhivpuri Waterfall offers a dreamlike ambience with an emerald backdrop of the valley. A total of three small streams merge to form this single humongous waterfall lashing down on massive rocks and boulders.

To soak in the calmness of this mystical falls near Lonavala, walk down to the base and take a dip in it. You can also seek peace during rainy months by listening to the roar of the fully blooming waterfall.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 20 ft.
• Entry Fee: NA
• Timing: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via an auto rickshaw or private vehicle to the parking zone and then walking to the waterfall
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Things to Do: Trekking, bathing, and rappelling
• Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

8. Bhagirath Waterfalls, Vangani

Popularly known as the Vangani Waterfall, visit this waterfall on your next weekend trip to enjoy its green and pictorial setting in the lap of nature. To recreate the waterfall throughout the year for tourists, the Government has built Bhagirath Dam at the base.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: Approximately 193 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:30 PM
• How to Reach: Via train to Vangani station, then an auto rickshaw
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Things to Do: trekking, camping and picnic
• Ideal trip duration: 1-3 hours

9. Tamhini Waterfall, Patnus

Nestling at the crest of the Sahyadri range between Mulshi and Tamhini, Tamhini Waterfall offers a sweeping panoramic view of dense green woods. Its infamous verdure dotted with serene lakes makes it an enticing gateway, especially during the monsoon.

To enjoy the solitude amidst these imposingly surreal views, start your trip to Tamhini Waterfalls early in the morning to avoid crowds.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 854 ft.
• Entry Fee: NA
• Timing: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via state buses or private vehicles
• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Things to Do: Trekking, picnic, sightseeing and swimming
• Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

10. Pandavkada Falls, Kharghar Navi Mumbai

Experience the actual strength of nature at this plunge waterfall of the Western Ghats. The waterfall holds some mythological significance too. It is believed that the Pandavas of Mahabharata used to bathe here during their exile.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 351 ft.
• Entry Fee: ₹50/person
• Timing: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via trains or flights and then cab or auto rickshaw or entirely via private vehicles
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Things to Do: Trekking, rappelling, bathing and picnic
• Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

11. Yeoor Waterfall, Upvan, Thane district of Mumbai

A part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, this waterfall is surrounded by hills and valleys, home to various wildlife. The waterfall is stunning to look at, falls at an impressive speed causing a heavenly sound.

You can spot several species of birds, monkeys and deer within the lush green forest and stretches at some portions of the trail.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: NA
• Entry Fees:
  •  Adults: ₹58/person
  • Children: ₹31/person
• Timing: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via buses, taxis or cabs and then a short trek through Yeoor Hills
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, especially during monsoon
• Things to Do: Hiking, bird watching, picnic, and camping
• Ideal trip duration: 3-4 hours

12. Baneshwar Waterfall, Pune

Surrounded by winding hilly terrains and rich flora and fauna, Baneshwar Waterfall flushes down the rock cliff, taking shape like a river. . During monsoon, you can listen to the fall flowing with full force amidst a tranquil ambience.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: NA
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via private vehicles or Pune Government MSRTC
• Best Time to Visit: August to February
• Things to Do: NA
• Ideal trip duration: 2-3 hours

13. Kemburli Waterfall, Ambivali Raigarh

While going to the Raigarh Fort, stop at Kemburli village to visit its namesake waterfall near the Mumbai-Goa highway. Just walk five minutes from the road to enjoy the serenity within lush greenery. Further, it is safe for all ages, thus making it a great one-day trip destination for families.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: Between 65 and 98ft.
• Entry Fee: NA
• Timing: NA
• How to Reach: Via private vehicles
• Best Time to Visit: July to December
• Things to Do: Hiking and sightseeing
• Ideal trip duration: NA

14. Reverse Waterfall, Naneghat

Gushing the water upwards, Reverse Waterfall flows through the majestic mountain range Naneghat, between Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The trekking route is considered to be dating back to the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji evidenced by the ancient caves and rock-cut pots.

However, though the scenic beauty is mostly temporary, trek up to the viewpoint on the rim of the hill to feel the wind and water blowing towards you.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 130 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: Throughout the day
• How to Reach: Via bus or private vehicles till Junnar and then hiking to the waterfalls
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Things to Do: Trekking
• Ideal trip duration: 1-3 hours

15. Dabhosa Waterfall, Dabhosa Village Jawhar

If you are looking for waterfalls near Lonavala that flow every season, visit Dabhosa Waterfall in the Palghar district. This perennial waterfall cascades in a crater shape forming a lake at its bottom and can be seen for around eight months a year.

However, though trekking down can be tricky as heavy rains have washed away the concrete ladders, the risk will be worth taking.

More Details:

• Height of Waterfall: 300 ft.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost
• Timing: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
• How to Reach: Via bus, taxi or cab and then trekking or walking to the waterfall
• Best Time to Visit: July to March
• Things to Do: Rappelling, camp firing, ladder climbing, valley crossing, kayaking, angling, zip lining and trekking
• Ideal trip duration: 1-2 hours