Devkund Waterfall Trek--Untouched beauty of Tamhini Ghat

Basic Info of Devkund Waterfall Trek:

Devkund Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Bhira, in Raigad district. It is a 'plunge' waterfall pouring massive amounts of water on the rocky surface underneath. Devkund Waterfall is a virgin place with clear water. It is the confluence of three waterfalls and is said to be the origin of Kundalika River. It is about a two-hours trek from base village along the dam backwater and through forest to reach this place known as ‘Devkund’. A major part of the trek goes through some semi-dried forests with the river running parallel and sometimes crisscrossing through the route. The water is crystal clear and very cold due to its placement as very less sunlight reaches the pond due to the presence of deep valleys. Devkund is considered holy place by the locals so they maintain its peace and cleanliness. One has to remove footwear to enter the pond. No shoes allowed. Devkund is easy to access as markings and boards are placed all along the way.

How to reach:
Patnus is a Base village for this Trek. It is around 95 KM from Pune. Route to reach at base village is Pune-->Mulshi-->Tamhini Ghat-->Bhira-->Patnus. Parking facility is available at base village. 

Trekkers for this Trek:
Kajal Gupta
Sunil Mehta
Hemant Borole
 
Trekking details:
Difficulty level                        Medium
Base village/District                Patnus, Maharashtra, India.  

It was our first winter trek in 2017. Devkund trek is a popular waterfall trek so it gets crowded over weekend so to avoid any crowd we decided to leave early in the morning. We woke up early, got freshen up and gathered near Wakad chowk at around 06:30 Am. After breakfast and tea, we have started our bike ride on 28th Oct 2017, at around 07:00 Am. We took first break in Mulshi ghat for 10 mins. View of surrounding valley from Mulshi ghat was spectacular.

Beautiful View of Mountains From Mulshi Ghat

Mulshi Lake Road

After drive for 10 mins, we were started seeing beautiful view of Mulshi lake on right side. As we crossed mulshi lake and started driving through Tamhini ghat, the views started getting increasingly good. Tamhini ghat is surrounded by huge mountains, dense woods and lush green valleys all along the way so it will make you journey more amazing.

View of Sunrise from Mulshi Lake

Tamhini Ghat Road

Plus Valley View

After driving for almost 2 hrs through Tamhini ghat, we reached base village at around 10:30 Am. Entry to Devkund waterfall is permitted only from 06:00 Am till 01:00 Pm and also visitors have to start return journey from waterfall before 04:00 Pm. Local guide is compulsory and they charge 50 rs per person. Entry to Devkund waterfall is banned during rainy seasons after some unfortunate incidents in 2015.

Instructions for Visitors

Start Point of Devkund Trek

Wooden and Muddy House on Devkund Trail

There are some food stalls in the village, and the end of it is a small parking and the starting point of the trail. We have parked our bike and started trek towards Devkund waterfall at around 10:40 Am. Local guide was accompanying us during entire trek. After walk for 15-20 mins, you will started seeing view of Bhira Dam on left side and mountains on right side.

Bhira Dam

Local Stalls and Hotels on Devkund Trail

Crab on Trek Route

After 15 mins of walk, you will have to cross water stream. Water of stream was crystal clear and we were able to see stones beneath water. We took break of 5 mins after crossing this stream. We have then started walking towards waterfall. It was simple trail till you reach at another stream. You will see few huts and local stalls on the way. You will also see Local kids standing and selling buttermilk, Nimbupani etc on trek route.

Crossing First Water Stream

View of Bhira Lake from water stream crossing

Crystal Clear Water 

Our guide Leading trail

Wooden House Built inside Dense Forest

We have reached near to second water crossing at around 12:00 Pm. You will see wooden bridge built on river which is used by locals during monsoon season. After crossing river, you will have to ascend for 20-25 mins. The trek from this point is mostly through the dense forest with a few ascends towards the end, which is not very difficult and very rewarding when you finally get to see the waterfall.

Wooden Bridge on Water stream

Forest Trail

After 2 hrs of a trek, you hear the sound of water splashing from a height which is a sign that you are near Devkund waterfalls. When you see the sight, you are in Paradise. You will find people swimming in the pool of the waterfall. However, care must be taken by those who do not know how to swim. You may also find Villagers/ Policemen not allowing people to swim beyond a certain point as it is too deep.

Beautiful view of Water Stream

Trail Through rocks towards Devkund

Ascend that Leads to Devkund waterfall

Devkund waterfall is a holy place so you will have to remove your footwear before entering in waterfall pond. We kept our bags aside, remove footwear and started walking towards waterfall pond. Once you take a dip in Devkund waterfall Pond, you will forget all you tiredness, long walk and ascend. Water was so cold but it was so relaxing. Devkund water pond is more than 50 ft deep so swimming is allowed until certain point. 

Beautiful View of Devkund Waterfall

Snap taken from Action Cam

We have spent around 2 hrs and then started walking towards base village. Descending was easy so we reached at base village within an hour. We got freshen up and had energy boosting tea. We then started our bike ride towards Pune at around 03:30 Pm.

Beautiful view of mountains on return Journey

View of Bhira Dam on the way to return

Shadow of Mountains on Lake

We had Lunch at Dhaba on the way. We spent some time at Mulshi lake in evening and reached Pune at around 07:30 Pm. It was another amazing and memorable trek.

Peaceful Evening at Mulshi Lake

Best time to visit Devkund waterfall:
Devkund Waterfall is a popular and must do trek. As the waterfall is gaining popularity with time, it tends to get crowded as time passes. I would recommend you to start early to have a larger probability of having the waterfall to yourself. Best months to visit waterfall is from October till March. Devkund waterfall is closed during rainy season.

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