Detailed Description

Malshej Ghat is a scenic hill station, situated at an altitude of 700 metres (2300 feet) above the sea level.  The entire ghat is a fascinating tourist destination with a rejuvenating climate.

 

 

 

It is famous for its numerous lakes, cascading waterfalls and charming mountains. The entire ghat is a favorite tourist destination of hikers, trekkers, adventurers and nature lovers.

 

 

 

Furthermore, the typical woody countryside of Malshej ghat is distinguished for its rich flora and fauna, historic forts on Rocky Mountains, enthralling rivers, meandering waterfalls, resorts and sanctuaries.

 

 

 

The hilltops have countless cascading waterfalls, which add to natural beauty and splendor of the region. With at least 15 waterfalls in the zone of 10 km, the place is very crowded in monsoon during weekends, so make sure you plan accordingly if travelling with family.

 

 

 

During monsoons some of the waterfalls are too big, that they reach the road.  It is a sheer joy to walk through the gushing water, which makes waterfall canopies on the road. Rain, mist, fog and the cascading waterfalls amidst of woody forest are an eye catching sight one can never forget for a life time.

 

 

 

So pack your bags, leave the city life behind and let the clouds show you the trails. Soon you will find yourself surrounded by a million waterfalls. That is Malshej Ghat for you.

 

 

 

How to Reach

 

Malshej ghat is an average height of 700 metres and is situated in Pune district.It is at a distance of 130 km north of Pune city and 154 km from Mumbai city towards northeast.

 

 

By Rail:

 

The nearest railway station is Kalyan Station or Karjat. From Kalyan Railway Station, one can take state transport buses that commute frequently between Kalyan and Ahmednagar.  State Transport Bus Station is right next to the railway station(Kalyan). Furthermore,  any Ahmednagar bound bus will stop at Malshej Ghat. It will approximately take 1.5 hrs by bus from Kalyan. 

 

 

By Road (Car):

 

To go to Malshej ghat by road From Pune, take Pune-Nashik highway (NH-50) to Alephata and turn left on Kalyan-Ahmednagar Highway (SH-222) towards Kalyan.

 

From Mumbai, take NH3 to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad or take state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhare.

 

OR

 

Mumbai –> Thane –> Saravali –> Kon –> Kalyan –> Shahad –> Bapsai –> Kolimb –> Murbad –> Saralgaon –> Kasgaon –> Tokawade and finally Malshej Ghat starts.

 

 

Activities

 

 

Malshej Ghat is a beautiful valley and is ideal for hiking, monsoon trekking, rappelling and paragliding. But it is highly recommended to go with professional adventurers company for any such adventure sport around these ghats, as inexperience can be dangerous.

 

 

The monsoon months from June to September are the magical time to visit Malshej Ghat. During this time of the year, the hills are soothing; with calm and cool weather, misty tops, waterfalls and lush green surroundings.

 

 

The winter’s months between November and February, the lofty hills of the Western Ghats are a paradise for trekkers and hikers. You can go about exploring the mysterious trails and make your own way in and out of the forests.

 

 

While in summer between March and May, early mornings and evenings are a pleasant time to visit the Ghats and spend some romantic moments.

 

 

Places to see near Malshej Ghat

 

 

Pimpalgaon Joga Dam

 

Just beyond Malshej is the vast Pimpalgaon Lake where migratory flamingoes are easily sighted during the rainy season.  The dam with its lofty cliffs and the vast expanse of backwaters presents spectacular scenery. A haven of so many bird species like purple moorhen, pitta, alpine swift, whistling thrush, green pigeon, quail, and pied crested cuckoo, Pimpalgaon Joga dam is a bird watchers delight.

 

 

Numerous WaterFalls 

 

Monsoon with its extraordinary charm of rain, make Malshej Ghat a symphony of waterfalls. A hilltop with countless cascading waterfalls, Malshej Ghat is adorned with natural beauty and splendor.Rain, mist, fog and the cascading water falls amidst of woody forest are an eye catching sight one can never forget for a life time.

 

 

 

Shivneri Fort

 

The birthplace of legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, The Shivneri Fort is not very far (approximately 40 km) from Malshej Ghat. Shivneri Fort, a beautiful old fort with lots of water ponds, old rocks and other attractions.

 

Harishchandragad

 

Through Khireshwar village, one can visit the famous Harishchandragadh(Hill Fort). One of the beauties here are many waterfalls in the hilly regions. 

 

 

Though a day return trip from Mumbai or Pune is very feasible, ideally one should spend 3 to 4 days at Malshej Ghat, taking in as well historic Junnar, the ancient Lenyadri caves and the Shivneri fort which are just a short drive beyond the Pimpalgaon Lake.

 

 

Where to Eat and Stay

 

The only proper accommodation option in midst of Malshej Ghat is the MTDC resort and is located in centre of this valley at Flamingo Hills. Tourists coming on one day picnic at Malshej Ghat can have snacks, lunch, tea and coffee and get fresh as it does has wash room facilities.

 

 

At various points on the ghats, where you have smaller waterfalls and stunning views, you will have a bhuttawala's(corn sellers), tea stalls  and vendors cooking piping hot omlette's, bhurji, and boiled eggs.

 

 

While driving to Malshej Ghat, take a stopover to buy local fruits like mulberries.

 

 

Camping

 

There is no official arrangement or infrastructure for camping at the water falls near Malshej ghat.

 

 

But adventure enthusiast seeking adventure can try their luck and seek permission from the local authorities and enjoy a camp near the falls.

 

 

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy overnight camping along the lakeside and barbeque meals at the Malshej Ghat, these overnight camps are organised by professional adventure companies from Mumbai and Pune.

 

 

Khireshwar village near Malshej Ghat is where most of the overnight camps are organized. The village gives spectacular view of Harischandragad with its Citadel and Taramati peak.

 

 

Here campers can enjoy the tented accommodation by the lake side where a camp fire can be set and barbeque served.

 

 

A Humble Request

 

While visiting Malshej Ghat Waterfalls, please do not litter and help keep the nature and surroundings clean by carrying back your thrash and disposing it in a decent manner.

 

 

Also do not pollute the water as it is an important source of water for the people living in the nearby villages.

 

 

Kindly support nature as these small actions by each one of us will help preserve our beautiful waterfalls.