Devkund Waterfall Trek is a scenic and beginner-friendly adventure nestled in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, ideal for a one-day escape into nature. Located near Bhira village in Raigad district, it offers lush forest trails, stream crossings, and a stunning plunge waterfall.
🏞️ Trek Overview
- Location: Bhira village, near Kolad, Raigad district, Maharashtra
- Distance from Mumbai: ~170 km; from Pune: ~110 km
- Trek Distance: 5–6 km one way
- Duration: ~2–3 hours each way
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate – suitable for beginners
- Altitude: ~2,700 ft
- Best Season: June to September (monsoon and post-monsoon)
🌿 What Makes Devkund Special
- Rare plunge waterfall that flows year-round, forming a turquoise natural pool
- Mythological significance – known as the “Bathing Pond of Gods”
- Origin of Kundalika River, popular for river rafting
- Surrounding beauty: Dense forests, wooden bridges, and views of Tamhini Ghat
🚶♂️ Trek Route Highlights
- Starts from Bhira village, passing through:
- Lush jungle trails
- 3–4 stream crossings
- Open meadows and rocky patches
- Mulshi Dam (Tata Power’s hydroelectric plant)
- Final ascent of ~300 ft before reaching the waterfall
🧭 How to Reach
- From Mumbai/Pune: Drive via Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Kolad, then to Bhira
- Public transport: Train to Khopoli or Mangaon, then local transport to Bhira
💡 Tips for Trekkers
- Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather
- Wear sturdy shoes – terrain can be muddy and slippery
- Carry essentials: Water, snacks, rain gear (especially in monsoon), and a small first-aid kit
- Local guides are recommended for safety and navigation
💰 Trek Cost
- Typical fees: ₹799 to ₹2,500 depending on the organizer and inclusions (transport, meals, guide)
Would you like help finding a trek group or booking options for Devkund? I can assist with that too!
The Devkund Waterfall Trek details are as follows:
- How long is the Devkund Waterfall Trek?
The one-way trek distance is typically 6 to 8 kilometers (approximately 4 to 5 miles).1 The round trip is around 12 to 16 kilometers (approximately 8 to 10 miles).2
- Trek Duration:
It generally takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the waterfall from the base village and another 2 to 3 hours for the return, making the total walking time about 4 to 6 hours.
- What is the difficulty level of Devkund?
The difficulty level is generally considered Easy to Moderate.3 It is suitable for beginners with basic fitness, but the trail involves some river crossings and rocky, slippery patches, especially during the monsoon season.4
- Is Devkund Trek safe?
The trek is considered safe with proper precautions and guidance.5 However, the area has seen accidents, primarily due to drowning in the deep plunge pool at the waterfall’s base, especially during the monsoon when water flow is heavy.6
- Safety recommendations often include:
- Trekking with a local guide (sometimes mandatory).
- Wearing sturdy trekking shoes with a good grip.
- Avoiding swimming in the waterfall’s main pool, which is very deep and has strong undercurrents.
- Avoiding the trek during heavy rainfall or red alerts due to flash flood risks and slippery paths.
- Safety recommendations often include:
- How many people died in Devkund Waterfall?
Specific cumulative death tolls are not consistently reported in a single, verified number. However, news reports indicate that multiple drowning incidents have occurred at Devkund Waterfall over the years. These incidents have often led to temporary bans or restrictions on entry and swimming, especially during the monsoon season. Safety measures are frequently reinforced due to these past tragedies.11
Here is a comprehensive guide to the Devkund Waterfall trek, answering all your questions.
Quick Summary: Key Facts
1. Devkund Waterfall Trek from Mumbai
This is a very popular one-day trek from Mumbai. Most people opt for a trekking group for convenience.
- By Private Vehicle: The distance is approximately 170-180 km.
- Route: Mumbai → Mumbai-Pune Expressway → Khalapur Toll → Exit at Khopoli → Pali → Bhira.
- Travel Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the condition of the roads near Bhira.
- By Organized Trekking Group: This is the most common and hassle-free option. Many groups in Mumbai organize this trip every weekend during the season. They typically charge between ₹800 – ₹1500 per person, which includes:
- Transport from a designated point in Mumbai (e.g., Dadar, Sion, Vashi).
- Breakfast.
- Guide and Forest Department entry fees.
- By Public Transport: This is complex and time-consuming.
- Take a train from Mumbai to Karjat or Panvel.
- From there, take an ST (State Transport) bus or shared tum-tum (jeep) to Pali.
- From Pali, you’ll need to find another local vehicle (jeep or auto) to reach the base village, Bhira.
2. Devkund Waterfall Trek Distance
This question can be interpreted in a few ways:
- Actual Trekking Distance: The trek from the base village Bhira to the waterfall is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers (one way). The total trek distance is around 6-8 km (round trip).
- Distance from Mumbai: The road distance from Mumbai to Bhira is around 170-180 km.
- Distance from Pune: The road distance from Pune to Bhira is around 110-120 km.
3. Devkund Waterfall to Pune
The trek is also very popular from Pune.
- By Private Vehicle: The distance is approximately 110-120 km.
- Route: Pune → Paud → Tamhini Ghat → Bhira.
- Travel Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The route via Tamhini Ghat is scenic but can be slow due to winding roads.
- By Organized Trekking Group: Similar to Mumbai, many groups in Pune organize this trek, with prices and inclusions being comparable.
4. Devkund Waterfall Trek Cost
The cost depends heavily on how you choose to travel.
- If you go with an organized group: Expect to pay ₹800 – ₹1500 per person. This usually covers transport, guide fees, breakfast, and forest entry fees.
- If you go on your own (Self-planned):
- Transport: Fuel cost for your vehicle or bus/train fares.
- Forest Department Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹100 per person (This is mandatory and collected at the start of the trek).
- Guide Fee: Highly recommended. A local guide will charge around ₹300 – ₹500 for a small group.
- Food & Water: Carry your own snacks and water, or budget for a small meal at a local eatery in Bhira.
- Parking: A nominal parking fee may be charged at Bhira.
5. Devkund Waterfall Trek Time
- Trekking Time: It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach the waterfall from Bhira. The return journey is slightly faster. Including the time you spend at the waterfall, the entire trek takes about 3 to 5 hours.
- Total Trip Time (from Mumbai): A one-day trip from Mumbai is a long day, typically lasting 12 to 14 hours. For example, a group might leave Mumbai at 5:30 AM and return by 7:30 PM.
6. Devkund Waterfall Trek Distance from Starting Point
The trek starts from the base village of Bhira. The distance from Bhira to the Devkund Waterfall is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers (one way).
7. Devkund Waterfall Direction / How to Reach
The “direction” here means the route to get there.
By Private Vehicle (from Mumbai):
- Get on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- Take the Khalapur exit and follow signs for Pen/Pali.
- Drive through the town of Pali.
- From Pali, follow the signs for Bhira. The road passes through rural areas and alongside the Bhira Dam.
- Park your vehicle at Bhira village. The trekking trail begins from here.
By Private Vehicle (from Pune):
- Drive towards Chandni Chowk and take the Paud road.
- Continue on the Paud road towards Tamhini Ghat.
- Cross the scenic Tamhini Ghat.
- After the ghat, you will find a turn-off for Bhira village.
- Follow the road to Bhira, park your vehicle, and start the trek.
8. Devkund Waterfall Open or Closed?
This is the most important question.
- Official Status: The trek to Devkund Waterfall is officially closed by the Forest Department during the peak monsoon season, typically from June 15th to October 15th.
- Reason for Closure: This is done for safety reasons due to the risk of landslides, extremely slippery and rocky paths, and the danger of strong currents and a sudden rise in the water level of the pool.
- Current Status: As of late 2023 and early 2024, the waterfall was open post-monsoon. However, this status can change based on weather conditions and local authority decisions.
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: Always check the latest status before you plan your trip. Look for recent reviews on Google Maps, check with local trekking groups, or call the local authorities in the Raigad district. Do not attempt to go during the closed period, as it is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Devkund Waterfall trek from Mumbai?
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