The Malshej Ghat hill station in Maharashtra is the ideal monsoon getaway due to its numerous waterfalls and beautiful views of the valleys and hills of the Sahyadris in the Western Ghats. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season of July to September when pink flamingoes make their annual stopover to feast on blue-green and red algae as well as small crustaceans like shrimp, prawns, crabs and crayfish.
This oasis of tranquillity is a hotbed for treks, rock climbing and cultural attractions. Here’s what you can see at Malshej Ghat during the monsoon.
The Malshej Falls are in full spate when the monsoons arrive. The waterfall attenuates during the drier months so watching it cascade downwards as mist and fog swirl amid lush forests is an unmissable spectacle.
The trek to the Old Malshej Ghat and Kalu Waterfall should be on your to-do list. The hike is about 4-5km long but worth every moment for the chance to witness the deep colours of the landscape. The Kalu Falls attracts fewer people so you will be able to enjoy the serene atmosphere all by yourself. If it’s too slippery and unsafe to go on a hike during the monsoon then don’t do it.
Visit the Harishchandragad Fort which was built around the 6th century. The complex is home to caves and temples such as the Kedareshwar Cave, where a Shiva lingam is surrounded by ice-cold water. The water levels rise higher during the monsoon.
The temple of Harishchandragad has fine art carvings but what’s most interesting about it is the fact that the temple has been carved out from a single piece of rock. There are entrances on all four sides. A lake named the Saptatirtha Pushkarni can be found in the vicinity.
Taramati Peak is the highest point of Harishchandragad at 1,431m. The trek to get there will reward you with enchanting views of the Sahyadris. The Konkan Kada cliff is the best place to catch a glimpse of circular rainbows.
It’s best to take the assistance of a knowledgeable guide who can take you to all the sites of the Harishchandragad Fort.
The Pimpalgaon Joda Dam swells with rainwater during the monsoon. It is situated on the Pushpavati River and supplies water to the grape-growing regions of Otur, Junnar, Narayangaon, Alephata and Parner. Birdwatchers will have their eyes and binoculars full with sightings of alpine swifts, Malabar whistling thrushes and green pigeons.
Around 43k from Malshej Ghat lies the Ajobagad Fort on the 1,100m high Ajaparvat peak of the Sahyadris. It’s a popular trekking route as it passes through the Valmiki Ashram, believed to be the place where the eponymous sage wrote the “Ramayana.” The ashram has carvings of deities and is also believed to be the place where the goddess Sita lived with her children during her second exile. Rock climbing is another popular activity here but determine the risks of engaging in the activity before proceeding.
Weather permitting catch the sunrise and sunset from the Lajvanti Sunset Point and the Malshej Ghat Viewpoint.
The Saj by the Lake and Blu Water Resort offer a luxury experience. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Malshej Ghat and Hotel Rainbow Hills can also be considered.
The Kalyan Junction Railway Station (KYN) is 85km from Malshej Ghat while the Karjat Railway Station (KJT/S) is 97km away. Hop onto a state transport bus or taxi from these places to reach Malshej Ghat. You can also drive from Pune (122km) and Mumbai (126km).