Kamshet is a sleepy town located in the Western Ghats at 670m above sea level. It’s a hub for paragliding and is on the radar of adventure junkies all over India. The people of this place live simple and sustainable lifestyles as evidenced by the construction of their homes which are built with mud, thatch and reed.
With cascading waterfalls, ancient caves, serene temples, medieval fortresses and an enchanting landscape that bursts with life during and after the monsoon, Kamshet is a haven away from city life and is just 17km from the Lonavala.
Here’s your guide to this lovely hill station.
You can't not paraglide in Kamshet. It has plenty of paragliding tour outfitters and schools to choose from. Launching spots include the Shinde Wadi Hills, Kondeshwar Cliff, Tower Hill and Shelar. Furthermore, treks to the Lohagad Fort, Shelar, Tower Hill, Shinde Wadi Hills and Kondeshwar Temple are also popular with tourists. If the weather is right, hop onto a hot air balloon for a ride you will never forget.
The Bedse Caves are a group of Buddhist rock-cut monuments from the Satavahana period in the 1st century BCE. They are known for their exquisite carvings and 7m high pillars. Cave 7 has a “chaitya” or prayer hall with a large stupa. Cave 11 is the “vihara” or the monastery. The best time to visit Bedse Caves is during the rainy season as the hills burst with greenery and lots of small waterfalls form spontaneously, providing a lovely view.
The Bhairi Caves are located on rocky terrain and the trek to reach them is difficult. However, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley. Animal sacrifices used to be performed here.
The Lohagad Fort changed hands among several dynasties like the Marathas, Nizams and Mughals but was under the Lohtamia Empire for the majority of the time. Its name means “Iron Fort.” It is connected to the nearby Visapur Fort, which was built in the 18th century. Within Visapur Fort are water cisterns, a decorated arch and old houses.
Near Lohagad Fort is Pawana Lake, an artificial body of water which was formed due to the building of the Pawana Dam. It’s a great place to camp and picnic. Visitors can enjoy the sunset view, clean air and green pastures of the area.
Uksan Lake invites visitors to camp on its shores, boat on its waters, bait its fish or simply hear its gentle lull. The sunrise and sunset views from here are mesmerising. The view of the lake is best enjoyed during the monsoon when the lake waters swell up and the Sahyadri Hills look even more luxuriant.
The waterfalls of Kamshet are best viewed during the monsoon. The Bhaje Waterfall is named after the Bhaje Buddhist Caves, a group of 22 rock-cut caves from the 2nd century BCE. The Kamshet Waterfall and the Malavali Waterfall should also be on your list.
Lastly, Kamshet is home to many beautiful temples. The Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple invites visitors to meditate in a peaceful ambience where the sound of the living world keeps you company. Near the Karla Caves is the Ekvira Aai Mandir which you reach after climbing 500 steps. She is revered by the Koli people. A particular highlight is the temple’s stone architecture. Lastly, the Kondeshwar Temple also has a waterfall in its vicinity. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is constructed in the Hemadpanti style.
Well-rated eateries of Kamshet are Sunny Da Dhaba, the Green Village Food Park, the Sidhu Punjabi Dhaba, Rangoli Restaurant and Hotel Swagat’s vegetarian restaurant.
Le Farm Luxury Farmstay and the SaffronStays L'Attitude are luxury accommodations. For budget hotels consider Hotel Karla Hill and Hotel Ruchira. Backpackers should consider staying in nearby Lonavala.
The nearest railhead and airport to Kamshet are in Pune, where you can hire a taxi or get on a bus to cover the 46km journey. There is a regular bus service from Mumbai, Pune and Lonavala to Kamshet.