I am sure this needs no introduction! With the videos going viral across all social media platforms, it would be surprising if one hasn’t come across even one of the videos of this spectacular reverse waterfall in Maharashtra!
You guessed it right! I am talking about Naneghat Waterfall or which is popularly known as the Reverse Waterfall of Maharashtra.
Located at an elevation of 2,800 feet Naneghat Trek is one of the most popular treks in Maharashtra and a biodiverse spot in the Western ghats that forms a part of the Ghatghar Forest.
History of Naneghat:
Look closer and you will find history in every cave! This goes true for Naneghat as well, where you come across Satavahana caves. These caves were commissioned by a woman ruler named Naganika; possibly built as a resting place for traders who used this trade route during ancient times. Not only that, you will also find 2000-year-old inscriptions dating back to the 1st century B.C.E. which speak of the achievements of King Satakarni I from the Satavahana dynasty.
Why does Naneghat Waterfall flow in the opposite direction?
The phenomenon that intrigues everyone and made the video viral was the reverse flow of the waterfall.
But how does this happen?
This visual enterprise can be defined by physics. The equal and opposing gravitational force along with the wind's pull keeps the stream from hitting the ground. Because of the heavy airflow in the opposite direction, the rising wind sweeps up the stream in the reverse order creating a magnificent illusion of a reverse waterfall that is currently hailed as of the most spectacular waterfalls in India!
How to reach?
From Mumbai
By Road: You can drive and reach the starting point of Naneghat.
Mumbai (via Eastern Express Highway) -> Kalyan -> Murbad -> Saralgaon -> Tokawade -> Naneghat Start Point
By Train:
1. From your nearest railway station catch a train that heads to Andheri. From Andheri catch a train to Kalyan which is on the Central Line. Alight at Kalyan station.
2. The local bus (ST) depot is just beside the station on the west. Catch any ST going towards Alephata (strictly travelling via Malshej Ghat).
3. Tell the conductor to allow you to get off at the starting point of Naneghat which is 5kms away from Tokawade village.
P.S. - The starting point of Naneghat isn’t an official stop for ST’s. A big board flashing ‘Naneghat Gumfa Marg’ in Marathi will be visible on the right-hand-side of where you alight.
From Pune:
Route 1: Pune-Alephata-Malshej Ghat-Sawarne-Naneghat Start Point
1. Catch an ST from Pune towards Alephata.
2. Find a direct ST from Pune to Kalyan travelling via Malshej Ghat.
3. A big board flashing ‘Naneghat Gumfa Marg’ in Marathi will be visible on the right-hand-side of where you alight. The board will appear 15-20 minutes after Malshej Ghat ends.
Route 2: Pune-Narayangaon-Junnar-Ghatghar-Naneghat
1. Catch a State bus from Pune to Junnar.
2. Get down at Junnar and hop on to another ST going for Ghatghar. An hour's hike will take you to the top of Naneghat.
Entry Fee: Free
What all you can do there?
Must’ve heard the overused quote – “It is not the Destination. It’s the journey”. The Naneghat Trek follows the quote to the “T”. From the green cloak that Western Ghats wears during the monsoon to spotting evasive avians like Drongo, wind-swift, shikra, to spotting the endemic butterfly species – this trek takes one through the home of diverse wildlife species!
Several places which one can visit while embarking on the Naneghat Trek
1. Bhimashankar Temple
2. Girijatmaka Temple
3. Shivneri Fort
4. Jivdhan Fort
5. Malshej Ghat
6. Lenyadri Group of Theravada Buddhist Caves
7. Ancient Mounds of Junnar
8. Bhairavgadh
9. Manikdoh dam
Things to Carry:
• A rucksack.
• Comfortable clothes depending upon the weather (raincoats are a must for monsoon and warm clothes during winters0).
• Identity proof (preferably Aadhar card).
• A 2-litre water bottle.
• Trekking shoes.
• Carry medicines, mosquito repellent, energy bars/fruits and energy drinks.
Things to Remember:
• Do not litter and keep the hiking trail clean. Always pick up after yourself.
• One should avoid smoking and drinking during the trek.
• Respect your surroundings. Do not yell, play loud music and disturb the wildlife around.
• In case you come across any wildlife, DO NOT HARM THEM. Let them pass. They also want to avoid you as much as you would like to avoid them.
Treks are synonymous with monsoons in Maharashtra. This is the time when Mumbaikars put their trekking shoes on and explore all the rocky, treacherous peaks that Maharashtra offers and rightly so! With so much that the Western Ghats offers, it would be foolish not to be greedy and trek it all.
So, which trekking trail are you planning to conquer next? Drop your answer in the comment section below.
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