Have you ever heard of Hathni Mata Waterfall? If not, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful and serene places in Gujarat. Hathni Mata Waterfall is a natural wonder that will take your breath away with its cascading water, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quality time with themselves or their loved ones.
Hathni Mata Waterfall is located near Vadodara, the cultural capital of Gujarat. It is about 100 km from the city and can be easily reached by road or train. The waterfall is named after a nearby temple dedicated to Hathni Mata, the elephant goddess. According to legend, the waterfall was formed by the tears of Hathni Mata when she was separated from her husband by a demon.
The waterfall is a seasonal attraction that flows only during the monsoon season, from June to October. During this time, the waterfall becomes a spectacular sight to behold, as it falls from a height of about 100 meters and creates a misty spray that cools the air. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and rocky hills, creating a scenic and peaceful environment. The waterfall also offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, such as hiking, swimming, photography, camping, and more.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Gujarat, you should definitely visit Hathni Mata Waterfall. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing attraction, including its location, timings, entry fee, best time to visit, things to do, and more. We will also give you some travel tips and precautions for visiting the waterfall, as well as some nearby places to visit. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Location and How to Reach
Hathni Mata Waterfall is located in Jambughoda Tehsil of Panchmahal District in Gujarat. The exact address and coordinates of the waterfall are:
Hathni Mata Waterfall Jambughoda, Gujarat 389390 India 22.4589° N, 73.6528° E
The waterfall is about 100 km from Vadodara and 200 km from Ahmedabad, the two major cities in Gujarat. The best way to reach the waterfall is by road, as there are no direct trains or buses to the waterfall. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a cab from Vadodara or Ahmedabad. The road to the waterfall is well-maintained and scenic, passing through villages, fields, and forests. The journey will take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Jambughoda Railway Station, which is about 20 km from the waterfall. From there, you can take a local bus or an auto-rickshaw to the waterfall. The train journey will take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the availability and schedule of the trains.
Timings and Entry Fee
Hathni Mata Waterfall is open for visitors from 6 am to 6 pm every day during the monsoon season, from June to October. The waterfall is closed for the rest of the year, as there is no water flow. The best time to visit the waterfall is in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too harsh and the crowd is less.
The entry fee for visiting the waterfall is Rs. 10 per person, which is collected by the forest department at the entrance gate. You can pay the fee in cash only. There is no extra charge for parking, photography, or camping. However, you may have to pay a nominal fee for using the washrooms or the changing rooms at the waterfall.
Things to Do and See
Hathni Mata Waterfall is not just a waterfall, but a complete package of fun and adventure. There are many things to do and see at the waterfall, such as:
Hiking:
One of the most popular and thrilling activities at the waterfall is hiking. There are several trails and paths that lead to the waterfall and its surroundings, offering a great opportunity to explore the nature and wildlife. You can hike up to the top of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley and the forest. You can also hike to the nearby caves, where you can see some ancient paintings and carvings. The hiking trails are suitable for beginners as well as experienced hikers, but you should always wear comfortable shoes and carry water and snacks with you.
Swimming:
Another fun and refreshing activity at the waterfall is swimming. The waterfall forms a natural pool at its base, where you can take a dip and cool off. The water is clean and clear, but it can be cold and deep, so you should be careful and wear a life jacket if you are not a good swimmer. You should also avoid swimming during heavy rains or thunderstorms, as the water level and flow can increase suddenly and become dangerous. You should also respect the local culture and dress modestly while swimming, as the waterfall is considered a sacred place by the locals.
Photography:
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will love Hathni Mata Waterfall. The waterfall is a photogenic spot, with its cascading water, lush greenery, and misty spray. You can capture some amazing shots of the waterfall from different angles and perspectives, as well as some candid moments of yourself or your companions. You can also take some stunning photos of the sunrise or sunset at the waterfall, as the sky changes its colors and creates a dramatic backdrop. You can also use a drone or a tripod to take some aerial or long-exposure shots of the waterfall, but you should be careful and follow the rules and regulations of the forest department.
Camping:
If you want to spend more time at the waterfall and experience its beauty and tranquility at night, you can opt for camping. There are several spots near the waterfall where you can pitch your tent and enjoy a night under the stars. You can also light a bonfire and roast some marshmallows or sing some songs. Camping at the waterfall is a great way to bond with your friends or family and create some unforgettable memories. However, you should always camp in designated areas and follow the safety and hygiene guidelines of the forest department. You should also carry your own camping gear and food and water supplies, as there are no shops or facilities near the waterfall.
These are some of the main things to do and see at Hathni Mata Waterfall, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. You can also just relax and admire the beauty and serenity of the waterfall, or meditate and rejuvenate your mind and body. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions, or visit the Hathni Mata Temple and seek blessings from the goddess. Whatever you choose to do, you will surely have a wonderful and memorable time at Hathni Mata Waterfall.
Travel Tips and Precautions
Hathni Mata Waterfall is a beautiful and adventurous place, but it also requires some planning and preparation before you visit. Here are some travel tips and precautions that you should keep in mind while visiting the waterfall:
- Plan your trip in advance and check the weather and road conditions before you leave. The waterfall is best visited during the monsoon season, from June to October, when the water flow is high and the scenery is green and lush. However, you should also be prepared for rain and mud, and carry an umbrella, a raincoat, and a waterproof bag with you. You should also avoid visiting the waterfall during heavy rains or thunderstorms, as the water level and flow can increase suddenly and become dangerous.
- Carry enough cash with you, as there are no ATMs or card machines near the waterfall. You will need cash to pay the entry fee, the parking fee, the washroom fee, and the local transport fee. You may also want to buy some snacks or souvenirs from the local vendors near the waterfall, who sell items like fruits, nuts, tea, coffee, etc.
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes while visiting the waterfall. You should wear light and breathable clothes that dry quickly, as you may get wet from the waterfall or the rain. You should also wear sturdy and waterproof shoes that have a good grip, as you may have to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces. You should also respect the local culture and dress modestly while visiting the waterfall, as the waterfall is considered a sacred place by the locals.
- Carry enough water and food with you, as there are no restaurants or cafes near the waterfall. You will need water and food to stay hydrated and energized, especially if you plan to hike or camp at the waterfall.
- Be respectful and responsible while visiting the waterfall. The waterfall is a sacred and natural place, and you should not disturb or damage it in any way. You should not carve or write anything on the rocks or trees, or throw any stones or objects into the water. You should also not make any loud noises or play any music that may disturb the peace and tranquility of the waterfall. You should also respect the local people and their beliefs, and not offend or harass them in any way.
- Carry a first aid kit and some emergency contacts with you, as there are no medical facilities or police stations near the waterfall. You may encounter some minor injuries or illnesses while visiting the waterfall, such as cuts, bruises, insect bites, dehydration, etc. You should be able to treat them with some basic medicines and bandages. However, if you face any serious or life-threatening situations, such as snake bites, fractures, infections, etc., you should call for help immediately. You should also inform someone about your trip and your whereabouts, so that they can contact you or help you in case of any emergency.
These are some of the travel tips and precautions that you should keep in mind while visiting Hathni Mata Waterfall. By following them, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the waterfall, and avoid any unwanted troubles or risks.
Nearby Places to Visit
Hathni Mata Waterfall is not the only attraction in the area. There are many other places to visit near the waterfall, that will make your trip more fun and exciting. Here are some of the nearby places to visit:
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary:
This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of about 130 sq km, and is home to a variety of animals and birds, such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, sloth bears, peacocks, parrots, etc. You can also see some rare and endangered species, such as the four-horned antelope, the rusty-spotted cat, and the Indian pangolin. The sanctuary also has a rich flora, with many medicinal plants and herbs. You can visit the sanctuary by taking a jeep safari or a nature walk, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of the wildlife. The sanctuary is about 15 km from the waterfall, and the entry fee is Rs. 50 per person.
Pavagadh Hill:
This is a hill that rises to a height of about 800 meters, and is considered a holy place by the Hindus. The hill has a temple dedicated to Mahakali, the goddess of power, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the body parts of Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, who climb the hill by foot or by ropeway, and offer prayers and offerings to the goddess. The hill also has some historical and archaeological significance, as it was the capital of the Patai Raval dynasty, and has some forts, palaces, and mosques from the medieval period. The hill is about 40 km from the waterfall, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Baroda City:
This is the cultural capital of Gujarat, and the third-largest city in the state. The city has a rich and diverse history, culture, and heritage, and has many attractions and landmarks to see, such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the Sayaji Baug, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, the EME Temple, the Kirti Mandir, etc. The city also has a vibrant and modern lifestyle, with many malls, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and clubs. The city is about 100 km from the waterfall, and the entry fee varies depending on the attraction. These are some of the nearby places to visit near Hathni Mata Waterfall, but there are many more to explore and enjoy. You can also visit some other places in Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, etc., which are well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can also book a package or a tour from Tripoto, which will provide you with the best deals and services for your trip to Gujarat.
Hathni Mata Waterfall is a hidden gem in Gujarat, that will mesmerize you with its beauty and adventure. It is a place where you can experience the nature and wildlife, the culture and history, and the fun and excitement of Gujarat. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Gujarat, and make you want to come back again and again.
We hope that this article has given you all the information and tips that you need to know about Hathni Mata Waterfall, and has inspired you to visit this amazing attraction. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your trip.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you have a wonderful and memorable time at Hathni Mata Waterfall. Happy travels!
