Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall

Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall (at Satara)

TALLEST WATERFALL OF INDIA

The land of Maharashtra is gifted with many nature wonders. Be it western ghtas which is home of thousands of rare species or mysterious caves at Ajanta; the magnificent forts boasting of historical marvels or be it the pristine waters and tranquil beaches of Konkan. These all places attract thousands of tourists every year. They are on the tourist map of every nature lover.

But if you are bored of these places and in search of the new tourist destination, then Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall (tallest waterfall of India) might be a very apt place for you. The waterfall is situated in district of Satara in western Maharashtra. It is about 5 km away from Kas Flower Valley. The lush green mountains and the flowers in nearby flower valley please your senses. The pleasant weather actually relaxes you like anything. But the star attraction of this place is tranquility. The place is simply deserted and there are no hawkers, unwanted guides and cameramen to disturb you.

At the outset, when you see this waterfall from a distance then it doesn’t seem to be a waterfall also. You just see a white thread on the rocky background of Sahyadris. But when you reach near the waterfall and just have a look at it, and then you understand the enormity of it. The roaring water flows at very high speed and you can’t hear anything when you are in the vicinity of the fall. The height of this waterfall is 1840 feet and it falls from a straight cliff. The water for waterfall comes from the river Urmodi. It is origin of river Urmodi.

The waterfall is perennial in nature and hence you will hardly find any day when it’s gone dry (flows 12 months in a year).

Now a day we hear a lot about the news of Kas Plateau/ Flower Valley being declared to be a world heritage site. The place is visited by UNESCO representatives as a part of observations of Flower Valley. But it’s a surprise that this place remained unnoticed by the media or trekkers or tourists. Most recently it came into news when a Marathi news channel had telecast a documentary on this waterfall. Maharashtra government has proposed the project named ‘Mini Mahabaleshwar’ which includes building tourists facilities at this area and constructing proper roads to reach this place. But as of now nothing has started.

So, it is a perfect weekend destination for all age groups. Just come here, enjoy the greenery, have a delicious Maharashtrian food in the silky grain farms and most importantly forget everything in the tranquility of this place. While you go back to your places you will carry a hell lot of energy and enthusiasm with you. The 2 days trip will rejuvenate you and will help you reconnect to yourself. So, all are invited, the waterfall is waiting for you.

This is a place nearby to Sajjangadh. Marathi Saint Ramdas Swami stayed at Sajjangadh for many years and did his meditation there. Religious people visit this place to bow before his Samadhi. The Great Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also visited this place many times to discuss various issues and take blessings of Saint Ramdas Swami.

Some details of the surrounding area are given for your reference.

• Flora & Fauna: Variety of flora and fauna found in surrounding dense forest of Bhambavli. Scare variety of flowers found in the forest. We can find different kind of plants and tress.

Ayurvedic/medicinal/herbal plants: Some plants are named as follows – Adulsa (useful for Cough and Cold) Shikekai (used for Shampoo), kadulims (used for various diseases), creeper used by diabetic patients, Hirda (medical pizza (for colour) murud stick, Ashwgand, etc.

Fruits: You will find trees like mango, black berry, banana, Jamun (Black plum), guava, jackfruit, sweet lime, lemon, cherry trees etc.

Flowers: You will find flowers like marigold, shoe flower, eared jasmine, champak (chafa), rose, night shade, vinca – rose, sunflower etc.

Trees : Fig tree, mango tree, neem, bamboo, aloe (korfad), Jambool, toddy palm, basil, Nilgiri, cactus (Nivdung), peepul (Pimpal), Jack-fruit tree, babul, banian tree (Ved), creepers/climbing plants, teak etc.

Birds : Cuckoo, crow, hen, kife, owl, sparrow, peenit (titvi), raven (dom crow), parrot, nightingale myna, peacock, peahen (landor) woddpeeker, quail (lava).

Domestic Animals: Dog, Cow, buffalo, bull, groat, calf etc

Wild Animals: Iguana (Ghorpad) bear, fox, bisan, hyena (tavas), monkey, mongoose, boar, tiger dear, deer, squirrel, snail, etc.

Animals in water: Crab, frog, fish,etc.

Reptiles : Snakes, lizard, scorpion, Chamelon, etc.

Insects: Fire fly (Kajva), Spider, earthworm, centipede (Ghon), leech (jalu), Locust (Tol), grass-hopper termit, scorpion, caterpillar etc.

Scope for Development of Tourists places at Satara:

1. Water Tourism: Based on Sindudurg tourism development, Satara has wide scope to develop tourism. For boating, there are number of Dams/lakes like Shivsagar on Koyna, Kanher Lake, Kas lake, Urmodi lake. Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall is surrounded by all these lakes. This milky waterfall is middle of these lakes. Government needs attention to develop water tourism in Satara.
2. Fort Tourism :

There are number of Forts around Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall like, Vasota, Ajinkyatara, Sajjangad, Pandavgad, Vairtgad, Chandangad, Sadashivgad, etc. These forts are best places for trekking. One has to visualize this opportunity for developing for tourism.

3. Waterfall Tourism :

Thoseghar Waterfall, third largest waterfall of Maharashtra is south of Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall. In the vicinity there Kelavli Waterfall, Sandavli Waterfall, Kasani Waterfall and there middle Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall looks like the king of the Area. Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall is number one waterfall in India. It is expected tremendous tourist and trekkers’ attention in the near future.

Nearby other places to visit:

• KAS FLOWER VALLEY in the month of July to October.
• Bamnoli & Tapole – for boating.
• Sajjangadh Fort – Samadhi of Saint Ramdas.
• Thoseghar Waterfall.
• Chalkewadi for Windmills,.
• Mahabaalleshwar – Hill Station
• Pachgani – Hill Station
• Wai – Ganpati
• Gondavale – Samadhi of Saint Gondvalekar Maharaj.
• Koyna-Chandoli Tiger Sanctuary

Precautions to be taken by Tourists while visiting Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.

• Visit only between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.
• Avoid visiting this place in heavy rains
• Prohibited to eat non-veg one km nearby the waterfall
• This is plastic free zone; don’t throw plastic bags, water bottles etc.
• Prohibited consumption of Alcohol
• Swimming is also prohibited (Ponds are quite deep)

Trekking Precautions:

• Wear appropriate footwear
• Rock faces can get very slippery.
• Streams as well as ponds are quite deep.
• Don’t eat leaves, flowers and fruits, mushroom etc. unless you are sure that they are safe. They could be poisonous.
• Be agile and cautious, as there are chances of encounters with reptiles like snakes, insects. Wild animals like tiger, bear etc.

Route to reach Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall:

By Air : Pune is nearest place to reach to Satara and then to Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall. From Pune you have to go by road to Satara – Kas – From Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli.

By Road: (1) Satara to Kas, Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli

2. Mahabaleshwar to Tapola, Bambnoli- Kas, Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli.

Accommodation at Satara & Bhambavli

The place is far from developmental activities. Hence you will not find any hotels in this area. You will have to stay in hotels at Satara. You may prefer to stay at village Bhambavli in their traditional homes; this stay will give you a chance to live a rural life. You will see how these people live and earn their bread and butter. The quality of food at these homes will also be delicious that you cannot resist it. Fresh vegetables, fruits will enhance your spirits. And all this is available at nominal cost.

MOST IMPOROTANT:

Not to enter dense forest without a Guide. Guide is available in Village Bhambavli at reasonable rate. Currently they take Rs.200/- per day. One whole day is required to be spent to enjoy at Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.

if anyone wants guidance, please contact Mr. Ravindra More, Bhambavli @ 9821967717

Ravindra Baliram More, Bhambavli (Mumbai)