Dugarwadi Waterfall in full flow during the monsoon season — Igatpuri, Nashik
Dugarwadi Waterfall is one of the most visited natural attractions near Nashik. It is a seasonal waterfall located in the Igatpuri region of Nashik district, Maharashtra. The waterfall drops from a height of about 80 feet and forms a natural pool at the bottom. Every year from July to September, thousands of trekkers, families, and nature lovers visit this waterfall to enjoy the beauty of the monsoon season.
If you are planning a trip to Dugarwadi Waterfall, this guide covers everything you need to know — where it is, how to reach it, when to visit, what to do there, and how to stay safe.
About Dugarwadi Waterfall
Dugarwadi Waterfall is located near the village of Dugarwadi in the Igatpuri taluka of Nashik district. It is about 45 km from Nashik city and around 110 km from Mumbai. The waterfall is part of the Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range.
The water comes from a small seasonal stream that fills up during the monsoon rains. It flows down a rocky basalt cliff and falls nearly 80 feet into a pool below. During the peak monsoon months of July and August, the waterfall is very powerful and creates a thick mist around the base. The area is covered with green forest, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.
Dugarwadi Waterfall is popular among trekkers from Mumbai and Nashik because it is easy to reach by train, the trek is not very difficult, and the waterfall is genuinely impressive. It is also a good spot for photography and nature walks.
📌 Quick Fact: Dugarwadi Waterfall is approximately 80 feet tall. It is a seasonal waterfall, which means it flows only during and after the monsoon season (July to October). It may be completely dry from November to June.
How to Reach Dugarwadi Waterfall
Dugarwadi Waterfall can be reached from Mumbai, Nashik, and Thane. Below are the details for each route.
From Mumbai — By Train (Recommended)
This is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach Dugarwadi Waterfall from Mumbai.
- Take a Central Line local train or any express train from Mumbai CST, Dadar, or Thane to Kasara Station — the last station on the Central Line suburban network.
- The train journey from Mumbai CST to Kasara takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- From Kasara Station, hire a local auto-rickshaw or shared jeep to reach the Dugarwadi base village. This ride is about 10 to 15 km and takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
- From the base village, walk along the 2 km forest trail to reach the waterfall. The walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a steady pace.
From Mumbai — By Road
Take the Mumbai–Nashik Expressway (NH160) towards Igatpuri and follow local roads towards Kasara. The total distance from Mumbai is about 110 to 120 km, and the drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
From Nashik City — By Road
From Nashik city, take the Nashik–Mumbai Highway (NH160) towards Igatpuri. The distance is about 45 km and the drive takes 1 to 1.5 hours. You can hire a private cab from Nashik or take a shared auto from Igatpuri town to the base village.
From Thane — By Road
From Thane, drive towards Kasara via the Mumbai–Nashik Highway. The total distance from Thane is about 63 km and the drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
| Starting Point | Distance | Travel Time | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ~110 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | Train to Kasara + Auto |
| Nashik City | ~45 km | 1 – 1.5 hrs | NH160 via Igatpuri |
| Thane | ~63 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | Mumbai–Nashik Highway |
| Igatpuri Town | ~15 km | ~30 mins | Local road + Auto |
Trek to Dugarwadi Waterfall
The trek to Dugarwadi Waterfall starts from the base village and is about 2 km long. It is a moderately easy trail that most people — including families with older children — can complete without any professional trekking experience.
The trail passes through a dense forest with mango, teak, and bamboo trees. For a large part of the walk, you follow a small seasonal stream. You will cross a few rocky sections and small water channels along the way. The path gets slippery when it rains, so good footwear is very important.
As you get closer to the waterfall, you will hear the sound of the water before you can see it. The mist from the falling water cools the air noticeably. The final view of the waterfall — water rushing down an 80-foot rock face — is the reward at the end of the walk.
- Trek distance: Approximately 2 km one way
- Trek duration: 30 to 45 minutes one way
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Trail type: Forest trail with some rocky sections
- Best season for trek: July to October
Best Time to Visit Dugarwadi Waterfall
The best time to visit Dugarwadi Waterfall is during the monsoon season from July to September. This is when the waterfall gets its water supply from the monsoon rains and flows at full force. The surrounding forest is very green and the air is fresh during this time.
July and August — Peak Season
This is when Dugarwadi Waterfall looks the most spectacular. The water volume is at its highest and creates a powerful roar that can be heard from a distance. However, this is also the most crowded time, especially on weekends. Weekday visits are much more peaceful.
September and October — Late Monsoon
A great time for those who want a good waterfall experience without the peak monsoon crowds. The waterfall still flows well and the forest trail is less muddy. This period is also good for bird watching in the surrounding forest.
November Onwards — Post Monsoon
The waterfall starts to reduce in flow from November and may dry up completely by January. If your main reason for visiting is the waterfall itself, November to June is not the right time to visit.
| Month | Waterfall Condition | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| July – August | Full flow | High | ⭐ Best time |
| September – October | Good flow | Moderate | Very good |
| November | Reducing flow | Low | Okay for forest walk |
| December – June | Minimal or no flow | Very low | Not recommended |
Things to Do at Dugarwadi Waterfall
- Swimming in the natural pool: The pool at the base of the waterfall is a favourite spot to cool off. The water is clean and refreshing. Always check the water level before entering and avoid swimming when the current is very fast after heavy rain.
- Forest trekking: The 2 km trek through the forest is an experience in itself. The trail passes through thick green vegetation and alongside a stream, making it a pleasant nature walk.
- Photography: The combination of the tall rock face, falling water, mist, and green forest makes for great pictures. Early morning light gives the best results.
- Bird watching: The forest around Dugarwadi is home to many birds typical of the Western Ghats, including Malabar whistling thrushes, kingfishers, and various flycatcher species.
- Picnicking: The open area near the waterfall base is suitable for a packed lunch. Sitting near the waterfall and listening to the sound of falling water is a very relaxing experience.
Places to Visit Near Dugarwadi Waterfall
- Igatpuri Town (~15 km): A small hill station with good food options, scenic viewpoints, and the famous Dhamma Giri Vipassana meditation centre.
- Camel Valley (~20 km): A viewpoint near Igatpuri where a series of rocky hills look like the humps of a camel. It is a popular photography spot visible from the highway.
- Bhandardara (~50 km): A scenic lake destination with Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, and Randha Falls. It can be combined with a Dugarwadi visit for a full day trip.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple (~55 km): One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. This is an important Hindu pilgrimage site near Nashik.
- Kalsubai Peak (~45 km): The highest mountain in Maharashtra at 1,646 metres. Ideal for an overnight trek with beautiful views of the Sahyadri range.
- Nashik City (~45 km): The Godavari river ghats, Panchavati, and the famous Nashik wine farms are all worth a visit if you are spending the night in the region.
- Ashoka Waterfall: Ashoka Waterfall is one of the beautiful waterfalls near Mumbai, Thane and Nashik.
Important Tips Before You Visit
- Start early: Plan to reach the base village by 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. This gives you time to complete the trek and return before the afternoon rains get heavy.
- Wear proper shoes: The trail is rocky and slippery when wet. Always wear sturdy shoes or trekking sandals with a good grip. Flat rubber slippers are not safe on this trail.
- Carry a raincoat or poncho: Even if it is not raining when you start, you will get wet near the waterfall from the mist. A light raincoat is very useful.
- Use a waterproof bag or pouch: Keep your phone, camera, and wallet in a waterproof bag at all times near the waterfall.
- Do not trek alone: Always go in a group of at least 3 to 4 people. The forest trail has no mobile signal in some sections.
- Check the weather forecast: Do not visit if there is a red alert or orange alert for heavy rainfall in Nashik or Thane district. Flash floods are possible in the gorge area during extreme rain.
- Carry cash: There are no ATMs near the waterfall. Keep enough cash for local transport, any entry fee, and food.
- Carry your own food and water: Shops near the trail are very limited. Pack at least 1 litre of water per person and light snacks.
- Do not litter: Please carry all your waste back with you. Do not throw plastic or food wrappers in the forest or near the waterfall.
- Avoid Sundays if possible: Sundays are very crowded. A weekday or Saturday morning visit is much more peaceful.
