Pune is surrounded by the lush Sahyadri mountain ranges, making it one of the best cities in India to explore spectacular waterfalls near Pune within just a few hours of driving. Whether you are looking for a thrilling trek to a hidden waterfall, a safe family-friendly spot, or an iconic monsoon destination, this guide covers all the best waterfalls in Pune and its surrounding districts. We have included the distance from Pune, how to reach each waterfall, difficulty level, entry fees, and insider travel tips.

The best time to visit any waterfall near Pune is during the monsoon season (July–September), when all waterfalls are at peak flow. October and November offer safer conditions with good water levels. Most waterfalls are dry or inaccessible from December to June.

Quick Overview – 10 Best Waterfalls Near Pune
# Waterfall Distance from Pune Difficulty Entry
1Bhendewadi Waterfall70 kmEasyFree
2Kanchan Waterfall125 kmModerateFree
3Walen Waterfall45 kmEasyFree
4Palase Waterfall55 kmEasy–ModerateFree
5Secret Waterfall (Tamhini)90 kmModeratePaid + Lifejacket
6Jagtap Waterfall53 kmEasyPaid (Family)
7Madhe Ghat Waterfall85 kmModerateFree
8Kalu Waterfall (Malshej)140 kmDifficultFree
9Reverse Waterfall (Naneghat)~100 kmModerateFree
10Kataldhar Waterfall75 kmDifficultFree

01) Bhendewadi Waterfall – 70 km from Pune

Bhendewadi Waterfall near Pune – multiple small cascades falling from Sahyadri mountains, 70 km from Pune
📍 70 km from Pune 🥾 Easy Walk 🎟️ Free Entry 🌧️ Best: July–Sept

Bhendewadi Waterfall is located in Bhendewadi village, around 70 km from Pune city and 50 km from Lonavala. This is not just one waterfall — the area has several small and medium-size waterfalls falling from the mountains, including the nearby Lalwadi Waterfall and Jagtapwadi Waterfall. Once you reach the village, park your vehicle and start walking around 300 metres to visit the beautiful waterfall.

How to reach: From Pune, take the old Mumbai–Pune expressway to Kanhe Phata. Take a right turn there and this route will lead you to Thokarwadi Dam and onwards to Bhendewadi village.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Carry rubber slippers as the rocks near the waterfall are very slippery during monsoon.

02) Kanchan Waterfall – 125 km from Pune

Kanchan Waterfall Ambe Hatvij in Junnar Taluka – 125 km from Pune city
📍 125 km from Pune 🥾 Moderate 🎟️ Free Entry 🌧️ Best: July–Oct

Kanchan Waterfall, also known as Ambe Hatvij Waterfall, is located in Junnar taluka, Pune district. From the city it is 125 km. This waterfall gains more and more tourists every year. It is located in the mountain area and falls from a decent height surrounded by forest.

How to reach: The easiest route is Pune–Chakan–Narayangaon–Ambe Village. The drive through Junnar is scenic and passes near the famous Naneghat region.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to Shivneri Fort (birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), which is located very close to this route.

03) Walen Waterfall – 45 km from Pune (Closest Waterfall!)

Walen Waterfall near Mulshi Dam – closest and safest waterfall to Pune city at 45 km
📍 45 km from Pune 🥾 Easy 🎟️ Free Entry 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly

Walen waterfall is just 45 km away from Pune city towards Mulshi Dam, making it the closest waterfall to Pune. It will take around 2 hours of journey to reach here. This waterfall is small but one of the safest waterfalls near Pune. People from nearby places visit every year to enjoy. The drive along the Mulshi backwaters is an added bonus.

How to reach: Take the Paud Road from Pune towards Mulshi. Follow signs for Mulshi Dam — Walen village is along the way.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine with a drive around Mulshi Lake for a scenic full-day outing from Pune.

04) Palase Waterfall – 55 km from Pune

Palase Waterfall in Tamhini Ghat near Pune – hidden waterfall 55 km from Pune
📍 55 km from Pune 🥾 Easy to Moderate 🎟️ Free Entry 🌿 Forest Trek Option

Palase waterfall is located in the most beautiful place of Tamhini Ghat, just 55 km from Pune. On the way to Tamhini Ghat, head towards Palase village. It's a 10 to 15 min trek from the parking area to reach the waterfall's first phase. If you are adventurous, trek down through the jungle for around 20 minutes more to see the beautiful water falling from the mountain in the middle of the forest.

How to reach: Take the Pune–Tamhini Ghat road. The entire ghat road is lined with small waterfalls during the monsoon, making the drive itself spectacular.

💡 Pro Tip: Wear sturdy trekking shoes for the forest trail to the main waterfall. The path is slippery and muddy during heavy rain.

05) Secret Waterfall – Tamhini Ghat – 90 km from Pune

Secret Waterfall Tamhini Ghat Bedgaon – most famous and viral waterfall near Pune at 90 km
📍 90 km from Pune 🥾 Moderate Trek 🎟️ Paid + Lifejacket 📸 Most Famous

You must have seen a video of the Secret Waterfall on YouTube or social media. It is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls near Pune, located in Bedgaon village in Tamhini Ghat. From Pune it is 90 km and from Mumbai it is 126 km. Travelling through Tamhini Ghat during the monsoon season is one of the best experiences you will have. From Bedgaon village it will take a 20-minute trek to reach the waterfall. Villagers take a small entry fee and will also give you a lifejacket. Devkund waterfall is located very close to this waterfall.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit in July when water levels are high but safe. The pool is deep — always wear the lifejacket provided by the villagers.

06) Jagtap Waterfall – 53 km from Pune (Best for Families)

Jagtap Waterfall near Pune – best family-friendly paid waterfall 53 km from Pune
📍 53 km from Pune 🥾 Easy 🎟️ Paid Entry 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families

Jagtap Waterfall is a private waterfall and it is a paid waterfall. If you want to visit, you have to purchase an entry ticket. It is 53 km from Pune city. From Pune take a right turn from Kanhe Phata which leads you to the waterfall. This waterfall place is well maintained and has a play area for children. There is also a hotel and changing room inside. If you are coming with a family, this waterfall is an ideal place for everyone.

💡 Pro Tip: The Khandi valley route here has over 40 waterfalls and is excellent for camping. Book in advance on peak monsoon weekends.

07) Madhe Ghat Waterfall – 85 km from Pune

Madhe Ghat Waterfall near Pune – tallest waterfall in Pune district falling from 2788 feet, 85 km
📍 85 km from Pune 🥾 Moderate 🎟️ Free Entry 🏔️ Tallest in Pune District

Madhe Ghat Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Pune district, falling from an astonishing height of approximately 2,788 feet. It is around 85 km from Pune city and takes around 3 hours to reach. The drive through the ghat roads is breathtaking, especially during the monsoon when the mountains are covered in mist and fog. To reach here follow the Pune–Khandewadi–Velhe–Kelad route. You will arrive at the top of the hill of the waterfall.

💡 Pro Tip: Start from Pune by 6 AM to enjoy the waterfall before afternoon clouds and fog roll in. Carry a light jacket as it gets cold at the top.

08) Kalu Waterfall – Malshej Ghat – 140 km from Pune

Kalu Waterfall Malshej Ghat Junnar – one of the highest waterfalls in western Maharashtra, 140 km from Pune
📍 140 km from Pune 🥾 Difficult Trek 🎟️ Free Entry 🏆 Highest in W. Maharashtra

Kalu Waterfall is located in Malshej Ghat, Junnar. Khireshwar village is the nearest village to the waterfall — from here you reach the top side, which is the easiest route. You can also approach from the base via Sawarne village. It is 140 km from Pune and 150 km from Mumbai. This waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in western Maharashtra. The entire Malshej Ghat road is lined with hundreds of waterfalls, making the drive itself spectacular.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit in August for the most dramatic water flow. Flamingos are also spotted on Malshej Ghat during the monsoon — a rare bonus!

09) Reverse Waterfall – Naneghat – ~100 km from Pune

Reverse Waterfall Naneghat near Pune – water appears to flow upward due to strong monsoon winds
📍 ~100 km from Pune 🥾 Moderate 🎟️ Free Entry 🌀 Unique Phenomenon

Reverse Waterfall, also known as Naneghat Waterfall, is a very famous waterfall in Maharashtra. Travellers from both Mumbai and Pune visit here every monsoon. You must have seen this waterfall on social media. Strong upward winds from the Konkan side during the monsoon cause the waterfall to appear to flow upward instead of downward — a stunning natural optical illusion.

Best time to visit: July and August when monsoon winds are strongest. Combine with the famous Naneghat Trek, an ancient trade route through the Sahyadri mountains.

💡 Pro Tip: The reverse flow effect is most dramatic during and just after heavy rain. Visit on a weekday to avoid the heavy crowds that gather on monsoon weekends.

10) Kataldhar Waterfall – 75 km from Pune

Kataldhar Waterfall Lonavala near Pune – most famous difficult waterfall trek near Pune, 75 km
📍 75 km from Pune | 12 km from Lonavala 🥾 Difficult Trek 🎟️ Free Entry ⚠️ Guide Recommended

This waterfall is the most famous in Pune. From Pune city it is 75 km and from Lonavala it's 12 km towards Valvan Dam. It is 88 km from Mumbai. The Kataldhar Waterfall trek is difficult. If you are planning to trek, carry all the medical supplies and food with you. If you hire a guide it will benefit you greatly to reach the waterfall — otherwise there is a chance of losing your route.

💡 Pro Tip: Start the trek by 7 AM at the latest to reach the waterfall and return before dark. Never attempt this trek alone or during very heavy rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions – Waterfalls Near Pune

Which is the best waterfall near Pune?

The Secret Waterfall in Tamhini Ghat (Bedgaon, 90 km from Pune) is widely considered the best waterfall near Pune due to its stunning turquoise pool and scenic ghat drive. For adventure trekkers, Kataldhar (75 km) is the top pick. For the closest option, Walen Waterfall (45 km) is most accessible.

Which waterfall near Pune is closest to the city?

Walen Waterfall at just 45 km via Mulshi Dam is the closest waterfall to Pune. Jagtap Waterfall (53 km) and Palase Waterfall (55 km) in Tamhini Ghat are also among the nearest options from Pune.

What is the best time to visit waterfalls near Pune?

July to September (monsoon season) is the best time when all waterfalls near Pune are at their fullest. October and November offer safer conditions with decent water flow. Most waterfalls are dry or inaccessible from December to June.

Which waterfalls near Pune are best for families?

Jagtap Waterfall (53 km) is the most family-friendly option with a maintained play area, hotel, and changing rooms. Walen Waterfall (45 km) and Bhendewadi Waterfall (70 km) are also safe and suitable for families with children.

Is Kataldhar Waterfall trek difficult?

Yes, the Kataldhar Waterfall trek is considered difficult and should not be attempted without a local guide. The trail is steep and slippery during monsoon and easy to lose your way. Carry first aid, food, and water. It is 75 km from Pune near Lonavala.

Are there any hidden or secret waterfalls near Pune?

Yes! The Secret Waterfall in Tamhini Ghat is the most famous. The Khandi valley (80 km from Pune) has over 40 lesser-known waterfalls. Near Bhendewadi village, Lalwadi and Jagtapwadi waterfalls are smaller hidden gems worth visiting.

Which is the highest waterfall near Pune?

Kalu Waterfall in Malshej Ghat (140 km from Pune) is one of the highest waterfalls in western Maharashtra. Madhe Ghat Waterfall (85 km from Pune) falls from approximately 2,788 feet, making it the tallest in Pune district.

Do waterfalls near Pune charge entry fees?

Most waterfalls near Pune are free to visit. Jagtap Waterfall is a paid private waterfall with amenities. The Secret Waterfall charges a small entry fee and provides lifejackets for safety. Most others — Bhendewadi, Palase, Walen, Madhe Ghat — are free, though small parking fees may apply.


Places to Visit Near Pune

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