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.
| # | Waterfall | Distance from Pune | Difficulty | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhendewadi Waterfall | 70 km | Easy | Free |
| 2 | Kanchan Waterfall | 125 km | Moderate | Free |
| 3 | Walen Waterfall | 45 km | Easy | Free |
| 4 | Palase Waterfall | 55 km | Easy–Moderate | Free |
| 5 | Secret Waterfall (Tamhini) | 90 km | Moderate | Paid + Lifejacket |
| 6 | Jagtap Waterfall | 53 km | Easy | Paid (Family) |
| 7 | Madhe Ghat Waterfall | 85 km | Moderate | Free |
| 8 | Kalu Waterfall (Malshej) | 140 km | Difficult | Free |
| 9 | Reverse Waterfall (Naneghat) | ~100 km | Moderate | Free |
| 10 | Kataldhar Waterfall | 75 km | Difficult | Free |
Table of Contents
- Bhendewadi Waterfall (70 km)
- Kanchan Waterfall (125 km)
- Walen Waterfall – Closest to Pune (45 km)
- Palase Waterfall (55 km)
- Secret Waterfall – Tamhini Ghat (90 km)
- Jagtap Waterfall – Best for Families (53 km)
- Madhe Ghat Waterfall (85 km)
- Kalu Waterfall – Malshej Ghat (140 km)
- Reverse Waterfall – Naneghat (~100 km)
- Kataldhar Waterfall (75 km)
- Frequently Asked Questions
01) Bhendewadi Waterfall – 70 km from Pune
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.
02) Kanchan Waterfall – 125 km from Pune
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.
03) Walen Waterfall – 45 km from Pune (Closest Waterfall!)
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.
04) Palase Waterfall – 55 km from Pune
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.
05) Secret Waterfall – Tamhini Ghat – 90 km from Pune
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.
06) Jagtap Waterfall – 53 km from Pune (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.
07) Madhe Ghat Waterfall – 85 km from Pune
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.
08) Kalu Waterfall – Malshej Ghat – 140 km from Pune
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.
09) Reverse Waterfall – Naneghat – ~100 km from Pune
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.
10) Kataldhar Waterfall – 75 km from Pune
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.
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
- Lonavala
- Karla Caves
- Rajmachi Fort
- Matheran Hill Station
- Bhivpuri Waterfall
- Adoshi Waterfall
- Mahabaleshwar
- Thoseghar Waterfall
- Devkund Waterfall
- Malshej Ghat