Sunday 1 July 2012

Day Picnic to Madhe Ghat (मढे घाट)

            While reading some travel blogs I came across 1 mountain road (Ghat: घाट) known as Madhe ghat (In Marathi: मढे घाट) and decided to visit this place this monsoon.  It is a perfect combination of ghat, rivers, waterfalls, lush green nature and small villages surrounding them. A must visit place for nature lover and Photographers.


About Madhe Ghat:
           Madhe ghat is located around 55 km south west of Pune bordering Raigad district and in the vicinity of Torna Fort, Rajgad, Raigad, and backwaters of Bhatghar dam. From this place, you can have a view of the vast area such as Raigad fort, Lingana, Varandha ghat and Shivthar Ghal. This place is very cold and is a developing hill station.
             In history, when the great warrior Narveer Tanaji Malusare died in the Sinhagad battle, his body was to be taken for last rites in his native village Umrathe near Poladpur. Tanaji Malusare's funeral procession was taken to his native place from this Madhe ghat route.
   There are two routes to reach Madhe ghat, Either by Pabhe Ghat or by NH-4 route.

From Pabhe ghat route is Pune -> Warje-Malwadi -> Khadakwasla Dam -> Donje Phata -> Khanapur village -> Take left after 1km from Khanapur -> Pabe Ghat -> on Nasarapur-Velhe Road, take right -> Velhe village -> Kelaad village -> Madhe Ghat waterfall (Total one way distance is 62km route)

Another route from NH-4 is Pune -> NH-4 -> Khed-shivapur toll on NH-4 -> Take right turn at Nasarapur bypass -> Velhe village -> Kelaad village -> Madhe Ghat waterfall (Total one way distance is 82km route)


Board near Madhe Ghat
Board near Madhe Ghat

But I will suggest round trip route as Pune -> Khadakwasla Dam -> Pabhe ghat – Velhe village -> Madhe Ghat -> Velhe village -> NH-4 -> Pune.

2nd July 2012: Madhe Ghat  (Distance traveled: 138 km)
          We (Me and my wife Renuka) started our journey at around 8.30 AM on a Sunday morning by bike. This time we decided to go on my 10-year-old bike as we heard that the road conditions are not good for the car. The weather was quite cloudy and we were expecting heavy rain. After crossing Khanapur, we saw a left turn to Pabhe ghat. We confirmed this route with 1 villager and processed with our journey. 




              The road was amazing, especially in the Ghats if you are a photographic freak and nature lover. You can see Sinhagad fort from a different angle. Road/Ghat is through dense forest and some paddy fields. If you are a photographic freak then it is very difficult to keep the camera in the bag during the entire journey. We took too many halts for nature clicks. A cool breeze was making our journey more joyful.

Sinhagad fort from different angle
Sinhagad fort from different angle

Sinhagad fort from different angle
Sinhagad fort from different angle

Pabe Ghat
Pabe Ghat
              
            Once we reached near Velhe village, we were able to spot Torna and Rajgad fort but it was covered by clouds. Now we started feeling very hungry so took a break at a small restaurant. The owner served us tasty Missal Pav and Fried Bread. The weather was freezing cold and we were having very tasty Missal Pav. That was awesome breakfast.

Swapnil Restaurant
Swapnil Restaurant










Torna Fort
Torna Fort

Back side Torna Fort view
Backside Torna Fort view
              
              After Velhe village, we took a left turn for Madhe Ghat. Road condition is very bad except 8-9 km road patch. Forest was very dense and sometimes it was difficult to spot road after taking some crazy curves. We enjoyed our bike ride through curvy road/ghat.  After crossing few mountains we saw a spectacular view of Sahyadri ranges. You need to cross at least 5-6 Mountains to reach Kelaad village.  Signboard helped us to spot the Madhe ghat route and we took a left turn and crossed a small bridge. From here onwards either you can go on the bike for last 1.5km road patch or you can have a walk. Bcos of monsoon, many people prefer a walk after that small bridge. We saw few bikers struggling to climb on the last patch. We preferred to walk to reach the top of Madhe ghat. The road ends at this point and offers you an amazing view.

Paddy fields
Paddy fields

Road to Madhe Ghat
Road to Madhe Ghat

Madhe Ghat
Madhe Ghat

              When we arrived at Madhe ghat, we saw that this area is very plain and flat reminding you of the table land at Panchgani. Proceeding towards the edge of this mountain, we are able to see a gigantic waterfall falling over the exposed rock directly into the valley of 2500 feet falling in the Shivthar river in Konkan.

Madhe Ghat Waterfall
Madhe Ghat Waterfall

Madhe Ghat waterfall from another mountain
Madhe Ghat waterfall from another mountain

Rainbow in Madhe Ghat Waterfall
Rainbow in Madhe Ghat Waterfall
             We clicked many photos of the waterfall and surrounding area, spent some time with the small waterfalls. Many people even living in Pune wouldn’t be aware of this place which will make you stress-free. I loved this place. We spent more than an hour and then started with our return journey.

Table Land at Madhe Ghat
Table Land at Madhe Ghat
 
We

Gigantic Waterfall from Madhe Ghat
Gigantic Waterfall from Madhe Ghat

A Small Jungle Trek
A Small Jungle Trek

               While moving down from that, we saw we spotted lots of Jackfruit trees. Renuka loves Jackfruit so we asked boys from village to help us to take some down. We took 3 mid-size Jackfruit bcos of limitation. Thank god that we were on the bike and not by car. For the return journey, we choose NH-4 path. After riding 30-33km we touched national highway 4. We were hungry but it was 4 in clock so rather than hunting for lunch we had heavy snacks.  

 
             We reach home by 5.30 PM in the evening. It was truly stress–relieving nature trip. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and planning to cover this lush green, breathtaking waterfall view spot in this monsoon.

  • Petrol for Bike: Approx. INR 225/- (3-liter petrol considering average 50 per liter) 
  • Breakfast at Velhe: INR 40/- per person for Missal Pav
  • Lunch on NH-4: INR 150/- for both (heavy snacks) 
  • Toll on NH-4 (Khed-Shivapur): INR 0/- for Bike (For Car it is INR 70/- one-way entry)
Thanks for reading this Travel Blog. Happy traveling.
 Pritesh Kulkarni
Pune


48 comments:

  1. Yes, surroundings around Velhe is absolutely beautiful. I have done track of Torna & Raigarh (3times). Torna is very high, risky and lonely place. But Raigarh is very delightful and spectacular. We went to Raigarh from village Margasni. This is also very amazing track. Photos related to fall is very nice. But travelling on byke must be slightly hectic. Blog is nicely written and one will feel like visiting.-GP Ghospurkar

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  2. Awesome info. You can also visit Nagothane. This monsoon, trek to Kansai Waterfalls will be a thrilling experience. This beautiful waterfall is situated just 7 kms from the Kamath Residency resort (they arrange various adventure treks and activities) by car/bike followed by a 30 minutes jungle trek. Recommended from monsoons right upto december.

    Watch On Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewqBZZGOSbg

    The group is taken on the jungle trek to the waterfalls by naturist.

    Rates: Rs.750/- per person. (Group Required)

    Package Includes:
    1. Breakfast at the resort.
    2. Guided trek to the waterfalls.
    3. Veg-Non-Veg Lunch.
    4. Evening Snacks with Tea /Coffee.
    5. Use of Swimming pool and Indoor and Outdoor Games.

    You can get more details - http://www.kamathresidency.com

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  3. Nicely written Pritesh. BTW is it named 'Madhe' because Tanaji Malusare's dead body was taken via this route? - Dnyaneshwar

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  4. Thanks Dnyaneshwar,
    I am not sure why this ghat is known as Madhe ghat.
    Some Local says it is named 'Madhe' because Tanaji Malusare's dead body(Madhe in Marathi) was taken via this route.
    No official records are available on Internet.

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  5. Picnic to Madhe Ghat
    my friends and me and my sweet bro going 2 Madhe Ghat
    it's so awesome place to enjoy......!
    I LIKE IT VERY MUCH
    4M:- Pratik Dhore :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pratik Dhore.
      Happy Traveling...!!!

      Delete
  6. Thanks prits ,keep trekking and blogging.
    Raghavendra

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  7. To go madhe ghat, is the road suitable for car?

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  8. Thanks to your blog.. planning to go there in july. :) awesome pics n description

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  9. what else can be seen along with madhe ghat? what is best time to visit madhe ghat ? i mean best season of waterfalls in madhe ghat ....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Monsoon is the best time t visit Madhe ghat.. Along with waterfall, U can visit khadakwasala dam. There is nothing to nearby Madhe ghat

      Delete
  10. Someone give me this link with suggestion for this weekend's bike trip. feeling prod as it was written by you my friend :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Sanjay....Feel good after reading ur comment
      Happy Traveling...!!

      Delete
  11. Very inspiring. Good writing Pritesh. I will plan to visit this.

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  12. Very correctly described. I visited the place yesterday.
    It is worth visiting in Monsoon

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  13. Hey Guys !

    It's really nice to study about your visited place and the shared information but did u ever planned to go for trip to "Panchmadi". It's really a Nice place.

    Thanks
    Vijay

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  14. Hi Pritesh,

    I am planning to organise a bird watch trip in pune and wanted your help for it. its corporate travel so you will be paid for assistance...


    You may call me on 8286128511 or drop me a text if cell is not reachable.
    You can also write to me on sachin.elenjikal@usa.com

    Awaiting your response...


    Regards
    Sachin

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  15. Thanks a lot for a wonderful guidance ......i have been there today and its an awesome sight in summer as well......really thankful of you as i saw one of the most critically endangered bird there..first time in my life...thanks a ton man really hoping you will share more such amazing places

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Harshal for your comment. Will try my level best to cover more n more places.
      Happy traveling.

      Delete
  16. Hi pritesh

    Your blog is very informative and is the best info guide for spots around pune . It reflects your love for nature and traveling . I am planning a weekend trip this monsoon . Would you recommend madhe ghat in july end - aug first week ? I am concerned due to heavy rains . Or is tung for trek a good option during this time ? Please suggest

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mohit for your comment
      Yes you can visit Madhe ghat for Aug first week.. No problem as such due to heavy rainfall.
      For Tung Fort i will suggest to to go by Sept first week or after mid Sept
      Reason: You will get beautiful view of Pavna Dam in post Monsoon time n route will be safe to climb as compare to monsoon time.

      Regards,
      Pritesh

      Delete
  17. Can we visit by our car? total 5 people from Chinchwad. Your suggestion please.
    Thanks...Umesh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes Umesh, you can visit Madhe ghat by Car.

      Delete
  18. Nice and informative article!

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  19. Beautifully described the journey.....
    Thanks for the information

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  20. Hi,

    Planning to visit this place in first week of December. It will be a group of 7-8 bikers and 1 Car. Just wanted to know if the place is accessible by Car (loaded with stuffs like tents, water jars etc).
    Starting point would be Dombivli - and return.

    Please advice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will not be able to see waterfall in the month of Dec. Place is possible to access by 4W drive car. last patch consist of rocks and sudden height gain so difficult for normal car.
      Regards,
      Pritesh Kulkarni

      Delete
  21. can you please share some pics of the last patch? is the place safe to park the car just before the last patch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have shared last patch pic in my one of the blog... yes you can park car safely before the patch or at the village which is just 1 km before last patch.

      Delete
  22. Is it worth visiting the place this weekend, 28th Nov?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you can visit this as there was heavy rain in last week...

      Delete
  23. Is the place worth visiting now?

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  24. Hi,
    As planned i visited this place on 5th Dec....though we reached there by 6:30 pm almost dark.....weather was awesome with freezing windchill....temp around 13-14 degrees (approx). Had a good overnight stay...not sure if i can add the pics....but managed to reach the top by car :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to hear about trip... Happy traveling

      Prits

      Delete
  25. Very informative blog..!
    thanks for introducing us to new places near pune.
    keep hunting for new places...

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  26. Hi prits....I am travelling to madhe ghat / mango forest resort this thursday. Any jdea abkut the road condition now ?

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    Replies
    1. Road condition is average with few rough patches. It is motor-able condition for small car as well.

      Regards,
      Pritesh Kulkarni

      Delete
  27. Today Returned 2 Kms before from Madhe Ghat Table land Due to Heavy rain,Mist, Loneliness , Fear . Road condition is Poor with Ups and Downs with Free Mud/ stone crush at some Patches..

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  28. Recently went to madhe ghat. It was heavily foggy & raining.
    Here's a small compilation of 15 mins which i got to see the waterfall.
    https://youtu.be/xCj6ZWFNwWY
    The place is awesome.

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  29. Many time I visited this place with my friends for night stay. Best time to visit this place is monsoon and winter season.
    There is only one hotel near waterfall named as Giriraaj hotel. They provide stay facility as well as tasty veg & non veg food which is made on chul.
    For there contact details you can visit on www.madheghat.com

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  30. Awsm views top of Pabe Ghate we seen front Sinhagad Fort back Rajgad view Great locations too near from City

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