When you think of waterfalls, your mind is most likely to flutter to a place deep in the jungles and surrounded by mighty mountains. However, what if we tell you that Navi Mumbai is also home to a majestic waterfall – the Pandavkada Waterfall! It is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai and is the favorite spot of the locals, especially in the monsoon season. If this excites you already, keep reading about the Navi Mumbai waterfall.
Pandavkada Waterfall: Lore, How To Reach, Best Time To Visit, And More
Mythological Lore Behind Pandavkada Waterfall
Pandavkada Waterfall is known by other names like Kharghar Waterfall and Pandu Falls. However, it gets its true name from an interesting mythological lore that takes us back to the Mahabharata. If you’ve read or know the Mahabharata, you must be knowing about the central protagonists of the Hindu epic – the five Pandava brothers.
It is believed that the Pandava brothers visited this place during their exile. They bathed in the water here and rested for some time before continuing their journey. This is why the place gets its name as Pandavkada where ‘Kada’ in Marathi translates to ‘an edge’ or a ‘cliff’.
Pandavkada Waterfall: Essential Information To Know
Pandavkada Waterfall is located in the Kharghar suburb of Navi Mumbai. The waterfall is one of the very few waterfalls in the Mumbai metropolitan area, with the rest of them mostly being in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park reserve. It is situated in the scenic Kharghar Hills and is quite close to the Kharghar Railway Station, making it easily accessible too.
This waterfall is a ‘plunge’ waterfall, meaning water flowing from the top directly crashes on the rocks situated at the base of the waterfall. It does not cascade its way to the base unlike some other waterfalls. At an impressive height of 107 meters, you should definitely not underestimate the height of the waterfall! It is a seasonal waterfall, meaning you can only enjoy its beauty in the monsoon season when it is fed with abundant rainfall.
How To Reach Pandavkada Waterfall Kharghar
The waterfall is located only 7 kilometers (km) away from Kharghar Railway Station. From here, you can easily hire a rickshaw to reach the waterfall. Moreover, it is well-connected to other suburbs in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai, making it convenient to travel to the waterfall via road.
It only takes about 20 to 25 minutes to trek to the waterfall and it is perfect for beginners. The route is fairly decent and you won’t have to cross massive boulders or make your way through exhausting terrain! Once you are near the waterfall, you’ll hear the loud crashing noise of the water as it plummets down on the rocks from a height of 107 meters. And voila! In just a few moments, you’ll be facing the mighty Pandavkada waterfall!
Best Time To Visit Pandavkada Waterfall Khaghar
Remember what we said earlier? The waterfall is a seasonal one, meaning you can experience its beauty in the monsoon season. This makes the months of June to October the best time to visit Pandavkada Waterfall. The Mumbai and Konkan regions receive ample rainfall in these roughly 4 to 5 months. In fact, global warming has also made it possible for rains to arrive much earlier and recede much later.
We recommend that you visit the waterfall in the peak monsoon season – preferably between July and September. This is when the entire stretch of Kharghar Hills dons itself in a lush green blanket and this sight is truly spectacular! Note that peak monsoon season also means that you’ll likely find plenty of tourists as excited as you! If you wish to avoid them, we recommend visiting the falls on weekdays as early in the morning as possible.
Address: Sector 23, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210
Timings: There are discrepancies online about the official timings, however, we recommend you visit the waterfall between 6 AM and 6 PM.
Note: There have been many recent reports about police denying entry to the waterfall after 11 AM. If you are visiting the waterfall, make sure to keep a tab on such local updates.
Summing Up
The Pandavkada Waterfall is a gem that only comes to life in the monsoon season, but in these limited months, it transforms into one of the most breathtaking sites you’ll ever see! Think of plunging water, lush green scenery, and the misty, cloudy atmosphere – you won’t even believe that you’re in Navi Mumbai! So, have you packed your bags for this trip?
FAQs
Which Waterfalls Are Near Mumbai In Summer?
The following waterfalls are near Mumbai in summer (as well as monsoon):
- Bhivpuri Waterfall
- Devkund Waterfall
- Lingmala Waterfall
What Is The History Of Pandavkada Falls?
According to mythological legends, it is said that the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata rested here for a while during their exile. They bathed here and spent some time exploring the place, which is why it is called Pandavkada Falls.
Which Season Is Best For Waterfall?
Usually, the monsoon and post-monsoon period is the best season to visit a waterfall. This is because waterfalls receive plenty of water in these months and can easily be active for months after the rain stops.
