Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Nowadays, both parents in the family are working. So, long vacations are not possible like olden days.
Our holiday breaks are short and can happen at any time of the year – summer, winter rainy, spring.
Our kids had a long weekend ahead and so we decided that this could be the best time to take some time off from work. “Why not we go for vacation during monsoons?” I thought.
We zeroed in on my spouse’ native land of Konkan. We also made a list of some popular waterfall spots to see around Konkan and off we went.
Famous Waterfalls in Konkan
Why should one visit Konkan during the Monsoons you may wonder!
Because, there is less crowd, a plethora of economical accommodation options to choose from, soothing climate and greenery all round when it rains in Konkan.
Mother Nature has blessed Konkan in large measure with diverse flora and fauna, breezy beaches, hills, rock formations, brooks, rivers, and waterfalls. The highlight, however, is some crystal clear waterfalls that come crashing down high slopes in different parts of this area.
This is a list of the famous waterfalls we visited across two vacations in this incredible western part of India.
SawatSada Waterfall
This Waterfall is just 5 km from Chiplun, emerging from the SawatSada Cliff.
Visit here between July to October to experience the grandeur of the gushing waters. About 250m of walking needs to be done to view this waterfall’s pristine waters and out of the world surroundings. There is also a shed nearby to get some of the amazing views of the waterfall.
The Parashuram temple is close by and a trip to this waterfall could be combined with a visit to this temple too.
Amboli Waterfall
This is one of the Incredulous waterfalls located at Amboli Hill station on Sahayadri hills. A popular picnic spot, it is some 690 meters above sea level. The best time to visit here is June- July.
There are ample parking space and plenty of hotel options to choose from here. Take the flight of steps and get to relax and take a dip in the clean waters of the waterfall. There is a changing facility also available nearby but at a price.
I would give some insider tips too. It gets crowded during common holidays as the area around the falls is small. Beware also of Slippery rocks.
Some popular attractions nearby are Madhavgad fort, Shrigaonkar point, Hiranyakesi temple, Nangarta falls, Durg Dhakoba trekking.
How to reach here: This falls is about 500 km away from Mumbai by road
Chichghar Waterfall
This out-of-the-world falls is located some 10 km from Kudal village in Sindudhurg.
There is nothing like viewing water falling from great heights into the depths of the earth. The Chichghar waterfalls cascade beautifully bringing huge volumes of water down the slope in the Monsoon season. Visiting this falls, we just forget our worries and got lost in the incredulous world of nature.
Garambi Waterfall
Garambi falls is located near Murudright in the middle of a forest in coastal Maharashtra. It falls from a 100 feet high rock. The water is pure here, even fit for drinking.
In case you are planning to visit this falls combine the trip with the following attractions:
- Padmadurg fort (Kasa Fort) was built by Sambaji in the midst of the Arabian Sea. Accessibility to this fort is possible only at certain times in the year.
- Janjira Fort is located near Rajpuri and is easily accessible by boats. Built by the Siddis some 350 years ago over a 22 years period, this fort was considered the most impregnable fort around then.
- Gol Gumbaz is the seven storeyed tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah, a sultan of Bijapur. Its architectural wonders such octagonal-shaped tomb with unique sound acoustics attracts commoners and experts alike.
- Siddi Tombs – The Siddi tombs are built in the Indo Saracenic architecture style and engraved with Persian inscriptions
Garambi falls is can be reached in 4 hours from Mumbai by Road.
Marleshwar Waterfall
The Marleshwar Waterfalls is a series of small streams running down a beautiful hillock near Marleshwar, some 60 km away from Ratnagiri. It is origins is in the river Bav.
People also combine a trip to this amazing waterfall with a holy visit to the Marleshwar Shiva temple nearby. You need to climb 500 steps to reach a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. But the path has numerous shops with food and other curious that takes away the strain of your journey to the top.
Built by Lord Parashuram, it is said to be the holy spot where the divine marriage of Lord Marleshwar (Shiv)and Parvathi took place. Makar Sankranti is an important event in this temple. Surprisingly, the temple interiors have many snakes, but none of them harm the incoming devotees.
Hotels are available in plenty, so accommodation is not a problem.
How to reach here: Marleshwar is 336 km away from Mumbai and 264 km away from Pune.
Malgund, Parashuram temple, Jaigad, Derwan, and Pawas are some nearby places that you can visit after viewing this waterfall.
Napane Waterfall
Napane waterfall has water all year round. You can chance upon this waterfall in a small village called Vaibhavwadi in Sindhudurg. This impressive waterfall originates in a small spring, Umla about 5 km upstream.
It has verdant greenery around, pleasing the eye. The flora and fauna, especially birds are added attractions here.
Visit here between months September to February.
There are few resorts nearby. Buses ply regularly from major cities in Maharashtra to Vaibhavwadi.
Other nearby attractions:
- Radhanagar wildlife sanctuary
Radhanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Bison Sanctuary, is home to a wide range of animals such as barking deer, wild boar, leopard, and wild dogs.
Shivgad fort is another attraction here. The views from here of the surroundings is miraculous. Inside the fort, a temple of Bhavanimata and few cannons can be seen.
Alanari caves are about 8 km from the waterfall. Mythology has it that Bakasura, the rakshas was killed by Pandav Bhima here.
Savdav Waterfall
This splendid waterfall is located in Savdav village in Kankavali Taluk some 10 km away from Kanakavali township. The water here is safe for swimming.
You can plan a trip to this waterfall in the rainy season. It is a popular picnic spot with many pretty places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
This waterfall can be reached from Mumbai and Goa on the National Highway – 17.
Plenty of accommodation available near this waterfall
If you have more time on hand you can also visit Bhalchandra Maharaj Ashram and the Kunkeshwar beach and temple.
Vyaghreshwar Waterfall
Another wonder in Konkan, Vyaghreshwar waterfalls is very near Napane waterfalls. The place located in Sindhudurgh looks like a dream world where the water cascades from 300 feet amongst enchanting mountain ranges.
There is a temple nearby and it is connected to the waterfall by the narrow route to be traveled on foot. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vyaghreshwar. The temple has the most visitors on Monday. Bathing can be done in kund. Taking a dip in the waterfall is risky because of its slippery rocks.
The distance from this place to Mumbai is 535kms. Vyaghreshwar waterfall is also connected to other major cities in Maharastra.
Nearby attractions – Vijay Durg and temple
All the waterfalls are equally captivating. Nature is at its enchanting best in every season. In Konkan, it is the rainy season which brings its every atom to life. Visit Konkan in the Monsoon and find peace in the lap of Mother Nature, just like we experienced it.
Hey Mrunal the places which are described in this article are actually amazing and must visit places but let me tell you. I have been to Maharashtra many a times but never heard the name Konkan. Actually i was not knowing where the Konkan is. I have googled it and then got to know that it is in Maharashtra. But i am very much impressed with this places. Being foodie i wanted to ask you that what is the famous food item of Konkan to try?
Very clear explanation about each and every place in Konkan. Thanks for the information and very helpful to people who wants to Visit in Konkan During Monsoon.
A good article with wonderful Explanation, Great Post, Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.