Devkund Waterfall Trek: Distance, Location and Complete Guide

Are you sitting there at your desk on a Friday afternoon, looking for “weekend trek near Mumbai” for the hundredth time? And does every result say it is either too expensive or requires three days of leave that you do not have?  Well, then you should just stop! Devkund Waterfall is the answer!

Devkund Waterfall is an 85-metre cascade hidden in the Sahyadri Hills near the village of Bhira in Raigad district. The trail goes through an actual forest, past Bhira Dam, and ends at a pool so clear it looks like someone edited it. The water is green-blue in the post-monsoon season, and you will stand there staring at it for a good ten minutes!

So, if you have decided to go on a  Devkund waterfall trek, we have everything for you – distance, route, when to go, when NOT to go, how to be safe, where to eat vada pav that will change your life! Read it, because if you show up there unprepared, you won’t have a lot of fun.

Devkund Waterfall Details

History Of Devkund Waterfall

The name Devkund literally means “God’s pond”. According to the locals, the place has an old myth attached to it. The story goes that utensils used to surface from the kund whenever there was an auspicious ceremony in the village nearby.

Whether you buy that or not, the waterfall has a more documented claim to fame — the Bhira Hydroelectric Power Station right next to it. The British built this plant in 1927, and it happens to be Asia’s first-ever hydroelectric project. So the Devkund waterfall location is not just pretty. It carries some actual weight in Maharashtra’s industrial history.

Devkund Waterfall Distance from Major Cities

Take a look at the Devkund waterfall distance from the nearest cities:

Devkund Waterfall Location

The Devkund waterfall location is near Patnus and Bhira villages in Mangaon Taluka, Raigad district. The Devkund waterfall trek starts from the parking area at Bhira village, right next to the Tata hydroelectric plant. You literally cannot miss the plant. It looks quite large and imposing in the middle of a forest area.

The trail goes into the forest from there, along the backwaters of Bhira Dam. The waterfall is deep inside the jungle, which is why it was basically unknown until maybe five or six years ago. But now, because of social media, it’s quite well-known. Also, this is supposedly where the Kundalika River starts, the same river that is famous for rafting in Kolad. So you are literally at the source. Kind of cool, isn’t it?

Devkund Waterfall Trek Distance and Route

The total Devkund waterfall trek distance is about 12 km. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but given certain challenging bends along the way, it gets a bit tricky. Overall, though, it is a fun and beautiful trek.

1. The first part

The first part is flat. Like, suspiciously flat! You walk along the dam reservoir through fields and forests. The catch comes after about forty-five minutes when you hit the streams. Two of them. The second one gets quite aggressive in the monsoon. Locals put up a bridge, but in July that bridge gets inundated.

2. The second part

The last thirty per cent of the Devkund trek is uphill. Not very steep, but quite rocky. You will use your hands, and you may even slip once. But don’t worry, everyone does. It is fine. Just wear actual trekking shoes, not your usual running shoes. The whole thing takes two to three hours one way, depending on how many times you stop to take photos of beautiful landscapes around.

Best Time to Visit Devkund Waterfall

1. June to September – Monsoon Season

Monsoon Devkund is gorgeous. The waterfall becomes this massive white wall of water, and the entire forest turns into a green screen. It is beautiful. It is also a complete mess. The trail becomes a river. The rocks become ice. The stream crossings become a bit tricky.

During most of the monsoon, the authorities close the Devkund waterfall trek because of weather hazards. So, if you go in monsoon, pick a day with light rain forecast. And go with a group. Do not do this solo in July, no matter how fit you are.

2. September to November – Best Balance of Flow and Safety

Post-monsoon Devkund is perfect. The water is still gushing, the pool has a beautiful, green colour, and the trail is quite manageable. The streams are calm enough to help you cross along without any major risks. By this time, the crowds also thin out after the monsoon rush. The Sahyadris are still green, and the weather is perfect. If this is your first time, book the Devkund trek for October, and you won’t regret it.

3. December to February – Safer Trekking Weather

For families with kids or people who are just starting out trekking, this is your safest bet. The waterfall is not as intense as it is around monsoon, but you still get some beautiful natural views.

How to Reach Devkund Waterfall?

1. In your own vehicle:

• From Mumbai – Expressway to Khalapur, then Pali, then Bhira. Simple enough, but check for road work and closures, because that is quite common along the way.
• From Pune – Go through Chandni Chowk, Paud, Mulshi, then Tamhini Ghat. The drive along the Ghats is extremely beautiful.

2. Public transport:

The nearest station is Khopoli. From there you get a bus to Pali. From Pali you get a bus to Bhira. However, the bus service is not very dependable, so you may consider hiring a car or a shared transport if you are travelling in a group.

Alternatively, you could just book a Thomas Cook trek package with transport included. Save yourself the headache. The package really makes it convenient for you. They leave on time, they know the route, and they will not leave you stranded in a village with no network!

Devkund Waterfall Trek Itinerary

The Devkund waterfall distance is manageable from both Mumbai and Pune. Hence, a lot of people prefer day trips. There are many itinerary options, such as:

1. One-Day Devkund Trek Itinerary

Leave by 5 AM. Reach Bhira by 9. Register, pay the ₹50 fee, and start walking by 9:30. The trail is marked well enough that you will not get lost unless you try to go off the usual route.

You will reach the waterfall by noon. Spend an hour there. Take your photos. Dip your feet. Do not swim near the main drop.

Head back by 1. You should be at the base by 3, in your vehicle by 3:30, and home by 7 or 8 depending on traffic. It is a long day. You will be tired. But you will also have the best experience ever!

2. Weekend Devkund Trip Itinerary

Leave Saturday evening. Reach Bhira by night. Stay at a homestay near Bhira Dam. Start the trek early on Sunday, ideally by 7 AM. You will beat the day-tripper crowds, and the morning light on the trail is very serene. Return by afternoon; reach your city by evening. This is great if you are going with friends and want to actually enjoy the Devkund trek, instead of power-walking through it like it is some kind of race. 

3. Devkund with Tamhini Ghat Plan

Leave Friday night. Find accommodation near Bhira. Saturday morning, start your Devkund waterfall trek. Saturday afternoon, drive through Tamhini Ghat and stop at every viewpoint because you see many waterfalls on the road during the monsoon.

Have a relaxed Sunday morning at your homestay. Enjoy a long breakfast at some dhaba. Drive back slowly. This is a relaxing plan, no rushing. Just forest, waterfalls, and enough time to actually remember the trip instead of just posting about it.

Things to Do at Devkund Waterfall

There are some wonderful things to do near Devkund Waterfall, such as:

1. Trek Through the Tamhini Forest

The 4.5 km hike from Bhira village is one of the most stunning activities near Devkund Waterfall. You trek through lush green forests and open fields, with some rocky patches thrown in. It is a scenic walk, suitable for beginners.

2. Camp Near Bhira Reservoir Backwaters

You can even camp near the Devkund Waterfall location. However, you require prior permission from the authorities, and there are only designated places where you can camp, so ensure you follow all the rules.

3. Click the best photographs.

Photography is best in post-monsoon when the water is clear. You get some dramatic shots of the waterfall itself, along with some gorgeous clicks of the stunning landscape all around.

Devkund Waterfall Trek Package

Mumbai-to-Mumbai or Pune-to-Pune packages cost about ₹1,200 to ₹1,600 per person. That gets you a bus transfer from the city, breakfast, lunch, a trek leader who actually knows the route, forest entry, and basic first aid. The village entry fee, which is approximately ₹50 to ₹100, is usually cash-only and extra, so carry change.

Look for good tour operators, like Thomas Cook, who offer guaranteed experiences in a safe and secure manner.

Devkund Waterfall Safety Tips

1. Wear proper shoes

It is crucial to wear proper shoes when you go to Devkund Waterfall to trek. There are some very slippery rocks and trails that you have to navigate carefully. Hence, trekking shoes are a must.

2. Do not go on forbidden routes.

Though considered to be an entry-level trek, the Devkund Waterfall trek can turn dangerous very quickly. Firstly, do not venture out in severe rainfall. It just is not safe. Then, follow the designated route, and do not try going through a different route through the forest.

3. Do not swim in the pool.

It is okay to dip your toes in the pool at the Devkund waterfall, but do not try swimming in the lake. It is one of the deepest and most dangerous waterfall lakes, so do not take a risk at all.

Where to Stay Near Devkund Waterfall?

The best option is to stay at a homestay in Bhira. Lots of villagers offer rooms in their houses. These are basic facilities with just a room and a washroom, but they work. You also get fresh, homemade food included, and after a long trek, that indeed feels like heaven! You will not get any hotels or resorts close to the Devkund Waterfall, so the homestays are your best option.

If you wish to stay in luxury, look for hotels in Lonavla. The Lonavala to Devkund Waterfall is only about an hour’s drive, so you could easily drive back to your hotel in Lonavala after your trek.

FAQs About Devkund Waterfall Trek

1. What is the Devkund Waterfall trek distance?

The complete Devkund trek is about 12 km. It would ideally take you 5 to 6 hours to complete the entire trek.

2. Where is Devkund Waterfall located?

The Devkund Waterfall is located near Bhira Village in the Raigad district.

3. What is the Devkund Waterfall distance from Mumbai?

Devkund Waterfall is 139 km from Mumbai.

4. What is the Devkund Waterfall distance from Pune?

Devkund Waterfall is 145 km from Pune.

5. Is the Devkund Waterfall trek difficult?

The Devkund Waterfall trek is considered to be a beginner-friendly trek. However, some parts of the trek are a bit challenging, so you have to be careful and only trek with proper trekking gear.