Varandha Ghats: Best place to travel in Monsoons

I know i am late at the time of writing this article as September is almost over and the monsoons are almost gone. But i had such a great time there i can't stop writing about it. And also one should put it on the paper when thought arrives because it will never be the same thought again. 

Well, from all the destinations i went through in or around Pune this Monsoons, i had best experience going through Varandha ghats. Varandha Ghats are the mountain pass in the Western Ghats range in Pune district, Maharashtra India. The best part is they are very less explored and hence the beauty is intact. Also there is hardly any civilization after the Bhor village and that's what makes it more beautiful. Just nature all around and the sound of water and air only makes you go on the top of the world. 

The route from Pune

Varandha ghat road is around 80 kms from Swargate Pune. I am considering Swargate because its a very common stop and most of the puneites or even the outsiders know about or can reach there easily. So if you are on a private vehicle it would be fun. 

             Map from Swargate to Varandha Ghats ( Courtesy: Google Map)

The Route beautiful

From swargate, start moving towards the Katraj and keep going towards the Katraj ghats. After crossing the Katraj ghats you will get connected to Pune-Bangalore Highway. People coming from Aundh, Kothrud, Wakad etc. can directly take the pune-Bangalore highway.
                                 
Keep going straight you'll reach Kapurhol ( from where left turn will take you to Mini balaji, a famous temple in Pune Maharashtra ) , and after going going around 500m you'll see an HP petrol pump on your left and on your right you'll see a road which will take you to bhor. You can also see the boards of adventure plus on the road which are on the same way around 10-15 kms from that road.

On the way to Bhor. (Image Courtesy: Iklick Photography)

You'll cross the river bridge and beautiful Bhatghar dam on the way. Do stop and enjoy the scenic beauty.
   
A tryst with nature in Bhor. (Image Courtsey: Iklick Photography)

After crossing the bhor village, you'll see a board towards Mahad, take that road and they will take you through Vrandha ghats.

The Bhatghar dam.(Image Courtsey: Iklick Photography)

                 Waterfall on the way. (Image Courtsey: Iklick Photography)

Bhor will be the last village you'll see and from that place to around 40-50 Kms stretch you'll hardly see any people around apart from tourist or some small 1 or 2 food outlets. And you'll encounter another beautiful Nira Deoghar dam on the way whose beauty is unbelievable. Do stand there and you'll understand.

         Backwaters, Nira Deoghar dam. (Image Courtsey: Iklick Photography)

The route is not that much complex but it would be good if you go in a group of few to avoid trouble. Better to leave for such places early morning because they are not safe places to travel through the night. And enjoy this place before it gets explored more and start loosing its beauty.

Also there are no Lodge or hotels on the way so leave on time and best way is to cross them and reach Mahad city from where you can either connect to Mumbai Goa highway which will take you to Mumbai and is around 160 kms from mahad or you can take a road to Mahabaleshwar which is around 6o kms from mahad and is another beautiful hill stations to enjoy in monsoons.

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