Dhodani or Dodhani (धोदाणी ) is a village which lies at the base of Matheran mountain range. This village lies at the west end of Matheran mountain. This is by far the best located village at the base of Matheran mountain. Dhodani is also well connected by local bus starting from Panvel station. This is a fairly big village. However this village is surrounded by numerous rivers which gets collected into Gadeshwar dam. Yet another scenic place near Dhodani. The main waterfall here which is most visited is the Dhodani or Dodhani Waterfalls. However the lower end of the falls is known as Sukha waterfalls. Being easily accessible and nearby along with being beautiful many tourist as well as trekkers come here during monsoon. The waterfall is very safe with no pools.
GADESHWAR DAM LAKE
Many trekkers also trek to Matheran from Dhodani village. The Matheran is accessible from all sides and Dhodani is one of them. The route from this village opens up in Sunset or Porcupine point at the top of Matheran. An easy level trek.
The overall Dhodani is broken into steps and fall height is appx over 200 to 250m. The main stage is very big and cataract where as the lower end (Sukha) is a type of cascade and very beautiful.
Main Dhodani Cataract Falls
Dhodani or Dodhani can be visited in monsoon. Local villagers are very helpful and also provide food and refreshments to tourists. However it should be the duty of visitors to keep such nature places clean and green. No littering in such places as well as no drinking. The peace of such places should be maintained.
The river is the prime source of the villagers for irrigation, farming as well as house hold activities. Tremendous volume of water flows through this river during monsoon. The river bed is very wide. One can even enjoy near the river beds.
DHODANI WATERFALLS
DHODANI WATERFALLS
Also certain groups perform rappelling over these falls along with ziplining. A perfect waterfall to perform waterfall rappelling.
Sukha Dhodani Waterfall Top
However the top part of waterfall is quite dangerous. The rocks are very slippery and the curvature is smooth. As well as there is a small hole in rock which is deep and can form whirpools during heavy flow. Height of the falls is around 30m ideal for rappelling and lies at an altitude of 230m above sea level. However the main falls drop from Matheran plateau around 650m above sea level from Simpson Tank in Matheran.
Dhodani is by far the most beautiful waterfall in Panvel region near Matheran. It can be visited by all of any age group. It is easily accessible from village as well as village is well connected with roads by transports.
HOW TO REACH
1. Panvel to Dhodani ST buses 2. Local jeeps 3. Private transport 4. Road route starts from Terana Circle in New Panvel East which passes straight through Koproli and Nere Gaon going straight towards Maldunge Dhodani village via Gadeshwar Dam. (20km from Panvel Rail Station) 5. Parking is also available at the village near Temple. (5 to 7 four wheelers vehicles max)
