Bekare Waterfall, Bhivpuri Road, Karjat

Bekare / Bekre Waterfall is a multistep waterfall which lies near Bekare Village close to Bhivvpuri Rd or Neral Station. It is a easy to reach, small and safe waterfall ideal for family. Also known among rappellers, the main waterfall rock patch is around 30m in height. The waterfall pool is shallow and safe. However during heavy rainfall it is prone to flash floods in which raging amounts of water flow in it. Around 1.5km walk from the Bekare village will lead to this waterfall. Time taken will be appx 25mins from village. It is a very beautiful waterfall amidst lush green vegetation.

There is a Khambya Devi Temple in Bekare village. After crossing the bridge near the temple one has to take right jungle route alongside river. After a while another bridge will be seen, one has to cross it and go straight towards the waterfall. (Map Route Given Below). Reaching the waterfalls is easy even during heavy rains as bridges are placed and one need not cross river bed. However during heavy rains one should see the waterfall only from distance as volume is high.

Bekare waterfall receives its water from Matheran mountains. As this waterfall lies at the foot of Matheran hills. Locals do farming around this waterfall as well as a source of drinking water.

Base of waterfall as well as top of waterfall is easily accessible via a prominent route from right side of the falls. One can enjoy at the base as well as top of the falls.

Also at the lower step of the falls there is a natural cave like formation. One can sit and relax inside the cave while water flowing above it. However the cave is very small but pleasing experience.

Locals villagers are very friendly. They can also guide you and show you the way. However some also put up stalls near the waterfalls for refreshments (only during weekends). Also the local dogs are super friendly and show you the way and follow you everywhere.

How to Reach
Reaching Bekare waterfalls are easy. One can hire auto either from Neral Station (Also base of Matheran and Peb) or from Bhivpuri Rd Station which is next of Neral Station in CST-Karjat Central Line. Bhivpuri Rd Station is closer to Bekare Village than Neral Station.
One can also walk from Bhivpuri Rd to Bekare village in order to avoid taking auto but the route is long and it is a 4km walk from Bhivpuri Rd till Bekare and then 1.5km from village till Waterfall.

Bekare Waterfall Trek Map Route

Bekare Waterfall Video

Sondai Fort Trek, Karjat, Maharashtra

Sondai Trek is an easy level as well as small and beautiful trek near Karjat in Matheran range. Sondai is a short trek about 1.5km hike but surrounded by beautiful landscapes and waterfall as well as the massive Matheran mountain. The Sondai is named after the goddess Sondai on the top of the mountain followed by local people. The Sondai is mainly referred to as Sondai fort but there are no fortifications. There are only few rockcut water tanks indicating it was occupied by people either to keep guard of area or stopping point. Sondai is a mountain having an altitude around 440m asl. It can be easily climbed within 2 hrs. Route is well laid and starts from Sondewadi which is base village itself. One can also see the Vavarle and Morbe dam from Sondai clearly. There are initially rock cut stairs at regular intervals. The route is straight forward. The climb is very safe. Only in monsoon rocks might be slippery. The top part is steep but iron ladders are placed at top to overcome it. The top part of Sondai is small but peaceful place. Matheran can be seen clearly from Garbett point to Chowk Point.

Sondewadi is the base village which can be accessed easily by private vehicle or shared tum tum from karjat or panvel. The village is small and connected by tar road. However parking space is limited for 4 wheelers. The trek starts from the village level itself. The route goes from the river route to forest.

The route is simple and wide and well marked. It is initially gradual until a small plateau after which it passes along the mountain side with beautiful views. At some points there are ancient rock cut stairs. The route can be quite slippery during monsoon.

After the climb and along the mountain side one reaches an open plateau which provides mesmerising views of surrounding. After this point it is a climb upwards where 3 iron ladders are placed to aid the climb of rockpatch.

The view at mid point of the trek provides beautiful views of the surrounding region. 

The iron ladders are exciting to climb as without it, it is not possible to climb the rock patch. The second ladder being the longest and provides beautiful views of the other side of the mountain.

There are three tanks before the ladder climb. and after the second ladder climb there is another two water tanks which is big of which one is connected to other side but contains no water and must be used as shelter or store room.

Two tanks side by side of which one is dry 

 Top of Sondai provides beautiful views of all regions like Matheran, Morbe, Vavarle.

On top of the mountain is the stone idols of Sondai which locals worship. It is very important diety of the local people.

Sondai Trek Map Route

Sondai Trek Summary

Sondai Trek Video

Padargad Trek, Khandas, Karjat, Maharashtra

Padargad lies in Bhimashankar Range in Khandas village in Karjat. It is a unique fort with two dike like structure clearly visible and separated from main range by a khind. Padargad or Padhargad was used as a vantage point to keep an eye on Peth/Kothaligad fort. Padargad is on the way to Bhimashankar. One cannot do Bhimashankar and Padargad on same day. Padargad takes around 3 hours to climb. Its uniqueness comes at a point where the climb is between two hills a feet wide where one has to do a chimney climb. There are broken steps, water cistern and caves on top of Padargad.

Padargad can be reaches via two route from Khandas village. One is Ganesh Ghat which is a gradual climb till Padarmachi or base. Other is Shidi Ghat which is direct steep climb against the sheer wall and then a long walk through dense forest till Padar base. Use Ganesh Ghat for Padargad while Shidi Ghat for Bhimashankar. Since this is Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary there is plenty of Flora, Fauna and wild animals. One can reach a temple on the way from Ganesh Ghat. 

There is a small well from which the route cuts into the forest of Padargad. After which a short trek through dense forest will open upto the scree and lose rock the way to khind. There are three caves and water cistern on top.

 PADARGAD, BHIMASHANKAR TOP VIEW

Padargad Trek Route Map

PADARGAD TREK VIDEO

Summary