Showing posts with label Kasara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kasara. Show all posts

Monday, October 2, 2023

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel valley is situated at the top of Kasara Ghat near Igatpuri Hillstation. This valley is encountered when descending the Kasara ghat which is at the start point of the descent. There are small shops and parking area where there are lots and lots of monkeys. One can park the vehicle and can get into the valley to enjoy and relax the waterfalls as well as cherish the beautiful views. The camel valley can be a stop and go visit point. 

This was earlier used as a film shooting location for certain movies like Asoka. The valley is shaped such that during monsoon it will be covered throughout dense fog as the air funnels up the valley. Most of the time during monsoon months it is covered in dense fog and the views cannot be seen during monsoon. Hence best time to visit camel valley to see views is post monsoon whereas to enjoy the rain and fog, monsoon is best. Hence this is also known as fog city.

The waterfall which is located in this valley is multistage waterfall where it breaks into 3 stages from top to bottom which has an overall appx height of 1000feet or 300m. The longest drop is at first stage which is 100m and more. Camel valley waterfall receives its water from the nearby Talegaon mountains and flow all the way to join Bhatsa river which eventually drains into Bhatsa dam. There are many private hotels and resorts built above the waterfall. The waterfall is best viewed after monsoon due to low visibility in monsoon. There are small hills one can walk from parking lot to get the glimpse of waterfall from opposite hill. 

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra
Kasara Ghat also known as Thal Ghat is a ghat section in the Western Ghats near the town of Kasara in Maharashtra. It is one of the 4 major ghats that joins Mumbai to deccan and lies on Mumbai Nashik route.
Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra
The 3 stages of Camel valley Waterfall as seen from opposite side of the waterfall hill.
Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra
Kasara Camel Valley mountains
Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra
Dense fog engulfs the whole valley with visibility barely few meters.
Camel Valley Waterfall, Igatpuri, Kasara Ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra
While climbing up the Kasara Ghat from Mumbai to Nashik side, on one side of the road is this unique style of enclosed well built by Ahilyabai Holkar. Earlier this well was a respite place for travelers going up and down the hill. It was built in such so that the evaporation is minimized unlike open wells. The well never dries up. Still now it is being used as a water source and some tankers come here to fill up the water. This is actually historic well. It is bound to be missed by most of the travelers as it is aside the road.




Sunday, September 24, 2023

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka waterfalls prior called Vihigaon falls is located in Kasara Budruk in Shahapur taluka of Thane district in Maharashtra. It is named Ashoka after the film Asoka which was filmed here as well as camel valley of Igatpuri a dance scene of San Sanana song. This waterfall is beautiful as huge volume of water flows through it during heavy rains. The water fall is easily accessible and there is ample of parking space at the top. Ashoka waterfall can be reached easily from either Nashik via Igatpuri or Mumbai.

Ashoka waterfall is actually quite beautiful to see when there is heavy rain. The pool of the waterfall is very safe and only waist deep for an average person. The waterfalls can be enjoyed even during moderate to high flow. Earlie the falls was accessible via rock trekking but nowadays it is renovated and stairs are made all the way down to the falls from the top parking area.

Ashoka waterfalls receives its water from the Kasara hills and eventually flows to the middle Vaitarna dam. A small dam is also constructed on the top where locals use the water regularly. Waterfall is well maintained and also publicly safe for all and family. There are eatery local stalls at top of the falls.

Also note some locals will randomly ask for money just for a sort of extra income.

HOW TO REACH

1) Take Kasara trains coming from CST station on Central Railway. Alight at Kasara then one can take share taxis to the Vihigaon Ashoka falls.

2) Once can drive their private vehicle till the falls. If coming from Mumbai side then one has to climb the Kasara ghat going to Nashik side up to a point where the road turns left towards Vihigaon side leaving the Kasara Ghat and passing through a small underpass. If one is coming from Nashik side, one has to descend the whole Kasara Ghat and then climb up again up to the point where road goes left towards Vihigaon

PARKING FEE: Rs 20/40 2wheeler/4wheeler and big buses have higher. 

However the locals are not much into it. they will have receipt but will not provide and say I don't know how to sign or write. So pay and take the receipt and write yourself the details or else the money will go straight to his pocket. Parking area is big but the roads are little offroad but manageable. 

ENTRY FEE: 30Rs / Person (They provide proper receipt)

CHANGING ROOMS: There are small washrooms but no water and also a changing room for ladies at the top in parking area.

TIMING OF ASHOKA FALLS: 9 Morning to 5 Evening

CLOSURE OF ASHOKA FALLS: Usually the falls are closed for 2 months July and August and then reopens on first week of September due to heavy rains. For people visiting on July and August, it is advised to confirm before visiting. From September its all open.

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

Ashoka Waterfalls, Vihigaon, Kasara, Maharashtra

ASHOKA WATERFALL VIDEO