Monsoon is here. Now it is time to enjoy the beauty of nature at its best and if you resides in Pune then there is no shortage of natural destinations that can tickle your eyes with lush greenery, green carpeted mountains whose top is invisible in the thick cover of clouds and the most admirable activity of Mother Nature during monsoon the water falls that are simply irresistible. Who would like to get away from these timely gifts of God to human kind? Isn’t it a good idea to explore some of these destinations in the perfect season of rains to relax your hectic schedule and get some fresh air and views to energise your soul?Let me take you to one of such places that gave me an opportunity to meet an unbelievable experience of my life. After the routine week I rather call it boring week I wanted some change and that change can be so wonderful I never expected. We planned to go for a drive towards Tamhini as we heard from some of our friends that it is beautiful during monsoon. We started but were not that excited as the drive was a bit long after the hectic week. We started and it was almost 100 kilometres from Chandni Chowk, Pune towards Mumbai. Not a single moment was boring or tiring as the views are eye loving from both the windows that is the advantage to live in Pune which is surrounded by hills from all sides and gives stunning looks in monsoon.After crossing Mulshi Dam you get the way to Tamhini Ghat. Ghats were tough and not excited to mention bad roads but rest was amazing that can let you forget easily the road bumps and round dizzy ghats. There were many pretty waterfalls sounding loud but lovely, lush greenery, lakes, fogy cold wind. I need to mention here that you must stop your car AC to enjoy the fresh air that is rare usually in the city traffic. The jungles look quite dense and give us an opportunity to be lost in nature away from crowds. Words are not sufficient to explain the beauty of nature that lies in here. Throughout the way we were not able to decide where not to stop as after every mile we find more beautiful painting of God. I mean to say if I would have too much time, I would love to walk myself so that I could enjoy the nature in its fullest. We clicked camera many times but didn’t want to lose a single eye blinking. Our eyes were getting the best possible views after watching tiring scenes of city traffic, crowds, and of course the screen of computer and television. The Tamhini ghat starts after Mulshi Dam. If the scenic beauty of Tamhini is not sufficient to satisfy your mind’s appetite then you may opt to go ahead of this ghat towards Mangaon which will take you to the Konkan side. The advice here is to avoid mountain area in the night as it can be dangerous instead one can go through Bhor ghat.
Now if you ask me what is special about Tamhini then I would like to say that just forget manmade beauty or artificiality if you really want to enjoy the stretch of Tamhini Ghat. Get lost in the nature and forget who you are, the city, office, home, everything. Just be natural and mix yourself in the nature. The Tamhini ghat is famous for its unbelievable beautiful tall and short waterfalls that look like decoration of satin ribbons hanging on the mountains by Mother Nature. Secondly the endless greenery on the way and in all directions keeps your eyes cool. This ghat has a steep cliff on one side and a deep valley on the other side. We also saw one temple here that is called Vanjai Mata temple which is said to be century old. This beauty of Tamhini ghat attracts thousands of people all through the monsoon. Your camera’s memory card will fall short but the panorama will not end. Here you don’t get the glimps of nature but the full length movie of unforgettable natural surroundings and waterfalls. Sometimes it seems like clouds are dancing on top of the mountains and thus making the top invisible. At last I want to tell you all that it was a memorable trip.While travelling towards Tamhini Ghat, somewhere in the middle of nowhere you will find an extension leading to Lonawala, which also provides epitome beauty of nature on your way to Lonawla. Although the extension leading to Lonawala would surely promise you the worst ride of your life but landscapes, natural beauty comprising huge canvas of caves, mountains and waterfalls will compensate hard work you would take to travel the distance. The area is kind of neglected and not so many tourist try to opt for this route due to the worst condition of road leading to Lonawala.SuggestionYou must carry your water bottle and food as you won’t find any big restaurants or hotels. Be prepared as you may feel hungry. There are no petrol pumps after Pirangut so if your vehicle does not have sufficient then fill it up in Pirangut or Pune.RoutePune – Pirangut- Poud – Mulshi – Tamhini GhatDistanceApproximately 100 kilometers from Pune.Ruchi Mahajan