Pandavkada Falls, Navi Mumbai Overview

Pandavkada Falls is a 107 metres tall waterfall near Mumbai. It is a plunge type waterfall that flows through the mountains of the Western Ghats of Mumbai and cascades down with immense speed over rock formations underneath. It takes about 3 hours to reach the waterfall from Mumbai and barely an hour and a half from Navi Mumbai during low traffic situations. So, this attraction is quite preferred for a short trek or a day-long picnic, especially during the monsoon season when the mountains are covered with dense natural vegetation and provide for a beautiful escape from the routine. Reaching the waterfall during the rainy season is a thrill that calls amateur adventurers too.

Pandavkada Falls is also associated with the Pandavas and Mahabharata. Although it is not mentioned in the scripts, legend has it that the Pandavas had visited and bathed in this waterfall while travelling during their exile. Some people also believe that they reached the waterfall through a tunnel inside the mountain and lived somewhere nearby. So, the attraction has some mythological importance too. Some also believe the waters have become sacred ever since the Pandavas visited the waterfall. The place is also known as Pandavkada Ankit. At an entry fee of INR 50/- per head, this attraction becomes one of the best attractions to escape over a weekend. Having said that, it is recommended that visitors do not enter the waters as it could be dangerous.

Things to do at Pandavkada Falls, Kharghar

The first and foremost thing that visitors need to do is to trek a short distance to reach the Pandavkada Waterfall. Some visitors can also drive to the base of the waterfall if that seems convenient to them. There is some parking space available at the Gurudwara which is located on the main road, a few kilometres before the Pandavkada Falls. Visitors can spend some time at the Gurudwara also before heading to the base of the waterfall. The entire route, if witnessed during the monsoon season, is full of picturesque scenery. Travellers can stop wherever they want to and click as many photographs as they want to.

Once they reach the base of the waterfall, they can move closer to the pool underneath the falls to witness the magnificent 107 metre drop. One can sit on the rocks surrounding the pool and watch nature at its best. The origin of the waterfall is on top of the mountain where two or three streams merge and create a bigger stream. The cliff, unable to contain the waters, lets the water flow down creating the fall. Those feeling a little more adventurous can also trek up the mountain to see the streams. They, however, would have to avoid the water cascading because the water drops vertically and with immense force.

It is required for the visitors to be aware that the forest officials deem the waters to be unsafe. There have also been cases of drowning that were reported in the past. So, it is highly recommended that visitors do not enter the waters. But, they can definitely have a good time around the waterfall watching the scenery, exploring the mountains and the jungle. Pandavkada Falls also has a sister waterfall, Nangrya Waterfall, flowing some distance away. Also, the mountains have cave-like natural formations which add a touch of excitement to the entire experience.

Best Time to Visit the Pandavkada WaterFall

The Pandavkada Falls is a seasonal waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the late winters (January to March) and monsoons when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature ranges from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius during this time and the flow of water is strong. Hence many tourists visit Pandavkada during late monsoons and early summers. People also visit the falls during the monsoons to watch nature at its best. But tourists are not allowed to enter the water during this time. During the summers the flow of water is minimal and water is stagnant and muddy.

Places to Visit Nearby

The Pandavkada WaterFall is located near a few ideal tourist destinations one can visit. Thes destinations include the famous Elephanta Caves which are well known for their history and carvings, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Kharghar Hills and the Karnala Fort. These locations are located close to the waterfalls and can be easily visited by the tourists.

How To Reach Pandavkada Falls

Pandavkada Falls is located in the outskirts of Navi Mumbai in Kharghar, Mumbai. From the centre of Kharghar, the attraction is barely 12 kilometres away and can be accessed via the roadways. The route goes through Murbigoan Road – Kharghar Golf Course Road – Rain Tree Marg – Guru Govind Singh Marg – Kharghar Hill Road. From Hill Road, Pandavkada Falls is about 5.4 kilometres ahead.

The closest railway station to the attraction is the Kharghar Railway Station. It is located 7 kilometres away and is connected to all the major railway stations in the country. Outstation travellers can easily find a passenger train to reach Kharghar. Within Mumbai, travellers can board one of the local trains connecting Kharghar. These local trains operate every few minutes to ensure better connectivity during the day.

Those who prefer a road trip can board a state transport bus to reach Mumbai (disembark at MSRTC Mumbai Central Bus Stand). From there, they can take a city bus to reach the Kharghar Bus Stop which is located 11.5 kilometres away from the Pandavkada Falls or head directly to the waterfall by a rental cab. Local taxis, Ola or Uber cabs are best to commute this distance. Once in Kharghar, some auto rickshaws may also agree to drop commuters for a fixed price but only on shorter distances.

The closest airport to Pandavkada Falls is the Mumbai airport or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is located about 41 kilometres away from the attraction. Outstation travellers flying to Mumbai can rent a cab directly from outside the airport or head to the closest bus stop to board a bus or the closest Railway Junction to board a train heading to Kharghar.

Those opting for the roadway from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, can follow the route via Sahar Road – NH 48 – Western Express Highway – Hans Bhugra Marg – CST Road – Eastern Express Highway – Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road – Sion Panvel Highway – Vashi Creek Bridge – CBD Flyover/ Thane Belapur Road – Sakharam Patil Marg – Rain Tree Marg – Kharghar Hill Road.