Imagine mist playing during Monsoon in Sahyadri mountains and blurring out the whole landscape in front of you. The trees cluster around you and the surrounding mountains. They are wrapped in 50 shades of emerald. Then, bountiful blessings of Monsoon showered on you from the sky in the form of rain.
Welcome to the Sahyadri, a land that can truly be tagged with the name,
“Heaven on Earth.”
The dry summers had taken their toll drying up all the greenery and turning them dull and brown. But then the season of monsoon brings out the real beauty of Sahyadri. The entire Mountain range of Sahyadri transforms from dusty brown to lush green in color.
Monsoon awakes the long-time sleeping mountains of Sahyadri with beautiful flowers, waterfalls, and water bodies. It also brings green valleys and the greatest natural sceneries.
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Waterfalls in Sahyadri Mountains
Because of the geology of Sahyadri, Maharashtra receives the most amount of rainfall compared to the other states. Many streams fed by incessant rains drain off the mountain sides leading to many waterfalls of Maharashtra. Even when the deluge of monsoon ends, there is still a lot of vigor in the falls. This lasts for the next month or two.
Monsoon creates many new seasonal waterfalls in Sahyadris. They can be tall and short, thick and thin, straight, or cascaded. These waterfalls lure everyone with their enticing sight. The sight of a size of water raging over the cliffs or cascading over rocks is a sight to savor.
It feels as these mountains of Sahyadris have come alive!
Bhivpuri Waterfall
One of the popular sites of Sahyadri that glows beautifully during the season of monsoon. Dropping down from a height of 250 ft., the waterfall of Bhivapuri near Mumbai city is indeed a treat for the eyes. Also known as Ashane waterfall, originates from Bhivpuri hills at the base of the Matheran hill station.
Further enhancing the beauty of this place is absolute green mountains around the waterfall. One can swim in brooks, rappel down waterfalls or simply go hiking.
Bhivpuri Dam and a hydro-electricity generation plant of Tata Power is located nearby.
Therefore, the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfall attracts many tourists thus making it a picnic spot in weekend.
Vajrai Waterfall
Situated in a U-shaped valley deep in the rainforests of Sahyadri, Vajrai Falls with a height of 853 ft. is the second highest waterfall in the Satara region of Maharashtra after Thoseghar waterfall (1,150).
This three-tiered waterfall is inaccessible since the surrounding hills are covered with intense green foliage.
Reverse Waterfall in Sahyadri
When cataracts with a large volume of water flow down the hill, the wind pushes the water backward. This forces it to rise in misty plumes. These plumes can blow over a large area. Hence, waterfalls flow in the reverse direction during the monsoon from the cryptic mountains of Sahyadri.
Sandhan Valley in Ahmednagar, Hills of Amboli in Konkan, Anjaneri waterfalls near Nashik and a waterfall on the way to the Tahuli Peak in Thane are also well known as reverse waterfalls.
Waterfalls around the Sahyadri mountains are situated amidst beautiful nature. Most of them can be reached only after trekking or hiking through the forested trails for a few minutes. If you love nature, you should definitely plan a visit to one of the waterfalls in Sahyadri during the season of Monsoon. Spend some time listening to the sound of pouring water. Spend some peaceful time with companions admiring the beautiful nature.
Do visit these beautiful waterfalls in the Sahyadri for a wet, yet fun-filled trip.
Birth of WATER RESOURCE in Sahyadri
Many rivers of Maharashtra have been revered in Hindu scriptures for many millennia. They continue to harbor and nourish a rich cultural heritage.
During the monsoon, Sahyadri ranges form the origin of many perennial river systems of Maharashtra. These include rivers like Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, & Tungabhadra. All of them are rain-fed.
Ulhas river, one of the main rivers of Maharashtra, originates from at the foothills of the Sahyadris near Karjat. Ulhas Valley, a famous valley north of the Rajmachi hills, glitters with large flowing streams of Ulhas river during monsoon.
Then the river starts flowing in the west direction where it splits into Thane creek near Mumbai. The river then turns in the northwest direction towards Ghodbunder, where it opens into an estuary known as Vasai Creek. The estuary of Ulhas houses several historical fort also known as ‘Ghodbundar Fort’.
Kamandurg, a dome-shaped peak near Tungareshwar, Vasai was built to keep an eye on the trade. The trade was carried through the Ulhas river.
Origin of Tributaries in Sahyadri
The Pravara River originates in Ratangad fort of Ahmednagar region. According to the local legend, Sage Agastya meditated and performed penance in Ratangad. At that place, two drops of Amrut were dropped.
Water started flowing out from Ratangad continuously, resulting in the river Pravara. Hence, it is named ‘Amrutvahini’.
Close to its origin the river flows into the town of Bhandardara. Here, the Bhandardara Dam is constructed across the river forming Arthur Lake.
From rain-fed monsoon seasonal to perennial streams in Maharashtra join these rivers. This makes the Sahyadri range a major watershed in the country.
Dams in Sahyadri Mountains
Other than the river, there are many rain-fed natural and artificial reservoirs on which dams are constructed. There are about 50 major dams along the length of the Western Ghats of India.
Morbe Dam
Dhavari river originates during peak monsoon. It starts from the valley between Garbette plateau and Alexandar ridge point of Matheran hill station.
The river flows towards Panvel city. Morbe Dam is a gravity dam constructed on the Dhavari river. It stores monsoon waters that come from Matheran hills.
It was built at the base of Irshalgad, an iconic boat-shaped watchtower peak between Matheran hills and the Panvel region. Now, Morbe lake is the main water source for the city of Navi Mumbai. It supplies capacity is 450ml per day which also affects 11 villages in the surrounding areas.
Monsoon Destinations in Sahyadri
Maharashtra is the home to some spectacular monsoon destinations in the Sahyadri mountains. Some of these are great places for family vacations. They treat you to beautiful views without you having to make any effort. There are some which are ideal for trekkers who like to earn their view.
Once monsoon season begins, every weekend or extended holiday offers an opportunity to drive, trek, or cycle. You can also visit any nearby hill, fort, dam, waterfalls, or anywhere in the Ghats of Sahyadri.
Visapur – A Perfect Monsoon sites in Sahyadri
Monsoon in Maharashtra is known for its breathtaking view of Sahyadri mountain. Visapur is one of the parts of it. You will be surrounded with a panoramic view of scenic green lush mountains and cold weather. It is easy level trek in the Lonavala region accessible from both Mumbai and Pune.
Visit to the Visapur in the monsoon will enthrall you. It will make your journey amazing by showing some wonders of Sahyadri. These include waterfalls in the Staircase of the fort and a reverse waterfall on the top of the fort. There is nearly zero visibility during heavy rains. Walking on the trail gushing with water during the monsoon gives visitors an unforgettable experience in Sahyadri.
Perched upon a lush green plateau, Visapur is a top-rated excursion destination. It attracts adventure mongers as well as nature lovers during monsoon. The enthralling view and the surreal feel on the summit definitely need your visit.
To experience the magic of the monsoon, explore these scenic locales around the mountains of Maharashtra. Witness the rain-soaked beauty of the Sahyadris.
Final Thought
The spectacular Sahyadri mountain in Monsoon are bestowed with lush green forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. They will definitely call out to the explorer in you.
Hope you like our exahustive information about Sahyadri Mountains in Monsoon?
Tell us about your thoughts by like and comments below.
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