Vajrai Waterfall near Pune - A Perfect Monsoon Escapade

Name: Vajrai Waterfall

Vajrai Waterfalls

State: Maharashtra

Location: 27 km from Satara / 128 km from Pune

Height: 1840 feet

Known to be: India's tallest waterfall

Best time to visit: July to October

Famous for: waterfall, scenic beauty

Serves as: monsoon getaway, picnic spot, ideal weekend destination

About Vajrai Waterfall

Listed as India's tallest waterfall, Vajrai Waterfall is one of the spectacular and tranquil waterfalls located 27 km from Satara. This waterfall is located just 8 to 10 minutes away from Kaas Pathar and is actually a part of the Kaas Valley. Vajrai Waterfall is exceptionally recommended in the monsoons, as the view is dazzling. The waterfall is perennial in nature and hence can be visited throughout the year, yet the lush vegetation during monsoon adds to its beauty.

Vajrai is a devotional place known for its folklore. It is said that Shri Ramdas Swami, a well known Marathi Saint climbed the mountain in just three footsteps because of which the plain waterfall of Vajrai was transformed into three stairs waterfall. The backwaters of Vajrai Waterfall are part of the Urmodi Dam Project.

The three stair waterfall of Vajrai near Satara, cascading down into the lush green valley has recently become quite popular to tourists. During monsoons, this place is loaded with dense greenery, roaring waters and soothing serenity. The roaring waters falling through great heights during monsoons make such enormous sounds that one can hardly listen to anything else. A perfect monsoon destination, Vajrai Waterfall is a definite visit for every nature lover.

Best Time to Visit Vajrai Waterfall

The waterfall being perennial in nature, Vajrai waterfall can be visited throughout the year. But to witness the beauty at its best, one should visit Vajrai Waterfall during monsoons. It is at this time that one is captivated with the tranquility of this place soaked in the lush greenery.

Vajrai Waterfall during monsoon

What to do at Vajrai Waterfall

Just relax

Soak in the magical spell of beauty

Enjoy the picturesque view

Go trekking

Entry Fees and Timings of Vajrai Waterfall

Timings of Vajrai Waterfall: 8 am to 6 pm

The entry to Vajrai Waterfall is free to all.

Places of Interest near Vajrai Waterfall

Vajrai Waterfall is just 8 to 10 minutes away from Kaas Pathar. Other than that there are many caves located in the vicinity of Vajrai Waterfall. Then there are temples nearby that can be visited too. Few other places of interest near Vajrai Waterfall include Sajjangad Fort, Kaas Pathar , Kanher Dam, Thoseghar Waterfalls and  Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Trekking at Vajrai Waterfall

Trekking is an popular activity carried out by trekkers and enthusiasts at Vajrai Waterfall. Surrounded by valleys, rocky terrain and dense forests, Vajrai Waterfall serves as a bit difficult yet wonderful trek. Due to dense vegetation, it is advisable to hire a guide for trekking without any inconveniences. Guides can be hired at Bamnoli Village.

How to reach Vajrai Waterfall

Reaching Vajrai Waterfall by Road: Vajrai Waterfall is located 27 km from Satara, 128 km from Pune and 280 km from Mumbai. It is easily accessible by motorable roads via Satara towards Kaas - Bamnoli Village. Also one can visit Vajrai Waterfalls via Tapola Road to Kaas - Bamnoli.

Reaching Vajrai Waterfall by Train: One has the options of buses and auto-rickshaws from Satara Railway Station to reach Vajrai Waterfall. One can also rent car from Satara Station. It takes approximately an hour to reach Vajrai Waterfalls from Satara Station.

Reaching Vajrai Waterfall by Air: The nearest airport would be Karad Airport, around 65 km from Satara. Pune and Mumbai Airports will be the other nearest airport. From here one has the option of taking the road or rail route to reach Vajrai Waterfall.

Where to stay near Vajrai Waterfall

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort  (around 13 km from Vajrai waterfall)

Motel Swagath Plaza ( around 41 km from Vajrai Waterfall)

Tips to Remember while visiting Vajrai Waterfall

1. The bottom part of Vajrai Waterfall around the rocks is slippery, especially during monsoons. Hence venturing into the water should be carefully done.

2. The ponds of Vajrai Waterfall are deep and hence swimming should be avoided.

3. During heavy rains, its better to avoid visiting this place for safety reasons.

4. There are possibilities of encountering the presence of snakes and other creatures due to the presence of dense vegetation around. You need to be alert and careful.

5. Please don't litter around.

6. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

7. It is advisable to leave this place before dark.

8. If you are planning to trek to Vajrai Waterfall, it is advisable to hire a guide. Only if you have full knowledge of the road and been there before, then trek alone. Guides can be hired from Bamnoli Village near Kaas Pathar.

Address and Contact Details of Vajrai Waterfall

Vajrai Waterfall
Kaas Bamnoli Road
Kaas
Satara District
Maharashtra
Pin code - 415013

Global Vipassana Pagoda near Mumbai - A Spiritual Retreat

Name: Global Vipassana Pagoda

State: Maharashtra

Location: 2 minutes from Essel World, 5 km from Gorai Creek, Mumbai

Declared as: One of the Seven Wonders of Maharashtra by MTDC

Famous for: Buddhist Temple, Meditation center

About Global Vipassana Pagoda 

Inaugurated in 2009, Global Vipassana Pagoda is a large monument and a Buddhist Temple built in Burmese architectural style near Mumbai. Meant to be a meditation hall (Dhamma Vipassana), the Global Vipassana Pagoda Dome is the world's largest stone dome. Design inspired by the architecture of Shwedagon Pagoda of Myanmar, this Buddhist temple is declared by MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) as one of the Seven Wonders of Maharashtra. This temple stands at the height of approximately 96 meters, whereas the dome is 29 meters in height. The dome stands without the support of extra pillars.

Indeed a spiritual retreat, Global Vipassana Pagoda holds free Vipassana meditation courses. A student(one who enrolls) receives free ten day Vipassana meditation course. The charges of lodging and boarding for this student is met by donations done by the students who have successfully finished Global Pagoda courses and wish to offer the opportunity to others for the experience. Once the student finishes his or her course and is satisfied and benefited with the experience, he or she can do the same for others by donating and providing the opportunity.

Other than ten day course, the Global Vipassana Pagoda also offers Vipassana meditation courses for children, teenagers and adults. Apart from that they offer seva courses for old students. For visitors a 20 minutes Anaparna Meditation course is offered. This course comes with audio instructions in Shri S. N. Goenka's voice and is held at the Global Vipassana Pagoda's north Pagoda, opposite to the Visitor's gallery. All visitors are expected to observe silence. You even need to switch off mobile phones. Anyone above ten years of age can attend this courses.

A visit to the Visitor's gallery is a must. Here one can find life of Gautam Buddha captured within the pictures. Various books on Gautam Buddha, spirituality, meditation and published information on Dhamma Vipassana can be bought from here. The visit to Global Vipassana Pagoda is an experience of a lifetime.

How to Reach Global Vipassana Pagoda

Though located on the outskirts of Mumbai, yet Global Vipassana Pagoda is well-connected to Mumbai.

Reaching Global Vipassana Pagoda by Road: One can reach Global Vipassana Pagoda by road from Thane and Nashik via Eastern Express Highway to Ghodbunder Road. It takes 2 hours 28 minutes to reach this Buddhist temple via Ghodbunder Road. Also one can reach Pagoda via Western Express Highway.

Reaching Global Vipassana Pagoda by Train: You can take a Churchgate - Borivali train and get down at Borivali, exit to Borivali west and take auto rickshaw for Gorai creek or Gorai Khadi (ferry landing). The auto rickshaw costs INR 40 to 50 approximately. From here you can take Essel World ferries to Global Vipassana Pagoda. These ferries depart at the interval of 30 minutes. Last ferry ride is at 5:30 pm. For ferry service, we have two options the Essel World ferry service and the local ferry service. Essel World ferry service is the best option though they charge INR 50 per person for return trip. As you start nearing the drop-off point you can actually see the golden dome amidst the marsh. Once you step off the jetty, the Pagoda is at a walkable distance and there are signs provided around the corner. While the other option of local ferry though comes at about INR 5 to INR 10 for single journey, they drop you off,quite far from Pagoda and then you have to take a bus to reach Global Vipassana Pagoda. Other than auto-rickshaw, BEST buses no - 294 and 247 run regularly to Gorai Creek from Borivali railway station.

Alternative bus service from Bhayander Railway Station is also available that reaches Global Vipassana Pagoda. The bus ply regularly between 6:30 am to 6:45 pm. The fare cost approximately INR 15.

One can also opt for Essel World ferries from Marve Beach, if you get off at Malad Station. The rates are more or less the same, but the ferry ride is time consuming.

Reaching Global Vipassana Pagoda by air: The nearest airport is Mumbai Domestic airport / International airport. From here one has a choice of continuing his journey by road or train.

Entry Fee for Global Vipassana Pagoda

There is no entry fee for visiting Global Vipassana Pagoda. It is completely free of cost.

Tour Guide Charges at Global Vipassana Pagoda

There is no charge or cost for tour guide at Global Vipassana Pagoda

Entry Timings for Global Vipassana Pagoda

Entry timings from Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 6:30 pm
(The Global Vipassana Pagoda remains open till 7 pm throughout the week, but the visitor's entry is restricted after 6:30 pm.)

Tips to Remember While visiting Global Vipassana Pagoda

1. Visitors are expected to observe complete silence during the Vipassana meditation session.

2. It would be convenient to carry an identity card while visiting Global Vipassana Pagoda.

3. For foreign tourist and visitors, it is mandatory to carry an identification proof, be it a passport or a certificate issued from respective embassy.

4. Visitors are expected to switch off their mobile phones during the Vipassana Meditation session.

5. Visitors are refrained from carrying alcoholic drinks within the premises of Global Vipassana Pagoda. Intoxicants and various items such as cigarettes, bidis, pan and tobacco are not allowed within  the premises.

6. No photography is allowed within the Main Dome of Pagoda or in the visitor's gallery. One can still take pictures outside the Main Dome of Pagoda and rest other area within the Global Vipassana Pagoda premises.

7. No disturbing behaviour or conduct is tolerated within the Pagoda premises. Each and every visitor should behave and cause no trouble for every other visitor and student inside the Pagoda.

8. Food is available at Food Plaza situated within the Pagoda premises. However one can carry tiffin from home too.

Contact Details of Global Vipassana Pagoda

Global Vipassana Pagoda
Global Pagoda Road
Next to Essel World
Borivali West
Gorai Village
Pincode - 400091
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Global Vipassana Pagoda: 022-28451170

Kaas Pathar near Pune - Ideal Monsoon Getaway

Sources: Google

Name: Kaas Pathar / Kaas Plateau / Kas Pathar / Valley of flowers

State: Maharashtra

Location: 25 km from Satara / 125 km from Pune

Famous for: Wild floral beauty, dense forestation, scenic beauty, valleys and lake

Serves as: Ideal weekend destination, picnic spot, monsoon retreat

About Kaas Pathar

Around 25 km from Satara, one finds a beautiful valley spread over ten square km area of wild flowers (a beauty of it's own) known as Kas Pathar (Valley of flowers). Kas Pathar means Plateau of Flowers. This Kas Plateau now finds it's place in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. What we find here is hundreds of species of wildflowers blossoming at a specific period of time annually. And that's not all! The Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar located on high hill plateau is home to various different species of butterflies.

Kas Pathar is a must visit place between late July to early October. The biodiversity that one finds during this season is miraculous. The plateau is formed of basalt rock. These basalt is exposed to erosion and atmospheric changes, which allows thin layer of soil to accumulate on the rocks. Neither black nor laterite, this soil suits the floral shrubberies that grow over endlessly throughout the plateau.  Largely formed of basalt rock, this plateau has certain uneven surfaces which allows formation of small puddles. These puddles form home to beautiful marshy flora. Various shrubs, small trees, grassland, around 850 species of flowers (many of those endangered) and most of them native to this particular region along with native, beautiful butterflies is what one should expect to catch a glimpse here. Out of the 850 listed floral species, 624 species are listed to be part of red data species.

The climate overall at Kaas Pathar is cool and peaceful. What one gets to see is a large, thick carpet of flowers and grass of different colours and sizes. Kaas Pathar near Pune is a ideal visiting place for picnic lovers, trekkers and nature lovers. Being surrounded by dense forestation, this picturesque beauty is a must visit. Kaas Pathar is indeed an ideal monsoon getaway!

Best Time To Visit Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau can be visited throughout the year, but ideally the best time to visit Kas Pathar is from late July to early October, i.e. during monsoon, when the beauty of Kaas Pathar is at it's best. We get to enjoy the annual flowers, small puddles with it's beautiful floral marsh and dense green forestation.

What to do at Kaas Pathar

Just relax

Enjoy the picturesque view

Let the magical spell of floral vegetation enchant you.

Visit the Kaas Lake.

Enjoy the floral species - few endangered and few endemic.

Bird watching

Watch the numerous species of butterflies.

Go trekking.

Entry Fees and Timings of Kaas Pathar

Timings of Kaas Pathar: 6 am to 6 pm

On Saturdays, Sundays and during government holidays: INR 100 per person for 3 hours

Rest of the week: INR 50 per person for three hours.

Parking charges extra

Places of Interest near Kaas Pathar

Other than enjoying the scenic beauty of Kaas Pathar, one can visit Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vajrai Waterfalls, Kanher Dam, Sajjangad Fort and Thoseghar Waterfalls . There are few temples too in the vicinity such as the Yevteshwar Temple and the Ghatai Devi Temple.

How to reach Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Reaching Kaas Pathar by road: Located around 25 km from Satara and 280 kms from Mumbai, Kaas Pathar can be visited either by motorable road via Satara or also from motorable road via Tapola.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by train: One can also visit Kaas Pathar by train from Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Satara by train and 4 hours approximately from Pune. Once you reach Satara station, you have options of buses and auto-rickshaws. Cars can also be rented from Satara. ST buses run from Satara to Bamnoli Village at regular intervals. It takes around an hour to reach Bamnoli and charges are not more than INR 50. Koyna Express, Sahyadri Express and Mahalaxmi Express ply 7 days a week between Mumbai to Satara.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by air:  Karad airport is located 65 km from Satara. Mumbai and Pune are the other nearest airports. Then one can follow the road route or the train route mentioned above.

Where to Stay in Kaas Pathar

Accommodation options ranging from good hotels to cheap lodges are available for stay when you plan to stay overnight in and around Kaas Pathar.

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort - Around 11 km from Kaas Pathar

Motel Swagath Plaza - Around 37 km from Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace in Satara

Hotel Radhika Palace offers comfortable accommodation along with other facilities such as free wifi zone, hot water, TV, travel help desk, laundry service, room service etc. One gets standard room in price range of INR 1200 to INR 2000.

Contact details of Hotel Radhika Palace near Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace
New Radhika Road
Karanje
Satara
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Hotel Radhika Palace - 021632 233133

Kaas Pathar Village Resort near Kaas Pathar

Just 10 minutes away from Kaas Pathar this resort allows its visitors to enjoy and experience village life. A perfect holiday getaway, Kaas Pathar Village serves organic food other than offering best facilities.

Contact details of Kaas Pathar Village Resort

Kaas Pathar Village Resort
At Kaas - Bamnoli Village
Jawali Taluka
Satara District
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Kaas Pathar Village Resort - 08291008666

Tips to remember while visiting Kaas Pathar

1. For maintaining the sanctity and beauty of Kaas Pathar, only 3000 visitors are allowed per day to visit.

2, Please try and avoid walking on flowerbeds and plants.

3. Don't pluck flowers or any plants. Just watch and enjoy the beauty.

4. It is advisable, basically common sense to pick up litter. Don't throw plastic bottles, paper or any other litter on Kaas.

5. Don't take your vehicle inside but park it at the destined parking area. A good walk will do you good!

6. Don't consume alcohol and avoid smoking  on the Kaas Plateau.

7. No chewing gum and throwing it on Kaas. It can be harmful for pollinating bees and other small fauna.

8. Make sure you start and finish your visit by 6 am to 6 pm. Allow the wildlife it's privacy and space.

9. If you find anyone plucking flowers or littering on Kaas Pathar, be frank and try to stop him/her in kind, gentle words.

10. Please act as responsible tourist or citizen and help preserve the beauty of Kaas by following the instructions. By doing so, you are allowing this beauty to stay so for years and years to come.

Kas Pathar Online Booking

If you wish to visit Kaas Pathar, it is advisable to do Kas Pathar online booking. One just has to fill the online reservation form where you need to fill in the details  of your arrival date, contact information, number of people visiting and date of departure. This can be done from their official website, just click on Reservation and submit the details.