Malshej region is a house of multiple waterfalls. Kalu Waterfall is one of them. The waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Malshej Ghat region at about 1200 ft. Water flow starts from Harishchandragad and then flows through Khireshwar village, the base of your track. Along with the breathtaking waterfall, the route is quite scenic and filled with various picturesque spots.
It is a dark, dense forest trekking location where you can get lost in the untold beauty of nature. When clouds cover you all over, a rainy day is the perfect time to plan a waterfall trek. So, we took advantage of the weather and set off on an adventure to god’s Valley. We were eager to witness the waterfall in its full glory, surrounded by mist created by its own flow and the soothing sound of rain happening all around.

Where is Kalu Waterfall?

Kalu Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall hidden in the Sahyadri mountain range. It’s located near Sawarne village in Maharashtra. The base village for the Kalu waterfall trek is Khireshwar village. The waterfall is about 124.1 kilometers from Mumbai and takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes to reach by car.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Kalu Waterfall is during the monsoon season, from July to October. During these months, the best waterfall near Mumbai is at its fullest and most beautiful. The surrounding area becomes lush green, making it a feast for your eyes!

How to reach Kalu Waterfall?

You can reach Kalu waterfall via the old Malshej Ghat route. Here are following transportation possibilities to reach at the base village of kalu waterfall trek.

By Car:

A car is always a convenient option to reach the trek. You can take your car towards Kalyan and from Kalyan take the route towards Murbad. Continue on the road from Murbad to Sawarne. It may take you around 3-4 hours to reach the destination. However, the time duration may exceed depending on traffic conditions and your starting point.

By Train:

After car or cab, the train is the second best option for Kalu Waterfall (god’s Valley). If you opt for the train, first you need to take a train to Kalyan Station. After reaching Kalyan Railway Station, you can catch a bus that drops you at Sawarne village. It may take around 2 to 2.5 hours from Kalyan to Sawarne via Murbad.

By Bus:

The route is similar to the train route, where you can take a bus to Kalyan bus station. Then, take another bus ride to Murab, which is one and a half hours long. You’ll need to catch another local bus to Sawarne village. This leg of the journey is shorter, about 30-45 minutes.

How Difficult is the Trek?

For us, it was definitely an easy to moderate trek. Even if you are a beginners you will trek through it comfortably. In the rainy season, there are some uphill sections, rocky parts, and slippery paths near the waterfall. It can be a bit tricky to walk, so you need to be careful.
It was raining too when we visited, and it was the monsoon season, so the mud was a bit slippery.

How Long is the Trek?

The trek to Kalu Waterfall is about 1.8 kilometers one way. This means you’ll walk about 3.6 kilometers in total (there and back). It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall, depending on how fast you walk and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

My Journey to Kalu Waterfall

I started my journey early in the morning from Mumbai. The drive was beautiful, with green hills and misty roads. As we got closer to Sawarne village, the base for our trek, I could feel the fresh, cool air filling my lungs. It was so different from the city air!
We reached Sawarne village around 9 AM. There were a few small shops where we bought some water bottles and snacks for our trek. The villagers were very friendly and gave us directions to the start of the trail.

The Trek Begins

We started our trek from Sawarne village. The path was easy to follow, with green trees and bushes on both sides. As we walked, we could hear birds chirping and the distant sound of water.
The first part of the trek was through flat land. It was easy to walk, and we enjoyed talking and laughing as we went along. After about 30 minutes, the path started to go uphill. It wasn’t too steep, but we had to be careful as the ground was a bit slippery due to continuous rain.
As we climbed higher, the view became more and more beautiful. With every step, as we are more and more closer to the fall, we are getting more and more excited. We could see the Valley below us, covered in a blanket of green. Sometimes, we would pass small streams crossing our path. The sound of water and the cool breeze made the trek very pleasant.

Reaching the Waterfall

After about an hour of walking, we started to hear the loud roar of the waterfall. Our excitement grew with each step! Finally, we turned a corner and there it was – Kalu Waterfall in all its glory!
The waterfall was amazing! Water was falling from a great height, creating a misty spray all around. The sound was so loud that we had to shout to talk to each other. We found a good spot to sit and enjoy the view.

We spent about an hour at the waterfall, taking photos, eating our snacks, and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Some brave people in our group even went for a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall. They said the water was cold but refreshing!

The Return Journey

After resting and enjoying the waterfall, it was time to head back. The return journey was easier as it was mostly downhill. We took our time, stopping to look at interesting plants and colorful butterflies along the way.
We reached Sawarne village by late afternoon. We were tired but happy. Before heading back to Mumbai, we stopped at a local dhaba (small restaurant) to have some hot tea and snacks. The hot tea felt great after our trek!

What to Carry for the Trek

If you’re planning to go on the Kalu Waterfall trek, here are some things you should carry:

• Water bottles: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
• Snacks: Pack some energy bars, fruits, and sandwiches.
• Rain gear: A raincoat or umbrella, as it might rain suddenly.
• Good walking shoes: The path can be slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip.
• First-aid kit: Just in case of small injuries.
• Camera: To capture the beautiful views!
• Change of clothes: In case you want to take a dip in the waterfall.

Safety Tips

While the Kalu Waterfall trek difficulty level is easy to moderate, it’s important to stay safe. Here are some tips:

• Don’t go too close to the edge of the waterfall.
• Be careful when walking on wet rocks, they can be very slippery.
• Don’t litter. Carry all your trash back with you.
• Stay on the marked trail.
• If it’s raining heavily, wait for it to slow down before continuing your trek.

What to Expect During Monsoon

Remember, the best time to visit Kalu Waterfall is during the monsoon (July to October). Here’s what you can expect:

• Lush greenery: The hills and forests will be beautifully green.
• Full waterfall: The waterfall will be at its fullest and most impressive.
• Rain: Be prepared for sudden showers.
• Slippery paths: The trek path might be muddy and slippery.
• Leeches: You might encounter leeches, so wear full-length pants and socks.

Despite these challenges, monsoon is the most beautiful time to visit. The mist, the greenery, and the entire water flow in the fall make it a magical experience.

Where to eat at?

When you reach the base village, you will find small stalls selling water, bhutta, kanda bhajiya, maggie, etc. There are also some small food outlets where you can have local food like vada pav, misal, bhakri, sol kadhi, etc.