The Hidden Waterfall

Dugarwadi

At a distance of 8 km from Trimbakeshwar and 38 km from Nashik, Dugarwadi waterfall is one of the best natural waterfalls of Maharashtra situated near Sapgon.

Dugarwadi is a great place to explore the beauty of mother nature especially in the monsoon season. The dense forest, waterfall and the fresh air are all seductive. It totally makes one forget about all the hustle-bustle, stress and tensions of the city life. During rains take utmost care because the water level rises suddenly. This is a mind-blowing waterfall that drops from an altitude of 450-ft on the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. They look very attractive during the monsoon rains. Milk color like water flows throughout the monsoon season. It is also the best time to visit the Dugarwadi waterfall.

Water fall

Very few people visit to Dugarwadi, that’s why it is very clean and unexplored. It is a great place to visit, especially in monsoon when you can enjoy pristine surroundings and lush greenery everywhere.

The mountains near Trimbak Road, many times covered with clouds and fog are sure to mesmerize you with their serenity. One must hike in the rainforest cover of the Sahyadri ranges and reach the base of this waterfall. One can swim in its down-streams when the water flow is normal. Yet, it is not advisable to directly take a bath under this waterfall and swim in its cascade during the monsoon season. This is because you cannot expect when flooding will happen. This waterfall is present in one of the scenic wilderness locations of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. You can just relax with Mother Nature and enjoy the drop from a huge height with splashing water sound. This is also the best hydro attraction to visit by bird and nature lovers. This scenic waterfall is the best to take photos during the rainy months from June to September.

After reaching the place, you have to park vehicles near the road and a walk of 1-2 km is needed to reach at the exact place of waterfall. If you follow the river way then you will pass through the hills which will sure to offer you great scenery. While doing adventurous trek during monsoon, be careful as the water level may rise suddenly and you might get trapped into rushing waters. It is recommended to make group visit at Dugarwadi, because there is no security available and it is also a lonely place.

Trekking route

Distance From Nashik: 37 Kms

Entry Fee: Nil

Timing: open to the public and foreign tourists 24-hours

Tips: Adventure seekers must carry hiking, trekking shoes, and sticks. It is advisable to carry energy foods and bottled drinking water. You must not forget to bring your water-resistant photo camera and a binocular.

My experience at Dugarwadi

Whether you are into devotion, or a person that specializes in wine, or an explorer Nashik has it all. Also, known as #WineCity Nashik is the perfect place to be for the explorer in you. Flashback to 2018, I went to a trek which would change my perspective on travel and trekking. Special, because this would be my first ever trek. Dugarwadi waterfall is a spectacle to experience, especially during the monsoons. My life was about to change!

Being only 35 kms from Nashik we decided to bike-ride to the Dugarwadi falls on one fine day. Situated just 5 kms after the famous Trimbakeshwar temple on the NH 848, the drive to the waterfalls is itself drenched in adventure and dripping with natural beauty. The roads narrow, broken at few points. The drive is a picturesque one, with lot of “Wow-look-at-those-hills” moments. To reach the falls you’ll have to cross Trimbakeshwar, and continue before taking a left near the Sapgon bus stop. Dugarwadi falls is a beautiful hidden gem. The excitement builds up with towering hills on your left, the green pasture, and the pulsating feeling of losing your way because its not easy to navigate your way to the falls. In fact we had to ask for directions multiple times with the local villagers. One has to park their vehicles approx 2 km before the falls.

Dark clouds has encircled the entire region, and may rain any moment. We parked our bikes and started walking to the waterfall spot. The feeling of going to an unknown is exhilarating, our route slushy. I could hear the sounds of the falling waters, but where is the waterfall? And no sooner the majestic Dugarwadi waterfall was right in front of me! The first view left me awestruck with the surrounding greenery just adding the exact right amount of colors to the landscape. I just stood there, gazing and trying to make myself believe such wonders existed. That feeling, that moment filled me with emotions; this is happiness.

While we revealed being there the real task was now to go one step further. We took lot of pictures, before deciding to reach the base of the waterfall. I was equally scared and pumped up. The trail to the base passes through some dense forests and the trail slippery. I did slip on couple of instances.

Once you have reached down near the river you’ll have to cross over to the other side of the river, crossing numerous boulders. During peak monsoon this otherwise timid river becomes voluminous, and a major risk to get into. A trek of around 15 mins takes you straight below the gigantic falls. Imagine you are now standing below a waterfall which you were blissfully admiring from quite a distance.

The riverside trial

The waterfall looks even more captivating from the base. It had started raining now and everyone had kept their cameras inside, but me. I just couldn’t stop clicking. The secluded location of the waterfall meant not many people were here. Few people were already taking a shower under the waterfall. The water was ravaging down, it quite hurts to be standing right below it. Nonetheless, we all plunged under the cold water.

‘Difficult roads leading to beautiful destinations‘. It started pouring no sooner, making the entire trek and vistas even more stunning. We hiked our way back to the parking spot, drenched completely. We had to go back to Nashik in the same clothes and shoes as we didn’t carry extra clothes.