The Serene Anandwadi waterfall is near Neral in Maharashtra amidst the beautiful sceneries amongst the various other waterfalls around that area. This Waterfall is one of those lesser-known falls provided a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle for nature lovers or perfect for a weekend trip. Read on to follow my own story about discovering this magical place and gather information or advise for your journey.

Location of Anandwadi Waterfall anc how to reach

Location: This Waterfall is situated close to the picturesque town of Neral which is leads to Matheran, Maharashtra’s most famous hill station. This Waterfall has good connectivity both via road and rail making it an ideal day trip for Mumbaikars, Punekers & people from around the city.

By Train

If you plan to travel by train you may take the train on Central Line from CSMT to Neral. Regular trains from Mumbai’s CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) to Neral make this journey very smooth. As you travel by train, your eyes will be blessed to witness beautiful views of the Western Ghats.

By Road

For the people who want to go on a long drive, Neral is approximately 80 kilometers from Mumbai, about a 2-hour drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. From Pune, it’s about 120 kms, taking an estimate of 3 hours. Once you reach Neral, you can just follow local signs to Anandwadi Village, which is the trek’s starting point.

My Trek to Anandwadi

I set off from Mumbai early in the morning on the 4th, I went to Neral by a local train. The 1. It took about 5 hours by train to get from Moscow to Yaroslavl and the circumstances were quite comfortable; I was able to see more of the green scenery outside the windows. Once I reached Neral I hired a rickshaw and went to Anandvadi village, which is starting point to the trek.

The Trail

The route to reach Waterfalls is a little easy, this is suitable for Easy- Medium grade trekking, first timers and professional trekkers. Symbolizing, the trail is safely marked to enable the hiker to take different terrains, including cleared agricultural land, intense woody regions, and hardcore physical rocky terrains. The overall distance is approximately 3 kilometers and suggested cycling time is approximately 1. Recommending that the programme takes 5 to 2 hours to cover.

Anandwadi Waterfall Neral Distance: It begins from Anandwadi Village which is around 7 KM away from Neral city. Due to the closeness of the place and the good views, it can be considered as a good one day trip.

Upon starting to follow the trail, I felt the cool mountain air and the sound of various animals and other natural elements. The initial part of the trek is quite gentle which can be interesting for the majority of people. During my walks, I had interaction with the people who are friendly and willing to give directions and narrate some stories about the location.

Midway Delights

During the hiking journey, in the middle of the way, there was a pretty stream. This was a perfect spot to take a break, get a sip of water and to just sit there and listen to the quietness. Sing in harmony with the sound of water running through areas of water bodies present around as well as the chirping of birds contributed to the quietness of the surrounding.

Reaching the Waterfall

After trekking for about an hour and a half, the sound of cascading water grew louder, building my anticipation. The final stretch of the trek involved a short but steep climb. Upon reaching Waterfall, I was greeted by the sight of water gushing down from a height of about 80 feet into a clear pool below. The waterfall, framed by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, was breathtaking.

Enjoying the Falls

Depending on the amount of time or distance an individual covered, it could take approximately one and half hour and as the hike progressed the sound of gushing water intensify and I was feeling very eager. The last part of the trek was the short rise that consisted of quite a steep incline. The Waterfalls were very beautiful and on reaching there I was able to see water falling from a precipice of about 80 meter falling directly into a pool of roaring water. Off course the (sight) that took my breath away was the waterfall which was enclosed in trees and great rocks.

Activities

1. Swimming: The pool down to which the water cascades is shallow and clear thus allowing bathers to swim in the pool without risking their lives. The water is so refreshingly cold and it is such a nice place one could relax at.
2. Picnicking: I took some food with me, and sat by the waterfall to have some snacks. These were things I was hearing, but the experience was so calming because of the serene atmosphere and sound of water.
3. Photography: The beautiful scene behind the waterfall with trees, braves, and waterfalls were very photogenically and can be used as a good background a lot of times. I felt the wilderness and produced photos that I can look back on.
4. Relaxation: Just being able to lie down and Melanie and absorb the quietness of the area was a delight. The soft water droplets falling from the trickle of the waterfall and the sound of leaves swaying gave out a very relaxed feel.

Practical Information

• Opening Time: Visiting time of the waterfall is from dawn till dusk. It is recommended that the treks are done in the morning to avoid the hot midday sun and also to make time to be at the falls.
• Anandwadi Waterfall Neral Entry Fee: The entry in Waterfall does not require any payment of money that is no entrance fee. But this might involve paying a token to the guide if one has to hire one from the locality.
• Contact Number: Though there is no separately available contact details of the waterfall, one can easily get in touch with trekking groups or local guide of Neral.

Best Time to Visit

You can plan to visit Waterfall during monsoon that is from June to September because this is the time when the waterfall looks aesthetically best. Rains wash the environments and turn them into beautiful greenery while water is identifiable in its fuller form. Mountain treks can be accomplished in the monsoon but it can get a little dangerous as the paths are slippery and therefore regarding the safety one should wear proper shoes and be careful.

Tips for Trekkers

1. Footwear: The terrain for trekking is rocky and slippery at times wearing sturdy trekking shoes with good grip is recommended. 
2. Clothing: A comfortable dress which absorbs moisture-wicking clothing. A raincoat or a poncho is a necessity if trekking during monsoon season. 
3. Hydration: During trekking a mst have is water, stay hydrated at all times.
4. Snacks: It is advised to pack light snacks for energy such as protein bars, fruits, nuts etc. 
5. First-Aid Kit: Make sure to carry a basic first-aid kit for emergency.
6. Respect Nature: Keep in mind to be respectful of the nature and not dirty the surroundings, dispose your trash properly.
7. Weather Check: Check the weather forecast before embarking on the trek. Avoid trekking during heavy rainfall or thunderstorms.

Nearby Attractions

If you want to visit and explore more places around Anandwadi, there are few other places where you can touch upon. 

1. Matheran

Matheran is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra known for its colonial architecture, toy train and viewpoints. The soothing weather and scenic beauty make it a perfect weekend getaway. 

2. Kondeshwar Temple

If you want to visit a temple, situated 10km away from Neral lies Kondeshwar Temple, a beautiful Shiva Temple between the dense forests. The area around is very much suitable for short picnic activities. 

3. Peb Fort (Vikatgad)

For the enthusiasts seeking more to adventourous things to do around, a trek to Peb Fort might soothe your soul as it offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and hills, Trek is moderately challenging as you have to go through the dense forests and a rocky terrain. 

4. Bhivpuri Waterfall

Near the Anandwadi Waterfall you have Bhivpuri Waterfall, situated near the Bhivpuri Road Railway Station. This is also a very popular spot for trekkers and picnic enthusiasts and is very similar to Anandwadi Waterfall.  

Khandi Waterfall: A Trip to a Secret Paradise

Details for Anandwadi Waterfall Trek 

• Anandwadi Waterfall Distance: Approximately 3 kilometers from Anandwadi Village.
• Anandwadi Waterfall Trek Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate. Suitable for beginners.
• Anandwadi Trek Map: While the trail is well-marked, carrying a map or GPS device can be helpful.
• Anandwadi Trek Price: The trek doesn’t cost anything as there is no entry fee as such. However, if you decide to a hire a local guide then you might incur a nominal fee.
• Anandwadi Waterfall Trek Itinerary: It is advisable to start early to avoid the traffic and atrocious heat in the afternoon. Enjoy your time at the waterfall while the weather is pleasant and nice and return by afternoon.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:

• 6:00 AM: Depart from Mumbai and drive to Neral.
• 8:00 AM: Arrive at Neral and have breakfast.
• 8:30 AM: Head to Anandwadi Village and start the trek.
• 10:00 AM: Reach Anandwadi and enjoy the scenic beauty.
• 12:00 PM: Picnic and relax at the waterfall.
• 2:00 PM: Start the return trek to Anandwadi Village.
• 3:30 PM: Depart from Anandwadi Village to Neral.
• 4:00 PM: Reach Neral and head back to Mumbai.

Optional Day 2:

• 6:00 AM: Start the trek to Peb Fort.
• 8:30 AM: Reach Peb Fort and explore the fort and surrounding views.
• 12:00 PM: Picnic and relax at the fort.
• 2:00 PM: Start the return trek.
• 4:30 PM: Depart from the base village to Neral.

Conclusion

This trek is a perfect blend of adventure, nature and serenity. The Anandwadi is for all groups of people whether you are a seasoned trekker or just an explorer, to find yourself amongst the lush green countryside for a peaceful retreat, Anandwadi has something for everybody and gives an immensely unforgettable experience.  

The easy-to-moderate trek, stunning views, and the refreshing waterfall make it a perfect retreat destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

So, get yourself ready, gather your mates, pack your bags, and set off on an adventure to this hidden gem near Neral. Embrace the tranquility of the Western Ghats, enjoy the serene environment, and create lasting memories at Anandwadi. Happy trekking!