The best thing to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon when it’s raining outside is to rev up the engines & go on a long drive. And a drive with your friends, loved ones & family in Monsoon is heavenly when the roads are packed on both sides with scenic views of unending carpets of green grass, tiny creeks & invigorating waterfalls!
It is all the more fun to drive on the curvy roads of a hillside, park at a spot of your choosing & enjoy beautiful views of the deep valleys & gushing waterfalls while soaking in the pitter-patter of the rain drops! Tamhini ghat near Pune is one such monsoon drive-away destination which lets you enjoy all above & much more. You can also experience the misty chill of clouds almost touching the road!

Given its proximity from the green city, Tamhini is a preferred destination for adventurers, nature lovers & long drive enthusiasts! You will find many crowds of college students on their bikes, trekkers with backpacks & families with picnic baskets enjoying the beauty this place has to offer in monsoons!

Here are top five things to do in Tamhini:

1. Mulshi Dam:

Tamhini is essentially a ghat region & the road leads to backwaters of Mulshi dam. The Dam & its backwaters are as scenic as the ghat & offer great views of green mountains in the distant surrounding. You can also enjoy boating if the weather is good.

2. Camping at the Backwaters:

Mulshi backwaters offer a great location to pitch your tents & try camping on the banks. Don’t forget to carry along waterproofing sheets for the tents in Monsoons! Many hotels nearby offer restaurant facility to tourists & will take care of your food requirements. Relax on the banks as the clouds descend upon you!

3. Tamhini Waterfalls:

The Ghats are full of tiny to gushing waterfalls! Trekker’s favorite activity is to climb into the mountains to explore hidden waterfalls in the forests. Waterfall rappelling is a great sport which can be enjoyed at Tamhini. Most trekkers find nirvana when they sit like a yogi beneath these falls!

4. Vanjai Devi Temple & Devrai:

There is a goddess Parvati temple hidden in dense forests (Vanrai) called as the Vanjai devi. The walk to the temple from the deep forest & crossing banks of little dams is beautiful. It is a local belief that the Vanrai is dedicated to the goddess & it brings upon the wrath of the goddess on anyone who tries to even pluck a leaf from the protected forests!

5. Picnic on the Roadside:

Tamhini has ample of places on the roadside where you can park your vehicles & enjoy quality time with friends & family. Carry along a picnic basket of munchies, some hot tea, sandwiches & pakoras along with a Frisbee for the kids & you can relax on the carpets of grass. Be sure not to litter & leave the place as clean & beautiful as it was when you got there!
It is almost impossible to resist the monsoon in Tamhini & almost all tourists happily get drenched in the rains! Don’t forget to carry along an extra pair of clothing & shoes!

How to reach Tamhini:

Tamhini Ghat is about 70 km from Pune via Chandani Chowk when travelling towards Mulshi. Those coming from Mumbai can arrive via Lonavala from Mulshi backwaters. It is advisable to have your own vehicle to explore the place at your own leisure.

Best Places to Stay Around Tamhini:

Many resorts & hotels have come up recently in this patch & you can choose rooms from a variety of available options. If it is a one day trip from Pune & accommodation would not be required. However, there are many Farmstays & Agritourism centre which offer good dining & restroom facilities. Also recommended is a stay on these farmstays for those travelling from outside Pune.

Best Time to Visit Tamhini:

The charm of Tamhini ghat is many folds more in monsoons! Best time to visit is from June to October.