Kalu Waterfall Trek: Location, Trek Difficulty, and How to Reach

The Kalu Waterfall, situated in the Malshej Ghat region, is stunning proof that waterfalls are one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena. 

The majestic Kalu waterfall trek magnetizes adventures and thrills seekers with its natural glory and dangerous beauty. 

This gigantic waterfall trek is for those who seek thrill and adventure over easy holiday sightseeing. 

Since this trek is one of the most epic and adventurous treks in India, this article will list every nook and cranny of the Kalu waterfall trek that every person should know before visiting. 

Kalu Waterfall Malshej Ghat: Overview 

The waterfall originates from Harishchandragad, Tolar Khind, and Karkai mountain ridges, falling from the highest point of Malshej ghat. 

The trek to Kalu Waterfall Malshej Ghat is easy, just like the Nanemachi waterfall trek. Nestled amidst the lush green western ghats and under the roaring cloudy sky, this waterfall draws a thin line between wilderness and tranquility.

The waterfall falls in five stages, and the lowest part is known as God’s valley for the beauty it exudes. 

Being the highest waterfall of Malshej Ghat, it makes for a perfect trek for both seasoned trekkers and beginners. 

Since this is a seasonal waterfall, peak monsoon season is the best time to relish its beauty.

Here is some quick information about the Kalu Waterfall ~ 

Attributes	Details
Kalu Waterfall Distance	1.8 kilometers (single side)
Waterfall height	1200 feet (0.37 km)
Trek difficulty level	Easy-moderate
Base village	Sawarne, Maharashtra
Best time to visit	Monsoon months (July-October)
Trek duration	8–9 hours (both sides)
Kalu Waterfall distance from Mumbai	3 hr 33 min (132 km)
Kalu Waterfall Distance from Pune	3 hr 15 mins (118 km)

Timings and Ticket Prices 

There’s no designated time or ticket price to visit the waterfall. However, since the Kalu waterfall is located in the middle of the forest, it is best to abide by an ideal timing. 

Start your trek early in the morning while savoring the sunrise — if you can catch it amid the cloudy sky — and return before it gets dark. 

Sawarne, the base village of the waterfall trek is about 110 kilometers from Mumbai and 140 kilometers from Pune, if you do not have a personal vehicle, the journey will take you around ₹1300 to ₹1400. 

How to Reach the Kalu Waterfall Location

It might seem a bit tricky to reach these waterfalls in the wilderness, but it’s quite simple. Here’s the full guide of how you can reach Kalu waterfall ~

Base Village 

You can either access the waterfall from the top for which you have to reach the Khireshwar village or from the bottom for which you need to reach Thitabi village.  

If you’re coming by your personal vehicle, you can park it at the base village and start your trek — it is a safe place by the way!

But if you’re opting for a public vehicle, here’s how you can reach Kalu Waterfall ~

If you’re traveling from Pune, to reach the top view of the waterfall, you can board a bus to Nashik and get down at Alephata. Now hop on a bus towards Kalyan and get down at Khubi Phata. From here, you can either walk to Khireshwar village or rent a vehicle. 

To travel to the bottom of the waterfall, you can follow the same route from Pune to Kalyan and get down at Savarne, from there, you can walk to Thitabi. 

If you’re traveling from Mumbai, to reach the top view of the waterfall, you can board the local train to Kalyan. From there, hop on a bus to Nashik, get down at Khubi Phata, and walk towards Khireshwar. 

To travel to the bottom of the waterfall, you can follow the same route to Kalyan, hop on a bus to Nashik, and get down at Savarne. From there, you can just walk towards Thitabi. 

Trek and Trails

As you just read, there are multiple routes to Kalu Waterfall, but the easiest and the most famous one is the one that starts from Khireshwar village. 

The total distance from the base village to the waterfall is roughly 2 kilometers and will take you around 8–9 hours to trek both ways.

The trek difficulty is easy to moderate depending on your skills and fitness. Even though the trek is not difficult, it can be dangerous at times, so I advise you to not underestimate the trek. 

Here’s a YouTube vlog by Aniruddha Patil to give an idea about the trek and trail of Kalu waterfall 

Dos and Don’ts at Kalu Waterfall Trek

Here are some dos and don’ts to remember while you’re on the trek to enjoy your trip the most ~

Must-try Foods at Kalu Waterfall

You should bring your own food and snacks while on the trek, since you might only find a few shops and restaurants near the waterfall. If you’re still looking for some shops, some might be available at a fair distance from the waterfall. 

1. Hotel Kalu Waterfall 
   • Address — Hotel kalu waterfall @Lake side camping, near Khubi, above Khireshwar, Khubi, Khireshwar Maharashtra 412409

2. Hotel Akshay 
   • Address — HOTEL AKSHAY @camping Lakeside Adaari jungle Unnamed Road, Khireshwar, Maharashtra 412409

3. Flamingo restaurant 
   • Address — Flamingo Restaurant, Harichandgad Road, Khireshwar, Maharashtra 412409

4. Van Vihar restaurant
   • Address — VanViharr restaurant, 8QQX+FVH, MH MSH 2, Otur, Maharashtra 412409

5. Hotel Shivshahi
   • Address — Hotel Shivshahi, Bus Stop, Khubi Phata, Ahmednagar-Kalyan Rd, Khubi, Maharashtra 412409. 

You can eat a light lunch and some classic Marathi snacks here, although we don’t guarantee that all these shops and restaurants will be open at the time of your visit. 

Kalu Waterfall Photos 

Important Information About Kalu Waterfall

Here is some important information about Kalu Waterfall that every trekker should know about:

1. The lower part of the waterfall can be dangerous at times, so make sure you visit there with a guide. 
2. Make sure to carry your first aid kit and other necessities. 
3. Be cautious of the rocks, since they’re very slippery during monsoon. 
4. Avoid venturing into deep water or standing directly under the waterfall.
5. Make sure to have a change of clothes in case you get wet. 
6. Waterproof bags and cellphone covers are a must. 
7. Do not feed anything to the animals and birds, this will disturb the ecology of the place.
8. Download Google Maps beforehand, as you might not get the network once you start ascending. 

Best Time to Visit Kalu Waterfall

Kalu Waterfall is one of the best places to visit from June to September, which is during the peak monsoon season. The waterfall is at its fullest and most spectacular during this period due to the heavy rainfall, but you have to pay caution because traveling during peak monsoon can be dangerous. 

However, the specific months of July and August are often considered the peak time for the best experience.

Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Weather Conditions: The monsoon season brings heavy rains, so be prepared for wet conditions. Wear appropriate rain gear and waterproof footwear.

2. Safety: The trails and surrounding areas can be slippery and challenging to navigate, so take extra caution.

3. Crowds: This period can attract many tourists, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on a weekday.

Nearby Famous places 

Here are some nearby famous places to the Kalu waterfall that you can explore in a day ~

1. Hi-tech Malshej Camping (2.3 km)
2. Malshej Ghat Waterfall (3.2 km)
3. Malshej Ghat (4.1 km)
4. Aadrai Forest Trek & Trail (6.3 km)
5. Sindola Fort (8.4 km)

Conclusion 

Kalu Waterfall is a gem in the Western Ghats, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and tranquility. 

Whether you’re a trekker seeking a challenging trail, a photographer looking for stunning landscapes, or a nature lover wanting to escape the urban hustle, Kalu Waterfall is a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and rejuvenated.