Devkund (Waterfall!)

This was supposed to be an isolated place a few years back. But people become more enthusiastic and all. Distances reduced because of vehicles and all. And people became SMART because of SMART cell phones and all. Now a day it is hot-spot tourist place. Devkund is around 100 km from Pune, next to Tamhini Ghat. People who have no work at all on weekends are increasing as the population increase, and shedding off of not-required jerks from IT companies increased and therefore, a place like this is getting flooded like never before. If you search for “Places near Pune for Hiking”, Devkund occupies one of TOP place.

After UPSC Prelims – 2017, we were planning for some trek around Pune. We are among those people who actually pursue their hobby for trekking and then mention it in Detailed Application Form (DAF, as people call it!). Anyway, that’s not the point here. But I personally feel that even if you are not lucky to be residing in and around Western or Eastern Ghat for that matter, you should go in nature wherever possible.

How to reach Devkund?

Pune - > Mulshi -> Tamhini Ghat -> Bhira Village, park your vehicle here @ Bhira and then trekking-cum-hiking for 2-3 hours. Here you reach – Devkund Waterfalls!

Our Experience

After you leave Bhira, you got to cross two streams before you reach your destination. And you NEED TO form Human Chain while crossing these streams, for safety purpose. Therefore I propose that better you go in groups, otherwise, couples can enjoy Tamhini Ghat and return. Guys, you know what, I can actually use the analogy of UPSC here for these two streams. A good team can help you cross Two Important streams viz Prelims and Mains, to reach your destination i.e. Dholpur House (Delhi). I’m sorry non-civil services people, but this is what happens when you spend a good amount of time in preparation. Anyways, let’s move further.

I also noticed one this about Human Behavior and Human Psychology while walking. One must learn from past experiences, is true for sure. But one must also consider the differentness of the next experience. Let me explain. The two streams you meet on the way from Bhira Village to Devkund are actually difficult (which itself is a relative term though!) But believe me, you need not form Human Chain once you reach Devkund water. It's relatively serene and all. But even there, people were forming Human Chains. God. Why these people do exits! I understand that now they have expertise in forming Human Chain and helping each other, but it’s absolutely insane to form chain there.

If you are a (good) swimmer, you can dive in the water. It’s deep enough. And enjoy yourself. But if you are not a swimmer, you can carry your swimmer friend’s bags and shoes and other stuff to another side of the water. Also, non-swimmer can keep themselves busy in clicking their pics and appear that they are equally enjoying. Also, non-swimmer can stand under a waterfall, not the biggest one but other smaller ones, and “show” their swimmer friends that they are enjoying like never before.

Return Journey

It was almost dark when we started our return journey from Bhira. It’s always fun to drive in the rain, through the clouds. Yes, you read it right – through the cloud! And especially when insects are all set to hit your eyes and you are like Rajnikanth, missing all the insects and still moving on and on. It’s always fun to drive through Ghats and all, especially when passing by vehicles splashing (dirty!) water on you and you can’t distinguish if it’s raining or it was dirty water. And even if you find out its dirty water, you pretend that it’s rainy water, especially when any girl from another country sitting behind you.

My vehicle’s pillion rider was a girl born in (South) Korea and then did her entire schooling in Japan. She is basically a Japanese girl – Minh! I can only remember her first name. She’s cute. She was telling me all her experiences across the globe, from the USA, UK, Europe and all, to East Asian countries. Well, this traveler girl is very young. After spending 3-4 months in Rajasthan working for some NGO, Tamhini Ghat and all was like heaven for her. She really wanted to see stars up there but it was cloudy and all. But once we passed Tamhini Ghat, the sky got clear for a while and her wish came true. Gals, this is secret I’m sharing here. Seriously. Your wish comes true if you sit on the back seat of the vehicle I drive. But the thing is I rarely drive. And as you know, my daily vehicle has no back seat.

Guys, going to Devkund and coming back will take your entire day for sure. But it’s worth it. It is a damn beautiful place to visit. Whether it is about eating hot roasted corns or just fried Bhajis on your way through Tamhini Ghat or walking through the jungle, it really amazing. Let me tell my Civil Services Aspirant friends and other curious species that Devkund falls in Western Ghat. But please don’t discuss the recommendations and differences between Gadgil Committee and Kasturiranjan Committee once you are there.

Happy Hiking!! Cheers!!