Tucked in the majestic Western Ghats, Karjat is a hilly hamlet on the outskirts of Mumbai. Dazzling waterfalls, historic caves, plush farmhouses and myriad trekking trails, all these make it one of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. If you are contemplating a trip to Karjat but not sure about the places you must visit, have a look at these seven most amazing places to visit in Karjat.
A Quick Glance Through
How To Reach Karjat
Karjat has good road connectivity to Mumbai as well as Pune. It is hardly 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Mumbai via Panvel. From Pune also, it is around 2 hours drive via Lonavala and Khopoli.
Another way to reach Karjat is by train as Karjat Railway Station is connected to both Mumbai and Pune. You can catch a local train from Mumbai CST that will drop you at Karjat. If you are visiting from Pune, then you can board a train from Pune Junction.
List of Awesome Places To Visit in Karjat
1. Peth Fort
Peth Fort, also known as Kothaligad Fort, is a tiny fort near Peth village. This ancient hill fort was captured by different regimes at different times, including Mughals, Marathas and British.
It is a popular hiking spot and lies about 28 km away from Karjat Railway Station. The trek to the fort starts from Peth village and takes around 1 hour to reach the top.
Reaching the village also involves about an hour trek because the connecting road is not quite motorable. If you want to avoid this additional trek, get to the base village by an SUV.
The trail to the hilltop is pretty scenic and passes through thick forests. It is a moderately difficult trek for beginners. The climb gets really steep as you get closer to the summit.
Once you reach the top, get rewarded with astounding views of the undulating hills and verdure. Furthermore, there are caves and a small temple at the hilltop.
You can also access the top of the fort through rock-cut stairs. For adventure seekers, Peth Fort is one of the best places to visit in Karjat.
2. Bhivpuri Waterfall
Set in the tranquil environs of Karjat, Bhivpuri waterfall draws hordes of travelers from nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Monsoon is the best time to visit here when you can see water cascades gushing down the green hills. The waterfall creates a charming plunge pool beneath, perfect for taking a refreshing dip.
Apart from enjoying the heavenly atmosphere, you can indulge in waterfall rappelling. Bhivpuri Waterfall is counted amongst the best places to visit in Karjat for nature and adventure lovers.
The waterfall is accessible from the two nearest train stations – Bhivpuri Road Railway Station and Karjat Railway Station. It is roughly 20 to 30 minutes walk to the waterfall from Bhivpuri Road.
If you are approaching from Karjat Railway Station, then take an autorickshaw which will drop you at Ashane village. Then, you need to trek to the waterfall.
3. ND’s Film World
If you are fascinated by Indian cinema, its grandiose sets and the film-making process, then you have to visit ND’s Film World. I stumbled upon this studio while I was on my way to Karjat from Mumbai.
It is spread over 43 acres and hosts sets of famous Bollywood movies like Jodhaa Akbar, Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo and Bajirao Mastani. At the entrance, there are rock carvings of some legendary actors.
Once you get in, it looks like a wonderland, showcasing palaces, forts, a mini village and various other sets.
There are buggies to take visitors from one place to another place inside the studio. It is not a full-day trip. You may keep aside 2 to 3 hours to explore ND’s Film World.
4. Kondana Caves – One of The Best Places To Visit in Karjat
Hidden away in dense forests, Kondana Caves are an ancient complex of Buddhist caves. These rock-cut structures once served as places of worship and residence to Buddhist monks. It is located some 13 km away from Karjat Railway Station.
The complex has 16 caves comprising chaitya (worship hall), stupa and vihara (monasteries). You can see ruins of intricately made Buddhist sculptures, reliefs and rock carvings.
It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Seasonal waterfalls are another attraction here but they disappear after the rainy season.
Trek to Kondana Caves begins from Kondivade village which is conveniently accessible from Karjat by autorickshaw. From the base village, it is around 45 to 60 minutes easy hike to the caves.
Consider hiring a guide if you are going there for the first time as caves are well concealed in thick forests.
5. Ulhas Valley
Ulhas Valley is famed for its scenic nature trails, teeming with rich flora and cascading waterfalls. The valley offers spectacular sights of lush green surroundings. It also provides opportunities for waterfall rappelling.
For trekkers and adventurers, it is one of the most amazing places to visit in Karjat. Ulhas valley trek starts from Khandala and requires descending to the valley and ascending back to the base location. It is a full-day adventure trip.
Make sure you carry a backpack with a set of spare clothes, water bottle, raincoat, first aid kit, torch (flashlight) and some snacks. Wear comfortable clothes like lightweight track pants.
6. Kondeshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kondeshwar Temple is located amid the hills of Badlapur, approximately 37 km from Karjat. It is a clean and well-kept temple.
The surroundings are extremely pleasing featuring a lot of greenery, waterfalls and serene Kondeshwar Lake. It is one of the best places to visit in Karjat on a half-day trip.
The waterfall is situated right behind the lake and is barricaded. However, the lake is accessible and swimming is allowed here. Kondeshwar Lake is formed by Bhoj Dam, which is situated nearby.
Aside from the main temple, there are a few small shrines around. Sometimes, due to heavy downpours in the rainy season, those shrines get submerged and become inaccessible.
The road leading to the temple is quite scenic. Buses can’t go there but you can easily reach the temple by car or private taxi. If you are visiting during monsoon, then be a little cautious as the roads become slippery.
7. Ulhas River
Ulhas river follows along as soon as you enter Karjat. The river rises from Sahyadri Hills and drains several parts of Maharashtra before falling into the Arabian Sea. In Karjat, the Ulhas river is a popular spot for river rafting.
The river offers a wonderful rafting experience due to its high-speed rapids. For adventure junkies, it is one of the most amazing places to visit in Karjat.
Monsoon is the best season to indulge in river rafting when rainfalls are adequate. However, it is offered throughout the year in Karjat. The rafting usually lasts for 2 hours covering a distance of 6-7 km.
Charges vary between Rs. 1,000 to 1,500 per person. A majority of resorts in Karjat arrange river rafting adventures on demand, else you can get it arranged through a local tour operator.
Where To Stay
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is a wonderful place to stay in Karjat. It is located in a village called Khandpe, around 8 km from Karjat Railway Station. Bhivpuri waterfall is approximately 13 km away from here.
The resort is equipped with a range of amenities – in-house restaurant, beautifully landscaped garden, kid’s play area, swimming pool and spa. It offers a peaceful and relaxing ambiance. The price is mid-range.
Check Availability And Book A Stay in Radisson Blu Resort.
If you are looking for an affordable option, check 007 Universe Resort. It is a theme resort inspired by James Bond movies.
Surrounded by bucolic landscapes, the resort is just about 9 km from the train station in Karjat. It is moderately furnished with the necessary amenities like swimming pool, spa, kid’s play zone and on-site restaurant.
Check Availability And Book A Stay in 007 Universe Resort.
Ideal Trip Duration
Karjat is mainly a weekend destination for travelers from Mumbai and Pune. In the table below, I have mentioned the time required on an average to explore each attraction. So, you can create your itinerary based on time on your hands.
| Place (Attraction) | Time Required To Visit |
|---|---|
| Peth Fort | 4 to 5 hours |
| Bhivpuri Waterfall | Half-day trip |
| ND’s Film World | 2 to 3 hours |
| Kondana Caves | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Ulhas Valley | Full-day trip |
| Kondeshwar Temple | Half-day trip |
| Ulhas River (Rafting) | 2-3 hours |
Over To You Now…
Hope you enjoyed taking the virtual tour to Karjat and you are excited to explore! From this list of the seven amazing places to visit in Karjat, which ones will make it to your bucket list? Tell us in the comment section below.
