avatarA Rustic Mind (Manali Desai)

Summary

The author recounts a memorable trip to the Ashoka Waterfalls in Vihigaon, Maharashtra, India, during a long weekend with friends.

Abstract

In an effort to find a unique and unexplored travel destination, the author and their friends chose to visit Ashoka Waterfalls located in the remote village of Vihigaon. Despite initial skepticism and challenges like difficult navigation, broken roads, and steep, slippery steps leading to the waterfall, the group's experience transformed from hesitant to exhilarating upon witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the falls. They embraced the natural surroundings by venturing into the cool waters, capturing cherished moments, and relaxing at local food stalls. The trip, especially enjoyable during monsoon season, culminated in a shared sentiment of preserving the natural allure of this hidden gem.

Opinions

  • The author and friends were initially doubtful and skeptical about choosing Ashoka Waterfalls for their trip, as they had never heard of it before.
  • Despite the initial disappointment due to navigation issues and the unkempt condition of the roads and paths, their opinion shifted drastically as they approached the falls, overwhelmed by its beauty.
  • The experience was enhanced by the opportunity to physically engage with the site, such as by walking through the steps and standing under the falls, providing a sense of adventure.
  • The food items like tea, Parle G, and Maggi noodles tasted exceptionally good in the natural setting of the falls, adding to the enjoyable experience.
  • The author strongly suggests that tourists should wear comfortable clothing, carry extra clothes for getting wet, and be prepared for a deviation in the route, as GPS navigation may not be completely reliable.
  • A sense of responsibility towards keeping the location unspoiled is encouraged, asking visitors to leave the area as untouched and pristine as they found it.
  • The author views the destination as a "must-visit" for those located in Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik, particularly during monsoon season.

Travel Tales With M ~ Ashoka Waterfalls

A Natural Waterfall in A Secluded Village

In the focus of this story are Ashoka Waterfalls in Vihigaon, Maharashtra, India.

Photo of the author and her friends at Ashoka Waterfalls

We visited this hidden gem over a long weekend with a group of friends, after much debate over where to go. All of us were skeptical about how the place would turn out because none of us had ever heard of it before. Someone suggested going here and a short Google search later we decided on giving it a visit. As we approached closer to our destination, our scepticism grew because not only was there a slight deviation in the route as opposed to what was shown on Google maps, but the roads were badly broken too. The entry to the falls requires a ticket which we need to buy from the village(Vihigaon) representatives. As we parked the car and made our way towards the falls which were nowhere in sight, we’d lost all hope of enjoying our short getaway. The steps leading to the falls were steep and slippery, but as the falls slowly came into view, all our frustration went away, because, boy oh boy! What a sight they were. With the falls creating a foggy surrounding and the droplets making us wet, we fell in love right away.

Photo captured by the author

Two of us ventured into the waters and stayed that way for about half an hour sitting on the stones over the water enjoying getting soaked.

Photo of the author’s husband and friends at Ashoka Waterfalls
Photo of the author and her friends at Ashoka Waterfalls

After clicking pictures and dipping our feet in the water, we made our way to the top again, sat at one of the handful food stalls, and did what is most enjoyed at such spots! Had tea and Parle G.

Photo of the author and her friends at Ashoka Waterfalls

To add more charm to this, we even had a plate of Maggi. Though the taste must have been the same as anywhere else, it tasted more delicious than normal. The full stretch around the falls is a beautiful sight and a green paradise with a view of the railway line.

The overall experience hence became more enjoyable and memorable because of the surrounding natural beauty.

Photo of the author and her husband at the parking spot near Ashoka Waterfalls

If in Mumbai/Pune/Nashik and looking for a day trip, this is a must-visit during monsoons. The place is yet unexplored, so give it a try, but try to keep it untainted.

Pit stop on Mumbai Nashik highway en route Ashoka Waterfalls
Pit stop on Mumbai Nashik highway en route Ashoka Waterfalls

Pro-tip: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and if planning to take a dip, carry an extra pair of clothes. Also, ask someone for the deviation because the Google maps route is not completely reliable.

Note: We visited this place in August 2019. This story was originally published on my blog.

Thank you for reading. Do follow me and my posts Travel Tales with M for more of such travel stories, where I talk about my explorations around the globe. You can check out a few of my previous travel stories below.

Waterfall
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Traveling
Day Trip
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