5 Things that make ‘Naneghat Maharashtra’ an OMG! Destination
Naneghat
Naneghat also referred to as Nanaghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range between the Konkan coast and the ancient town of Junnar in the Deccan plateau. The pass is about 120 kilometres north of Pune and about 165 kilometres east of Mumbai. It was part of an ancient trading route, and is famous for a major cave with Sanskrit inscriptions in Brahmi script and Middle Indo-Aryan dialect. The inscriptions have been dated between the 2nd and the 1st century BCE, and are attributed to the Satavahana dynasty era.
The inscriptions are notable for linking the Vedic and Hinduism deities, Vedic srauta rituals and historical information about the ancient Satavahanas. The inscriptions present the world’s oldest numeration symbols for “2, 4, 6, 7, and 9” which resemble modern-era numerals, more closely those found in modern Nagari and Hindu-Arabic script. The famous Naneghat cave, is believed to have been used as a resting place for traders and travellers.
Naneghat Gunnar
Junnar Schimdt, a German archaeologist, conducted excavations at the Naneghat pass in the early 20th century. He uncovered many artifacts and inscriptions that shed light on the history and culture of the region.
Schmidt’s most significant discovery was a large number of inscriptions written in the Brahmi script, which were carved into the rock walls of the pass. Schmidt also uncovered several rock-cut caves, including the Naneghat cave, which is believed to have been used by traders and travelers as a resting place.
Naneghat waterfall
Naneghat waterfall is situated in the midst of lush green forests and offers a serene and refreshing experience to visitors. The waterfall is a popular spot for trekking and hiking enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. The trek to the waterfall involves walking through dense forests and climbing rocky terrain, which can be challenging but rewarding. The waterfall itself is a picturesque sight, with water cascading down from a height of about 60 meter. The pool at the base of the waterfall offers a great place to swim and cool off on hot summer days.
Naneghat Reverse waterfall
The Naneghat reverse waterfall, also known as the “Mumbri Waterfall,” is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs near the Naneghat pass. During the monsoon season, the strong winds blowing in the opposite direction of the waterfall’s flow cause the water to flow upwards, creating the illusion of a reverse waterfall. This occurs when the wind gets trapped in the narrow gorge, and the pressure forces the water to go upwards instead of falling downwards.
The reverse waterfall is a popular tourist attraction, and many visitors flock to the area to witness this unique natural phenomenon. The best time to see the reverse waterfall is during the monsoon season, between June and September, when the water flow is at its strongest.
Visitors can take a short trek from the Naneghat pass to reach the Mumbri Waterfall and witness this amazing natural wonder. The area surrounding the waterfall is also scenic and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Naneghat camping
Camping at Naneghat can be a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Western Ghats and explore the history and culture of the region. There are several camping sites located near the Naneghat pass, offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
One popular camping site is the Naneghat Hills Campsite, which offers tented accommodations and amenities such as clean toilets, showers, and a kitchen area. The campsite is situated on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, trekking, and bird watching.
Another option for camping near Naneghat is the Nisarga Agro Tourism campsite, which is located in the midst of lush green forests and offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The campsite offers tented accommodations and amenities such as a campfire area, clean toilets, and a dining area.
Visitors can also opt for more adventurous camping experiences, such as wild camping in the forests. However, it is important to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken and to follow guidelines for responsible camping.
Naneghat trek
The Naneghat trek is a popular hiking and trekking route in Maharashtra, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek starts from the Naneghat pass and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and waterfalls.
The trek is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and is well-marked and involves walking through rocky terrain, dense forests, and crossing streams. Along the way, trekkers can explore several ancient rock-cut caves and inscriptions, including the famous Naneghat cave. The cave has a large hall with several pillars and carvings on the walls, and it offers a glimpse into the architectural and artistic skills of the ancient people who lived in the region.
The trek also offers a unique experience during the monsoon season, when the Naneghat reverse waterfall can be seen. The strong winds blowing in the opposite direction of the waterfall’s flow cause the water to flow upwards, creating the illusion of a reverse waterfall.
Naneghat fort
The Naneghat Fort is an ancient fortification situated at the top of the Naneghat pass. The fort has a significant historical and cultural significance, and it was an important trade route during the Satavahana period.
The fort was constructed by the Satavahanas around 200 BCE and was later used by the Mauryas and the Nizam Shahi dynasty. The fort was strategically important due to its location, which provided access to the trade route between Kalyan and Junnar.
The fort has several structures, including a large entrance gate, a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and several water cisterns. The fort also has a large plateau at the top, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Naneghat from Mumbai
Naneghat can be reached from Mumbai via road, and the most convenient mode of transport is by car or bus. The distance between Mumbai and Naneghat is approximately 160 kilometers, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic.
There are several bus services available from Mumbai to Junnar. From Junnar, visitors can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach the Naneghat pass. Alternatively, visitors can also hire a private car or taxi from Mumbai to reach the place.
The route from Mumbai to Naneghat passes through the scenic countryside of Maharashtra, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the Western Ghats and the surrounding hills and valleys along the way.
Pune to Naneghat distance-The distance between Pune and Naneghat is approximately 120 kilometers, and Visitors can reach Naneghat from Pune via road, and the most convenient mode of transport is by car or bus. There are several bus services available from Pune to Junnar.
