Chinchoti Waterfalls – What to Expect
For Anurag's week off, we were hunting down exotic locations for a getaway. We had planned on camping overnight near the Devkund Waterfalls, but we learnt that the area was shut until 15th of this month. Though disappointed, our desire of drenching under the falls and floating in the natural pool made out of it was not yet crushed. We looked for one-day waterfall locations around Mumbai and coincided on this exquisite waterfall of Chinchoti.
Source: Treksandtrails.org
Anurag asked one of his friends who had been here before and via his feedback, we were impressed. Even the pictures looked lovely. The plan was made and off we went towards the falls on Anurag's Royal Enfield.
After a one-hour ride, we reached the base. The distance between the base and the waterfall is around 8 km, which is fine if the road was smooth. However, when reaching, you would be disappointed looking at the rocky road. Imagine riding on an extremely rocky patch for 45 minutes at a stretch! The cars could manage, but since we were on a bullet, I was worried. Plus the mishap of the tyres puncturing would have left us amidst the jungle with no people around.
We crossed a fair amount of the route, but after studying the maps, we were stunned to find the waterfall to be still 20 minutes away. We were then dubious of whether it was worth taking the risk. We stopped on our way and while we were discussing, we could hear water gushing nearby. Anurag checked and saw a beautiful waterfall hidden amidst the trees and bushes. We decided to scrap the main Chinchoti waterfall and instead descended down for this one.
Had there been more people with us, it would have been twice enjoyable. We were here just for the ride, the water, and I was expecting some breathtaking shots. However, unfortunately, Anurag dropped his week-old phone in the water, and though the phone is working well now, the rear camera was filled with fog then.
My phone's camera is good for nothing, so the imagination of getting beautiful shots was blurred. We relaxed in the pool, splashed water onto each other, and tried our best to make our cameras work. After about half-hour, we were back on the rocky road.
Though we couldn't make it to the actual waterfall, we were contented with our day. When we were heading back and about to reach the barrier, we saw a lady with a stick. She probably controlled the people entering in and going out. She wasn't there when we entered.
She stopped our bike and rudely asked what we were doing in the water. She even falsely accused that she was calling us but we did not respond. We told her that we did not hear anyone's voice and that we were just exploring the place. On that, she said that we could enjoy elsewhere. It was extremely embarrassing for us and I don't think I'm coming here with a boy ever again.
Not just this, a group of friends – three boys and one girl – approached while this was going on. She rudely asked the girl to take off her scarf so that she could see who she was. She even asked them where they were heading to. One of the boys even snapped back at her and then she calmed down by an inch. She also told us how there were wild animals in the jungle and that she would be responsible if anything happens.
Gosh! It was uncomfortable and unsettling. After a conversation of ten minutes, we rushed towards home. So –
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING CHINCHOTI WATERFALLS
THE ROCKY ROAD
The road is extremely rough and lasts for around an hour from the base to the waterfalls. So, travelling on a moped is a big no, unless you want to take that risk. An ideal mode of transport would be a car preferably with tubeless tyres.
WEEKDAY VS WEEKEND
If you want no humans around, then a weekday would be absolute. But this solitary would come with its own drawbacks. The jungle around is believed to have wild animals. I'm not sure if people have spotted any, but if you're going as a couple or even as a single group, then beware and look around.
Another con of weekdays is the unavailability of people in case of a puncture. On the contrary, weekends are full of people. So depending on what kind of experience you want, plan your getaway.
THE NAGGING LADY
This lady was a pain in the ass. She literally asked us what we were doing in the water. It was plainly immature of that person. Beware of this lady and try to be as polite as possible. You never know who she brings along and ruins your life.
EXOTIC LOCATION
Overall, Chinchoti Waterfalls is an exotic and a must-visit place for nature admirers. What makes it even better is that it's near Vasai, so you don't have to travel for more than an hour to reach here. The waterfall is dense and refreshing. I recommend going with a group, preferably on a weekend.
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