Viral Video: Chaotic Scenes From Malshej Ghat's Kalu Waterfall – Mumbaikars, Head To These Places Instead

With the monsoon in full swing, waterfalls and treks across Maharashtra become irresistible weekend escapes for people. But as more and more Mumbaikars seek nature's embrace, popular spots like Kalu Waterfall are getting overwhelmed with footfall, turning once-peaceful getaways into chaotic crowd attractions.

What exactly happened?

A recent video posted by Monesh Deshmukh (@a_boy_in.sahyadri._) on Instagram went viral for capturing the unexpected reality of a weekend trip to Kalu Waterfall on Sunday, July 6. In the video, Deshmukh highlighted how what was meant to be a refreshing escape turned into a frustrating wait among swarms of visitors.

Check out the video below:

He described the experience, saying, "Today, Kalu Waterfall was so crowded that it felt like people were flowing instead of raining! The line for the Zipline was 2 hours long and the crowd was so big that the uncle who gave the token got annoyed and went straight home! Finally, we found him and called him again and then where did we get the token? And then we saw… that amazing Kalu Waterfall!" (translated)

He also advisednot going to Kalu Waterfall during the weekends. "One piece of advice – no one should go to Kalu Waterfall on Saturday-Sunday! And if you must go, go with a guide friend – that means adventure pan guaranteed and guide pan smart!" his post stated. (translated)

5 peaceful alternatives to Kalu Waterfall

Here are five scenic, offbeat waterfall getaways in Maharashtra where you can enjoy monsoon magic without the crowd chaos:

Randha Falls, Bhandardara

Cascading down a 170-foot valley over the Pravara River, Randha Falls is a must-visit during the monsoon. Located near the peaceful hill town of Bhandardara, it offers not just stunning views but also the soothing sound of water crashing into the rocky basin below. There's a nearby temple and viewpoints for a complete experience.

Location: Ahmednagar district

Someshwar (Dudhsagar) Waterfalls, Nashik

Just 2 km from Someshwar Temple, this small yet beautiful fall over the Godavari River turns into a monsoon gem. Known for its frothy, milk-like appearance, hence the name Dudhsagar, it’s a family-friendly picnic spot with nearby attractions like the Balaji Temple.

Location: Gangapur, Nashik

Dabhosa Waterfall, Thane District

One of the tallest waterfalls near Mumbai, Dabhosa is a 300-foot drop formed over the Lendi River. It's not just scenic but also an adventure lover’s haven, offering ziplining, kayaking, rappelling, and more. The lush green surroundings and the sound of thundering water make it a true nature retreat.

Location: Dabhosa Village, near Jawhar

Bhivpuri Waterfalls, Karjat

Located about 90 km from Mumbai, Bhivpuri Waterfalls is perfect for a quick monsoon getaway. It’s safe for families, and adventure groups often use the area for waterfall rappelling. The green surroundings and accessibility make it an ideal weekend option for Mumbaikars.

Location: Karjat, Mumbai

Pandavkada Falls, Navi Mumbai

Standing tall at 107 metres, Pandavkada is a plunging waterfall nestled in the Western Ghats. Mythology links it to the Pandavas, adding a mystical element. Though popular, it's less chaotic than Kalu and offers a thrilling monsoon trek. Entry is modestly priced at Rs 50 per person, but visitors are advised not to enter the water due to strong currents.

Location: Kharghar, Navi Mumbai