Why are travellers and photographers heading to this ‘unusual’ waterfall in Maharashtra?

Monsoon in Maharashtra brings about some spectacular changes in its geography. The hills get covered in greenery, seasonal streams flow, and waterfalls come into existence within the Western Ghats of the region. One of those amazing monsoon attractions that looks like violating the laws of nature is the Reverse Waterfall at Naneghat.Naneghat is an old mountain pass situated within the Western Ghats of the Pune district. Dating back over two thousand years, Naneghat was an essential trading passage between the Konkan coastline and the Deccan Plateau when the Satavahana dynasty reigned. Today, Naneghat mountain pass is one of the most popular monsoon spots within Maharashtra, not because of the waterfalls, but because visitors come here to watch the waters rise up.Despite its name, a reverse waterfall is not a waterfall flowing upward from its source. It is a natural phenomenon caused by powerful winds.During the period when there is maximum monsoon activity, rainwater comes down the vertical cliffs of Naneghat as it usually does. But due to the strong winds that come upward through the mountain pass at times, the falling water gets lifted back up into the atmosphere. From afar, it gives the impression that the water is moving upstream.The process is a fleeting one that wholly depends on climatic factors. Wind velocity, rainfall levels, and the geographical nature of the mountain pass all contribute to forming the unique phenomenon. On certain days, the effect could be pronounced; other times, visitors will only see the fine spray of water lifting into the air.Naneghat sits in a gap within the Western Ghats, a mountain chain recognised for its distinct climatic conditions. The pass acts as a natural corridor through which strong monsoon winds travel from the Arabian Sea towards the Deccan region.As these winds strike the high cliffs of Naneghat, they blow upwards at a faster pace. Along with the heavy rains during certain seasons, it helps form the conditions suitable for the phenomenon of reverse waterfall effect.Although reverse waterfalls are known to occur in some other areas within the Western Ghats, Naneghat has gained recognition as one of the easily accessible places in the state of Maharashtra where such a phenomenon can be seen.The mountain pass has been a significant trading route for merchants who would travel from the rich ports on the Konkan coast to the interior areas. The place is home to rock-cut caves and inscriptions that date back to the period of Satavahana dynasty.The pot-like stone structure located close to the caves has traditionally served as the location where toll was collected from merchants travelling along the route. In fact, the name "Naneghat" is often interpreted as deriving from the words nane (coins) and ghat (mountain pass), reflecting its historical role as a toll collection point.For travellers interested in combining nature with heritage, Naneghat offers both in a single visit.The reverse waterfall is a strictly seasonal attraction. The chances of witnessing the phenomenon are highest in July and August because of heavy precipitation and strong winds at this time. Visitors must remember that the weather is always uncertain. There is no assurance that the reverse effect will take place each time . The weather that produces the reverse waterfalls can also make navigating the area difficult for visitors.Rocks surrounding viewing points tend to be slippery. The weather also becomes very hazy and foggy in the rain and sudden gusts of wind can be quite unpredictable. This is why visitors should put on non-slippery shoes and refrain from going too near cliffs.It is also recommended to travel early morning because it starts raining harder as the day progresses.By road: Naneghat is located about 120 km from Mumbai and 120-130 km from Pune. The usual route is through Junnar town in the Pune district. Vehicles or private taxis are the easiest mode of transportation and recommended during monsoon rains.By Train: The nearby railways stations include Kalyan Junction and Pune Junction from where one can take taxis or local transport to Junnar and further to Naneghat base village.By Air: Nearby airports include Pune Airport in Pune city and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. Both cities provide road connections to Naneghat.Trekking Route: Naneghat also happens to be a popular destination for treks. The usual trekking route passes through the small Konkan village of Vaishakhare following the ancient trade route up the mountains to the Naneghat top point. This trek is classified as moderate and even more enjoyable in monsoons though care must be taken due to slippery paths.