TheeraYatra

Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Cool winters, warm summers
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Paragliding Capital of India

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport, ~55 km from Kamshet
By Train: Kamshet Railway Station on the Mumbai-Pune rail route; regular local trains from Mumbai and Pune
By Road: Well-connected via Mumbai-Pune Highway; buses and cabs available from Mumbai (110 km) and Pune (45 km)

Where to Stay?

Pawna Lake Area – lakeside camping, serene views, and adventure activities
Kamshet Village – farmstays, budget guesthouses, and authentic local experience

Packing List

• Light cotton clothing for day
• Warm jacket for evenings and early mornings
• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera for aerial views
• Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Pawna Lake

An artificial lake created by Pawna Dam, offering crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush hills. Ideal for camping, boating, kayaking, and watching stunning sunsets. The lake is encircled by historic forts including Tikona, Lohagad, Visapur, and Tung.

Bhairi Caves

Ancient rock-cut caves situated on high rocky terrain, dating back to the 2nd century BC. The challenging trek rewards visitors with panoramic views of the valley. Local folklore adds mystique to this historical site.

Bedsa Caves

Buddhist caves from the 1st century BC featuring intricate carvings of animals and dancing figures. These Hinayana Buddhist caves showcase remarkable ancient architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Karla Caves

Magnificent 3rd-century Buddhist caves renowned for splendid rock-cut architecture. The grand chaityagriha (prayer hall) is one of the largest and most impressive in India, built by Theravada Buddhist monks.

Tikona Fort

A triangular-shaped hill fort at 3,500 feet elevation, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Pawna Lake and surrounding forts. Features ancient gates, water tanks, Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple, and Satvahan caves. Easy trek suitable for beginners.

Lohagad Fort

The “Iron Fort” at 3,400 feet above sea level, famous for its unique Vinchu Kata (scorpion tail) fortification. A popular trekking destination with well-preserved architecture, ancient gates, and stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges.

Visapur Fort

Located near Lohagad, this 18th-century fort features a large plateau, water cisterns, decorated arches, and old stone structures. Offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is ideal for history enthusiasts.

Kondeshwar Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. Located near a waterfall, the temple offers peaceful surroundings and spiritual ambiance amidst dense forest.

Uksan Lake

A serene lake perfect for camping, fishing, and picnics. Surrounded by green pastures and offering tranquil waters, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking peaceful retreats.

Bhandar Dongar

A picturesque hill surrounded by lush greenery, serving as one of the prime paragliding launch sites. Features flying schools and offers ideal conditions for both beginner and advanced paragliding.

Must-Try Experiences

Paragliding Adventure

Soar above the Sahyadri mountains at launch sites like Tower Hill, Shelar, Kondeshwar Cliff, and Shinde Wadi Hills. Experience tandem flights, acro paragliding, or complete training courses with professional instructors.

Camping at Pawna Lake

Pitch a tent by the lakeside and experience starlit nights with bonfires. Enjoy water activities, trekking to nearby forts, and wake up to mesmerizing sunrise views over the calm waters.

Fort Trekking

Explore the Maratha heritage by trekking to multiple forts in a single day. The region’s interconnected forts offer varying difficulty levels, from easy Tikona to moderate Lohagad treks.

Cave Exploration

Discover ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves featuring intricate sculptures and historical significance. The caves provide insight into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and architectural brilliance.

Monsoon Waterfall Hunting

During monsoon season, the region comes alive with numerous seasonal waterfalls. The Bhaje Waterfall, Kamshet Waterfall, and Malavali Waterfall offer refreshing experiences amidst lush greenery.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Misal pav (spicy sprouts curry with bread), poha (flattened rice), vada pav (potato fritter in bun)
Lunch: Maharashtrian thali, bhakri (millet flatbread) with pitla, traditional dal-rice
Snacks: Vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, sabudana vada
Sweets: Puran poli (sweet flatbread), modak, shrikhand

Culture & Local Life

Kamshet is known as the “Paragliding Capital of India.” The region maintains its traditional village charm with mud and thatch houses, paddy and sunflower fields. Local weekly markets at Maval offer authentic village experiences. The area has deep Buddhist roots, evident in numerous ancient caves. Mahashivratri is celebrated with great devotion at local temples. The paragliding community from around the world gathers here during the October-May season, creating a unique blend of local and international cultures.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi (official), Hindi, English widely spoken

Getting Around: Local buses from Kamshet station, auto-rickshaws, rented bikes/cars, or tour operator vehicles to trekking points

Safety Tips: Follow paragliding safety guidelines, wear proper trekking gear, avoid caves during heavy rain, carry sufficient water during treks, and respect local customs at temples

Best Photography Spots: Tikona Fort summit, Pawna Lake shores, paragliding take-off points, and fort gateways during golden hour

Enjoy Your Yatra!