, made even more beautiful in the monsoon when the wildflower-sprinkled meadows around it add to its charm.

Driving in the monsoon is always a pleasant, if slightly tumultuous experience. Even national highways can get their sprinkling of very Indian potholes. But the road to Jawhar off NH 8 should come as a surprise, especially since it comes dotted with the wonders of nature. Soon after the turn-off, you’ll come upon the

Driving in the monsoon is always a pleasant, if slightly tumultuous experience. Even national highways can get their sprinkling of very Indian potholes. But the road to Jawhar off NH 8 should come as a surprise, especially since it comes dotted with the wonders of nature. Soon after the turn-off, you’ll come upon the Kawdas Reservoir , made even more beautiful in the monsoon when the wildflower-sprinkled meadows around it add to its charm.

Driving in the monsoon is always a pleasant, if slightly tumultuous experience. Even national highways can get their sprinkling of very Indian potholes. But the road to Jawhar off NH 8 should come as a surprise, especially since it comes dotted with the wonders of nature. Soon after the turn-off, you’ll come upon the Kawdas Reservoir , made even more beautiful in the monsoon when the wildflower-sprinkled meadows around it add to its charm.

Driving in the monsoon is always a pleasant, if slightly tumultuous experience. Even national highways can get their sprinkling of very Indian potholes. But the road to Jawhar off NH 8 should come as a surprise, especially since it comes dotted with the wonders of nature. Soon after the turn-off, you’ll come upon the Kawdas Reservoir , made even more beautiful in the monsoon when the wildflower-sprinkled meadows around it add to its charm.

Just before Jawhar, at a spot where the road is set between deep valleys on either side, park well off the road (to avoid getting in the way of the speeding state transport buses) and take in the spectacular views.

Just before Jawhar, at a spot where the road is set between deep valleys on either side, park well off the road (to avoid getting in the way of the speeding state transport buses) and take in the spectacular views.

Just before Jawhar, at a spot where the road is set between deep valleys on either side, park well off the road (to avoid getting in the way of the speeding state transport buses) and take in the spectacular views.

Just before Jawhar, at a spot where the road is set between deep valleys on either side, park well off the road (to avoid getting in the way of the speeding state transport buses) and take in the spectacular views.

Just before Jawhar, at a spot where the road is set between deep valleys on either side, park well off the road (to avoid getting in the way of the speeding state transport buses) and take in the spectacular views.

. Entry is restricted, but even driving past it is a good idea. Back-track to the road to Jawhar, and get set for the road climbing higher; stopping in a safe spot and looking back down on the road you’ve travelled will show how surprisingly high you’ve driven.

Eight kilometres on from the dam, take the detour at the fork that leads to the

Eight kilometres on from the dam, take the detour at the fork that leads to the Dhamani Dam . Entry is restricted, but even driving past it is a good idea. Back-track to the road to Jawhar, and get set for the road climbing higher; stopping in a safe spot and looking back down on the road you’ve travelled will show how surprisingly high you’ve driven.

Eight kilometres on from the dam, take the detour at the fork that leads to the Dhamani Dam . Entry is restricted, but even driving past it is a good idea. Back-track to the road to Jawhar, and get set for the road climbing higher; stopping in a safe spot and looking back down on the road you’ve travelled will show how surprisingly high you’ve driven.

The bustling little town of Jawhar is simple to explore: just the ruins of a former grand palace, the run-down government guesthouse that has the best location, and lots of avian life to make birders happy.

The bustling little town of Jawhar is simple to explore: just the ruins of a former grand palace, the run-down government guesthouse that has the best location, and lots of avian life to make birders happy.

The bustling little town of Jawhar is simple to explore: just the ruins of a former grand palace, the run-down government guesthouse that has the best location, and lots of avian life to make birders happy.

The bustling little town of Jawhar is simple to explore: just the ruins of a former grand palace, the run-down government guesthouse that has the best location, and lots of avian life to make birders happy.

The bustling little town of Jawhar is simple to explore: just the ruins of a former grand palace, the run-down government guesthouse that has the best location, and lots of avian life to make birders happy.



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Just 19 kilometres away is the Dabhosa Waterfall , with water cascading down into a cylindrical valley. A path leads down to the base of the waterfall, but do keep in mind that it is quite slippery from moss, and that you will have to climb back up at some point.





On your way back, four kilometres out of Dabhosa is another lake, surrounded by fields of pretty yellow kurashni flowers. This is also where you could camp if you have your own gear, though, at 165 kilometres from Mumbai, Jawhar and Dabhosa can also be done as a day trip.



Take food with you as there are few viable options on the way (though lots of perfect potential picnic spots!), but you will find vada pav and other local snacks in the market in Jawhar.



Loo breaks require some thinking about on this road trip, though the great outdoors is always an option. About 75 kilometres out of Mumbai, you’ll find a good breakfast stop with loo facilities at Kamath’s , and it’s also usually possible to use the loo at the government guesthouse in Jawhar.



As with all road trips, do check your car completely before you leave, check the windscreen wipers and the pressure in your spare tire, and carry a tool kit. Consider also putting down rubber matting, to help keep the inside of your car clean.

