An easy hike to Lingmala Waterfall

Mahableshwar, roughly 1,353 m (4,439 ft) above sea level, is a short drive away from Panchgani. It might be a good idea to keep either hill station as a base and explore the other on a day trip. Mahableshwar gets way more tourists than Panchgani and is tailor-made for domestic tourism. It’s also an easy weekend escape from the chaos and stress of the big cities like Mumbai and Pune. What’s more, there are many easy walking and hiking trails that are easily accessible by car.

After spending roughly two days exploring the highs of Panchgani, we decided to rediscover Mahableshwar. Like Panchgani, we had visited Mahableshwar before and had ticked off most of the tourist places of interest. However, this hill town comes alive during the monsoon and looks very different from the drier, summer/winter months. I was quite surprised and taken by the thick, dense forests that we had to navigate through. The vegetation was very different from Panchgani that sees much lesser rainfall. Currently, Mahableshwar (Maharashtra, India) is competing for the title of ‘the wettest place on earth’ with current title holder — Cherrapunji (Meghalaya, India). However, I have no way to corroborate this claim. But, judging by that vegetation and rainfall pattern; I’m tempted to silence my inner skeptic.

We had no idea of the time required to explore Lingmala Falls in Mahableshwar. These trails are never easy to predict because of the rain and landslides. As a rule of thumb, we start our hikes pretty early in the day. It helps us beat the swarm of tourists and appreciate nature in silence. We had no trouble with parking and the forest officer was very friendly and gave us a general idea of the trail. There’s a nominal entry fee to the trail.

Couldn’t miss this green bench.

Trail to the waterfall.

I have rarely hiked in India. My fear of heights and trail mishaps stopped me from exploring relatively easier routes. I’d be lying if I said I was confident about the conditions of this trail before I saw the red stony pathway. I let out a sigh of relief. This would be cakewalk with a few laboured breaths. I was happy (and surprised) that tourism can have its benefits as well.

Pretty wildflowers.

Sleeping Hibiscus.

The forest on either side of the trail was quite dense and scraggly branches formed a canopy above us. There were hidden gems scattered on the forest bed. Wildflowers glittered with fresh raindrops on their petals.

Forest trail

Forest trail

The descending forest trail is literally a gentle walk in the woods and is easy on the knees.We were the only two-legged species in this green oasis.

River crossing.

Upon reaching the gushing rivulet, the trail bifurcates into two parts — just as the forest guard had described it. The trail to the right takes you to the top and main viewing point of the waterfall. The trail to the left takes you to a smaller pond and an equally beautiful waterfall. Most tourists, especially those travelling with young kids or elderly parents, prefer to visit the smaller waterfall. We chose to walk up first and visit the smaller waterfall on our way back.

Pretty leaves on the trail.

Following the stony trail.

The circuitous trail gently ascends after this point. I must hand it to the Maharashtra Forest Department for maintaining this trail despite the constant onslaught of the elements and tourist footfalls. I can’t express in words, the sheer joy of being (almost) alone in the woods, and not worrying about getting lost or slipping. Figuratively speaking, I had been feeling a little lost since we’d come back to India. The concept of home had become alien to me. Strangely, this is where I truly felt at home after a really long time.

First look: Venna Valley

Venna Valley

The first view of Venna Valley left us spellbound. Honestly, we weren’t expecting to see a sight like this. I assumed: we’d just see a waterfall and that’s about all. After walking for most part of the trail, without a view — this was a treat for us. Now, I didn’t care how long it took us to reach the waterfall. I knew the panoramic views would be dramatic on the top

The fog plays hide-and-seek with the mountains.

Can’t get enough of the view.

Watching the fog pass by.

We tried capturing the expanse of the valley below and the mountains around it. But, it’s hard to capture the true scale and sheer magnitude of nature on a phone camera. I wanted to stay here, Basil nudged me to continue walking to discover what lies beyond. After all, there was a waterfall hidden somewhere in these mountains.

Basil leads the way. I linger behind.

We made it.

We had visited this waterfall in the month of August (2022). And I don’t remember how much longer the trail was from the first views of Venna Valley. I guess, it was just a couple of minutes more. The wind gets stronger on the top and always be careful of the water on the trail.

First View of Lingmala Waterfalls.

The first and second stages of Lingmala Waterfalls

Trying to capture all 3 stages of the waterfall on camera.

As we walked towards the end of the trail, we got a clearer view of the waterfall. It was truly spectacular and better than what I had imagined it to be. The falling water made a loud, deafening sound and the wind added to the sound effects. We were on the rim of the mountain and the dense foliage made it difficult to spot the lowest stage of the waterfall. We used our selfie stick to get closer to the lowest waterfall (it was the safest way — without us losing our phones or accidentally tipping over). Why didn’t we use cameras? Honestly, back then, I didn’t think I’d ever want to document any of our trips. I wanted these pictures for myself, to get me up — whenever life got me down.

I could live here forever.

A panoramic view of the waterfalls along with the valley and mountains.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” 
― Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist

The natural diversity and pristine beauty of this location explains why the Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although, unchecked tourist accommodations (on the opposite side) that were quite close to the source of the waterfall would eventually threaten the sanctity of this slice of paradise. After travelling to some incredible places around the globe, I was quite amazed by what lay in our own backyard. I felt like Santiago — the boy in ‘The Alchemist ‘.

First and second stages of the waterfall.

Close-up of the first stage.

Gushing waterfall.

A capture of the waterfall with all 3 stages.

A barrier separates the walking trail from the plunging valley below.

It had been a good idea to start early because barely any tourists had made it this far. I didn’t want to leave this magical place. Reluctantly, I trudged back to the start and soaked in the last views before the forest blocked it all.

The first waterfall.

A close-up of the first waterfall.

The gushing water melts into the forest bed.

It didn’t take us too long to get to the first waterfall. It was smaller than the waterfall we had just visited. However, it was equally beautiful and calming. Tourists frolicked in the water whilst I patiently waited with bated breath. I don’t think it was advisable to step in the water with the current flowing that fast. Eventually, they got bored of their photography session and we got a brief moment to capture the waterfall without human presence.

Stairway to the top.

The long climb to the finish line.

The upward climb to the entrance gate wasn’t hard, but felt long in parts. The temperature, along the forest trail, is pleasant until you break sweat. The forest officer was surprised that we visited both waterfalls. I guess most tourists only visit one waterfall and skip the one on the top. What a shame it would have been if we had done the same.