If there is one thing which really gives the feeling of the monsoon in Maharashtra, then it is visiting Bhushi Dam in Lonavala. Set amidst the lush green hills of Sahyadris, this spot was definitely a monsoon paradise—and I finally got to experience it.
Well, after all the hype that I was hearing regarding Bhushi Dam, I thought of visiting the place to check out what exactly is happening here. Lonavala has always been a go-to place for me whenever I wanted to get away from the city madness once in a while, but this time it was all about the dam. I knew visiting during the monsoon was the best bet, and boy, was I right!
Getting There
We left Mumbai early on a cloudy Saturday morning, hoping to avoid the crowds of the weekend. The drive went smooth, even with the onslaught of heavy rains, setting the perfect mood. The lush greenery and misty hills on the way looked like just a teaser of what lay ahead. We wound our way for about 2 hours, reaching Lonavala and following the signboards directing us towards Bhushi Dam.
Parking was not an issue to find, though I had to fork out Rs 100 for a muddy spot. A 400 meter walk from the parking area, and then there it was: the very famous Bhushi Dam. Greeted by the view of people, and lots of them! Early morning or not, this place was buzzing with energy.
The Waterfall Effect
As I approached the dam, the sound of gushing water was in the air. The water rolled all down the steps in a manner which cannot be better explained than by the word 'mesmerizing'. It's like nature's water park, with people of all ages romping around and having a good time in the cool water.
I mean, I had heard it was a jam-packed place, but nothing really prepared me for this. It felt like everybody had the same idea: Get out of the city, soak in some nature, and have a blast. The rocks were quite slippery and the steps very much packed, but that didn't dampen the spirits of any soul there.
I could sit somewhere and let the water pour over me. Although it was a cold shower, the entire experience was indeed exhilarating. There is something really soothing about the effect the force of the water has on the skin, surrounded by all the natural beauty at the place.
Delights of the Unexpected
What caught me off guard were the shopkeepers walking in the water, balancing trays of piping hot vadas. I couldn't resist! Something about eating a hot, spicy vada pav while you're getting drenched in monsoon rain makes it taste even better. And who can say ‘No’ to bhutta. Yum! It was surreal; like something out of a movie—people just sitting there in the water, eating snacks and enjoying themselves.
From the top of the dam, the view was absolutely breathtaking. The greenery all around, misty hills, and the water traversing over the dam was absolutely picture perfect. However, a grill had been installed to prevent people from getting too close to the dam itself, which, given the stories of past incidents, seemed like a wise move.
A Word of Caution
Though it was such a great experience, one needs to be aware of the risks. Stones are pretty slippery, and the flow of water cannot be pre-determined. Swimming is strictly forbidden in this dam, and one must act in the recommended areas. There are also chances of huge crowding at the place; hence it becomes important to keep your things safe and watch where you step.
Final Thoughts
Bhushi Dam is all that everyone says it is—a place that should be visited during the monsoon. Amidst the beauty of Lonavala, the scene of sitting on those steps with water above your head stays with you, even within the crowd. Be it a fun day out with friends or just a break from city life, Bhushi Dam is the place to let loose and enjoy the magic of the monsoons.
Next time, though, I might try to visit on a weekday and beat the crowd; however, even with the hustle and bustle, it is somewhere definitely worth the trip.