Five rain-fed waterfalls near Mumbai

Dabhosa
Less than 150km from Mumbai, Dabhosa is located near the town of Jawhar. The car park serves as the gallery from where you can see the waterfalls spilling down the cliff side. Or, you can take a narrow path through the forest to reach the base of the waterfall. You can stay at the Dabhosa Waterfall Resort (www.naturetrails.in/), its rooms overlooking the waterfalls. The resort can also arrange for zip line (flying fox), rappelling and other adventure sports activities on separate payment, even for day visitors.

Durshet
It takes around two hours to drive to Durshet by the Amba River. You can go hiking through the forest. The waterfall can be seen only during the monsoon. You can stay at the Durshet Forest Lodge (www.naturetrails.in the lodge can arrange for trekking, rafting, rappelling and other activities on separate payment. 

Lingmala
Fed by the overflow of the Venna River during the monsoon, the Lingmala waterfalls flows down the cliff side in three might leaps. It lies off the motorable road linking Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (twin hill-stations near Mumbai) and can be seen on a half day trip.

Malshej
The fun begins even before you reach Malshej. Innumerable hilly springs cascade down the stony cliffs, attracting people to take a dip in the cool waters. Trek through the green-covered hills of Malshej and enjoy trekking through the mist and rain. From the hill-top you can see the surrounding hills dotted with many waterfalls. Those who are interested in knowing about insects can join the trips organised by the Mumbai-based nature conservation body, BNHS-India (www.bnhs.org). The tourist lodge run by MTDC (www.maharashtratourism.gov.in) is well located. But if you are a large group and want to take your meals at the MTDC canteen, order in advance.

Tungareshwar
An hour&rsquos drive from Mumbai, Tungareshwar lies at one end of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali NP) and is easily reached through Vasai. Most people visit the old Shiva temple located here. But go there during the monsoon to trek through the verdant forest. The rainwater runs down the cliff sides in small torrents and hilly streams flow by the trail. Kids will love to frolic in the water. Carry drinking water and some snacks (but do not throw garbage on the trail).