Hathni Mata Waterfalls: A Scenic Beauty

The Hathni Mata waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, are 100 meters tall and surrounded by green carpeted hills with flowers and floras. A scenic beauty of falls and wet breeze with the music of water gurgling and falling on rocks will take you to another world. The Hathni Mata waterfalls are located in Jambughoda, @30km from Pavagadh and approximately 80km from Vadodara. It is one of must-visit places in Jambughoda during rainy days of monsoon. The name Hathni was derived by the local tribal community from the rock that looks like a baby elephant in the base of the waterfall. The tribal community strongly believes in the Hathni Mata hence fairs are also held on some occasions, mainly in winter. Although Hathni Mata waterfalls are very popular among youngsters and local communities, due to location and seasonal rush, it is one of many unspoiled jewels of Jambughoda and best waterfalls near Vadodara.

How to reach Hathni Mata Waterfall:

• Nearest Railway station: Vadodara
• Nearest Bus Stop: Shivarajpur
• Nearest Airport: Vadodara
• By road from Vadodara: The Hathni Mata Waterfall is approximately 80 km from Vadodara. The public transportations are also available to nearest villages but it is not recommended due to the frequency of buses on these routes. Cars or motor-cycles are beast means of transportation to reach the Hathni Mata Waterfall. If you are planning to visit Hathni Maata Waterfalls, you can hire vehicles from Vadodara, Halol or Pavagadh. Once you reach Pavagadh, you have to follow the road to Jambughoda sanctuary, on the way around 15 km, there is a small town, Shivarajpur. At this town, you can ask people for directions to Hathni Mata waterfall. It is approximately 25km from there.

During the Ride to Hathni Mata Waterfalls

A motorcycle ride will be great fun for adventure loving people because the whole ride after leaving the main highway, Next 25 km is full of dirt biking and beautiful scenery. The scenic beauty starts once you cross Halol (nearest city), the ride on the motorcycle along with the mountain of Pavagadh, on your right side is splendid.

The Champaner Mosque and Lake

Although Champaner mosque and park have been declared as the world heritage site by the Indian government and UNESCO, could be visited by paying entry fees and its worth to visit, built approximately 600 years ago which then renovated and new structures added by successive rulers of Champaner state. The Pond near Champaner mosque is also very beautiful from which one can see the amazing site of Pavagadh. Jambughoda is full of natural butties and this pond is one those marvelous creations of nature. This place is best to have rest and get ready for the roller-coaster ride of adventure.

Jambughoda Sanctuary

The Jambughoda Sanctuary near Pavagadh is the most beautiful place to visit during the monsoon. It is a land of waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient temples. Moreover, it was also mentioned in the great epic of Mahabharata, which adds historical values as well. Monsoon is the best season to explore the jungle when all waterfalls are full of water and wildlife on a song. The Jambughoda sanctuary is also home of wild animals, birds, and floras. The Gujarat government also provides facilities like special tours and resorts to stay.

Jhud Hanuman Temple

Activities:

It is almost 30km from Pavagadh. It believed that the statues of Lord Hanuman were placed and worshiped by Pandavas. People believe that Pandavas lived here for a long time during their stay in Hadimba van. There is big stone flour-mill and well, are believed to be used by Pandavas. Due to its historical values and faith in Jhund Hanuman, people visit this temple on weekends and festivals.

Dirt Biking

It is possible on the ride when you visit Hathni Mata Waterfall in monsoon, on narrow tracks through corn farms and jungle.

Rock Climbing

Though rock climbing is strictly prohibited by Gujarat government at the Hathni Maata waterfalls, people do climb to the top of waterfalls where there is a small pond of water. It is possible to arrange safe trekking by booking special tours with Gujarat Tourism.

Photography

The Hathni Mata Waterfalls are located in Jabmughoda, a land of unspoiled natural beauties and wildlife to attracts a lot of pros and amateur photographers again and again.

Important Notes:

• Food could be an issue here because you won’t find any restaurant or even a small shop at the Hathni Maata waterfall. Do not forget to carry food with you.
• The rock climbing is strictly prohibited at Hathni  Mata waterfall because there is no protection or lifeguard at the site from the government.
• If you are traveling by motorcycles, the fuel tanks must be full because once you leave the main road, there will be no petrol pumps around though you might get fuel from local shops, if you are lucky.
• One can find a roadmap on other websites, is not clear hence it is recommended to ask people for directions.