Meet the 4 upside down waterfalls of Maharashtra 

If you have seen waterfalls, you know they are worth the hype and can be really breath-taking. If you haven’t, it is worth the wait. While Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls are the major global attractions, in India, when you think of waterfalls, you will be automatically driven towards the Seven Sisters Falls in Meghalaya or the Dudhsagar Falls in Karnataka. But guess what? There are many other mesmerising waterfalls spread across the country and some of them are even upside down. 

Wait, what? How can waterfalls be upside down? Well, it can be due to reverse gravity and strong winds (more than 75 kilometres per hour). This is when water is forced to flow upward rather than the usual downward direction. These are geographically called Upside Down or Reverse Waterfalls.  

In fact, in the Indian state of Maharashtra alone, there are four such reverse waterfalls that go up the way when exposed to high winds that act like boomerangs after hitting the nearby cliffs. This, is turn, creates an optical illusion that the water is flowing upwards or backwards or both. Much before the monsoon of 2023, when you can actually plan a trip to see these falls come take a look at them with us. 

Naneghat Falls 
Just three hours away from Mumbai, off the Malshej Ghat Road, stands one of the most notable reverse waterfalls of India, aka, the Naneghat Falls. It is located right between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast along the iconic trade route off the mountain pass of Naneghat. This white cascade defies the law of gravity and keeps everyone awestruck. It is 130 feet high and the water moves in a spiral pattern. There’s also a trekking route adjacent to the falls that is often deemed to be the deed of Chhatrapati Shivaji.  

Samrad Village Falls 
For those unaware, Maharashtra has its own Grand Canyon called the Sandhan Valley. Along this valley is a hamlet called Samrad that is most famous for its upside down waterfall. It is most active during the monsoon and is 2000 feet high. The region is exposed to high pressure winds which makes the waterfall go back up. In fact, it is often difficult to view the waterfall live as one can get instantly drenched near the site. The area is close to Nashik and is a favourite among road trippers. 

Kavalshet Point Falls 
In the district of Belgaum is the Amboli hills (part of Western Ghats) where there is a cascade near the Kavalshet Point. Here, unlike the above falls, there are a series of small waterfalls that flow reverse. This area too is exposed to strong winds and high pressure turning the water flow upside down. The best part about these falls is they echo back anything that is uttered loudly in the site. It is 50 metres high and is active throughout the season due to the wet weather. 

Anjaneri Falls 
Often regarded as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, Anjaneri is a village 20 kilometres off Nashik. It derives its name from Hanuman’s mother Anjani. Near the village, there is a peak called Tahuli from where originates the famous Anjaneri Falls, the water of which flows upside down. This water is often regarded as divine and is offered as prasad in the nearby Anjani Mata temple.