Hidden Beauty in the Tungareshwar Mountain Range
An amazing experience in the midst of the Tungareshwar Wild life Sanctuary. There is an amazing trekking spot with the best Natural Jacuzzi's along the path.
| The Actual Pelhar DAM
Pelhar Dam, as the name suggests is a beautiful Dam which is hidden from most of the travelers and trekkers, since its location is not so famous. However, this is the very reason for the Dam to be in such a wonderful condition for so long now. The origin of this dam is unknown, but has been providing drinking water to the people of Vasai for a long time. There is a beautiful scenic beauty of mountains and a lake known as the Pelhar Lake, on which the Dam is built. The dam is the reason for the lake and the storage capacity of this dam is quiet huge and provides water for the inhabitants nearby for the complete year. The water source of this dam relies completely on the nearby hills and gets overflowed only during rainy season. Huge mountains on three sides of the lake make it a picturesque view of the lake.
Location:Vasai East, Along NH-48 (See Map below for the exact Location)Preferable Month:Pelhar offers amazing experiences in all seasons. However, if you wish to enjoy a shower under the overflowing waters of the dam then it is preferable to come to this place in between August to October.However, if you wish to enjoy the Nature and have trek and travel up the mountains then you can come at any time of the year including Monsoon. How to reach: A: By Public Transport1. Vasai Station East:Take a bus from Vasai Station East, or preferably an auto rickshaw for Vasai Phata.From there you can hire an auto, which can drop you off near Pelhar Hotel or Umbrella Hotel. From Umbrella hotel there is a beautiful trail towards the Pelhar Dam which should be followed walking. You can hire an additional auto from Umbrella Hotel directly to the Pelhar dam base. Sharing auto will not cost you more than 30 Rupees per head. Or you can hire a special auto which will drop you directly at the base of the Dam from Vasai Phata. Special auto can cost you above 100 rupees approximately. 2. Nallasopara Station East:
Take a bus from Nallasopara Station East, or preferably an auto rickshaw for Nallasopara Phata.
From there you can hire an auto, which can drop you off near Pelhar Hotel or Umbrella Hotel.
From Umbrella hotel there is a beautiful trail towards the Pelhar Dam which should be followed walking. You can hire an additional auto from Umbrella Hotel to the Pelhar dam base.
Sharing auto will not cost you more than 50 Rupees per head.
Or you can hire a special auto which will drop you directly at the base of the Dam from Vasai Phata. Special auto can cost you above 200 rupees approximately.
3. Virar Station East:
Take a bus from Virar Station East, or preferably an auto rickshaw for Nallasopara Phata or Virar Phata whichever is available.
From there you can hire an auto, which can drop you off near Pelhar Hotel or Umbrella Hotel.
From Umbrella hotel there is a beautiful trail towards the Pelhar Dam which should be followed walking. You can hire an additional auto from Umbrella Hotel to the Pelhar dam base.
Sharing auto will not cost you more than 50 Rupees per head.
Or you can hire a special auto which will drop you directly at the base of the Dam from Vasai Phata. Special auto can cost you above 200 rupees approximately.
Note:-If you are travelling by western line train, then it is preferable for you to get down at Vasai, since transportation from Vasai station will be a lot easier.-It is preferable to hire a special rickshaw for a day from Vasai, Nallasopara or Virar Phata, since there is no transportation available near the Dam. You will have to walk all the way towards NH-48, from where you can get an auto quiet easily.B: By Private Transport (Car/Bike)
If you want to travel Pelhar in your private vehicle then follow the Map provided which will take you directly to the base of the Dam.
Although it is not preferable to travel by a private vehicle, especially during rainy season, since the road is completely rough and full of mud. You can travel at your own risk.
C: By Private Transport (Cycle)
This is the most preferable travel mode. I would personally prefer this mode of transportation since you can enjoy your trip the most in such a transportation mode and at the same time have some health benefits, not forgetting having an eco friendly ride. All you need to do is follow the Map provided and you will reach the base with a thrill and adventure.
Some important distances from where you can have a cycle ride are as follows:
For cycling trip, you will need to have endurance and good water supply. Also, make sure that you have proper cycle when you start the journey. There are many cycle repair shops which can be met along the road, however, it is preferable that you travel with the best gear and kit.
Most of your journey lies on the highway, so it is not preferable to travel at night. If you want to travel at night then please ride with the proper gear, like fluorescent clothes, a torch or headlight and other such minor important stuff.
The cycling times specified may vary depending on the user and are an approximation as per distance.
I personally have cycled my way to Pelhar from Vasai Station a couple of times and it requires hardly half an hour to reach, without stops.
There is a new flyover bridge near the Pelhar phata (Pelhar Hotel/Umbrella Hotel) which is often missed by most and people travel all the way to Nallasopara phata. To avoid extra cycling make sure that you acquire proper directions from shops and locals around the way.
Nearby Attraction:
There are lots of attraction nearby Pelhar Dam which can be completed, if you wish to camp around here. You will need to take permission from the executive officers for Camping in this area.
The nearby attraction list can be summarized as follows:
What to do in Pelhar:
There are different types of people who come to visit Pelhar and Pelhar offers different thrills. There can be three most possible things which can be achieved in this place.
1. Trekking the nearby Hills
You can trek your way up the mountains. The Dam is surrounded by medium height Mountains and has a small temple in the midst which can be visited. Along the way up the hills, you will come across a lots of different natural Jacuzzi's. You can spend some quality time in the Jacuzzi with your group. The path along the mountain is quiet amusing and thrilling.
Note:
-Tungareshwar area is known for its leopard attacks and there are possible sightings of leopards. Always be careful while trekking.
-Also, the forest is home to various other deadly animals like snakes, spiders and others. Please do not harm them in anyway as we are the ones invading their habitat.
 2. Have a shower in the Dam Waterfall
You can enjoy a beautiful shower under the Dam waterfall. However, this can be possible only when the dam is overflowing. The best time to achieve this feat is immediate post rainy season. You can enjoy some quality time under the dam overflowing water with your friends and family. Not only will it give you a peace of mind, but also you will feel relaxed.
3. Visit the Water Purification Plant
There is a huge purification plant nearby which can be visited. If you are visiting Pelhar with your kids then it is a must to have a visit at this plant. Here you can get a brief idea about the actual purification process of Dam water. The executives at the plant are quiet helpful people and will provide you with the proper detailing about the process. You can achieve quality information for your kids as well as for yourself.
 4. Enjoy the nature and relax
This is what most people prefer to do. Pelhar can offer you the best relaxing place. Pelhar has got variety of different spots where you can enjoy some relaxing time enjoying the nature. For instance, you can enjoy your time at the wall meter in the Pelhar lake.
 
You can gather information about the Pelhar dam and its importance. This place will provide you with the best relaxation and you can have an amazing moment. Apart from the wall meter you can come across different types of butterflies up close. You need not carry a DSLR to capture these butterflies as they happen to be very friendly. I have captured the following picture from a simple Samsung cellphone, almost touching the butterfly.
 Overview:
Pelhar DAM Panaroma View
The journey to Pelhar dam passes through an amazing buffalo shed. You can have a scenic beauty of the shed.
 
Besides the flowing water you can enter the Pelhar Lake under supervision. The area in the lake is highly restricted since it contains water which will be purified and used for drinking. Thus, polluting the water in any form can be hazardous for the people staying nearby and you may be charged for such misbehavior. It is recommended that you keep your attitude and behavior in check, in the Pelhar premises.
 Important Note:This is a general request to all. Please do not litter and make the place unbearable for the future generation. Respect the Dam and maintain its beauty. After all its up to us to preserve our nature. |
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