Kune Falls

Kune Falls (the towering 660 foot three tiered mountain cataract ranked as the 14th highest waterfall in India cascading through the Khandala valley) in the Sahyadri Western Ghats near Lonavala in Maharashtra, stands as Maharashtra's supreme tiered waterfall landmark.

Plunging dramatically from a total height of 200 meters (660 ft) with its highest single drop measuring 100 meters, this thunderous cascade cuts through dense silver oak forests between Lonavala and Khandala.

It's the home of roaring three tiered water chutes spraying cooling mist across the canyon, lush green cliff walls covered in monsoon moss and ferns, cliffside adventure activities including waterfall rappelling and ziplining, and an intensely refreshing, deeply dramatic mountain ambiance filled with the roar of falling water, fresh petrichor aromas, and sweeping valley views framing the Mumbai Pune highway below.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Sahyadri waterfall geography apex, Western Ghats ecology, and nature photography where tiered cataract plunges, Duke's Nose rock pinnacles, Bhushi Dam cascades, and Lonavala Khandala travel circuits unite in Kune Falls.

Located in Kune Village, it sits 3.5 km west of Lonavala Railway Station, 2 km from Khandala, 68 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ), 88 km from Mumbai via Mumbai Pune Expressway, and 4 km from Duke's Nose, easily reached by car, taxi, or auto rickshaw from the main highway.

The 660 Foot Three Tiered Cataract & Forest Gorge

Fed by monsoon mountain streams flowing through the Sahyadri plateau, Kune Falls splits into two distinct sections before plummeting down three stepped rock tiers into a deep emerald plunge pool.

The surrounding hills are blanketed with dense indigenous forests and silver oak trees, making the waterfall viewpoint a prime photography location for travelers driving along the Old Mumbai Pune Highway.

Truth is, watching the thunderous white water plunge 660 feet down the dark basalt rock face while monsoon clouds swirl through the gorge is an unforgettable spectacle.

Adventure Rappelling, Duke's Nose & Tiger Point

Waterfall Rappelling & Ziplining: Certified adventure outfitters conduct thrilling 100 foot waterfall rappelling down the spray drenched cliffs and valley ziplining during the monsoon and winter months.

Duke's Nose & Tiger Point: Located within a short driving radius, visitors can trek up the cobra hood rock of Duke's Nose and admire canyon views from Tiger's Leap.

Kune Falls & Khandala Valley Day Plan

The Waterfall & Scenic Lookouts Trail: Early morning drive from Lonavala to Kune Village viewpoint (8:00 AM to 9:30 AM: photograph the 660 foot 3 tiered waterfall cascade & enjoy morning valley mist) -> breakfast of hot batata vada, kanda poha, and masala chai in Khandala (9:45 AM to 10:30 AM) -> drive to Kurvande village and trek up Duke's Nose / Nagphani for 360 degree canyon views (10:45 AM to 1:30 PM) -> authentic Maharashtrian lunch in Lonavala town -> afternoon visit to Bhushi Dam to splash on the stepped waterfall cascades (2:45 PM to 4:45 PM) -> head up to Tiger Point and Lion's Point for sunset views and roasted sweet corn (5:15 PM to 7:00 PM) -> finish with chikki and walnut fudge shopping.

Visiting Code & Conduct: Use marked viewing platforms and avoid venturing close to slippery unbarricaded gorge edges; swimming in the lower plunge pool requires caution due to strong undercurrents; carrying raincoats and waterproof camera pouches is highly recommended.

After marveling at the heights of Kune Falls, trek Duke's Nose, take in the views at Tiger Point, or splash at Bhushi Dam.