Dhak Bahiri Caves: A Daredevil’s Paradise in the Sahyadris

If adventure for you is clinging to a rock, rewarding yourself with breathtaking views of the Sahyadris, or navigating narrow ledges, the Dhak Bahiri Caves should definitely be on your travel list.

Ending in a sacred cave, this adrenaline-packed trek offers a rare combination of tranquility and thrill. From rock climbing to exploring dense jungles, the steps let you enjoy the untouched, raw beauty of the surroundings.

Table of Contents

• Dhak Bahiri at a Glance
• Your Dhak Bahiri Trek Guide
• Your Route to Dhak Bahiri
• Nearby Gems to Explore
• Wrapping Up

Dhak Bahiri at a Glance

The Dhak Fort and the Bahiri Caves are part of a trek popularly known as the Dhak Bahiri, and are positioned on the same mountain. Standing at a height of 2,700 feet, it’s one of the most challenging treks in the country, and takes around 3 hours to reach from all routes that you might use.

Interestingly, the trek ends with two large caves that house a temple dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, which is considered a holy pilgrimage. Speaking of the natural beauty of the surroundings, trekkers can get spectacular views of the surrounding Sahyadri range, including that of peaks like the Manikgad, Bhimashankar, Karmala, and Duke’s Nose.

If you’re travelling from Mumbai, a convenient option would be to book a car rental in Lonavala.

Your Dhak Bahiri Trek Guide

First of all, you’ll need to reach the starting point of the trek, the Jambhavali village, via a Lonavala cab service. The altitudes and changing terrains of this trek make it much more exciting than moderate expeditions.

To understand what this trek entails, let’s look at certain vital aspects:

• Trekking Routes: To get to the Dhak Bahiri Caves after reaching the base, you can choose between three trekking routes—Jambhavali to Kondeshwar, the Sandashi Village Route, and the Rajmachi Route. Notably, the most popular trek is the one between Jambhavali and Kondeshwar and consists of some doable movements, a dense jungle, and a rocky patch with a gradient of 70 degrees.
• Definite Planning Required: Make sure to plan your days at the trek. Most trekkers spend a night at the Kondeshwar Temple. This gives you plenty of chances for stargazing and lets you enjoy the stunning views of the skyline.
• Camping Opportunities: Unlike many other treks, you can set up camps within the Dhak Bahiri Caves, which makes it more convenient to spend a night there. The caves include two rooms that can accommodate 50 people, and even offer cookware and utensils.

Your Route to Dhak Bahiri

The Dhak Bahiri Caves are well-connected by various routes and modes of transport, with Pune and Mumbai located at a distance of around 90 and 120 km, respectively. Here’s how you can choose to travel to the spot:

• By Train: If you’re travelling from Mumbai, the best alternative is to reach Lonavala Station, and book a car rental in Lonavala to reach the caves within around an hour. Notably, Lonavala is situated at a distance of 37 km from the spot.
• By Air: You can reach the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and book a cab from there, which can take you an hour to reach the spot.
• By Road: You may also choose to travel to Jhambhivali, the base village for the trek, which is 120 km away from Mumbai, and takes 2-3 hours to reach by bus or car. From Jambhivali, you can take another bus to reach Dhak Bahiri, which is a 2-hour journey.

Nearby Gems to Explore

If you’re looking to explore other locations around the Dhak Bahiri Caves, here are the best spots to consider:

• Kondhane Caves: These Buddhist rock-cut caves, which date back as early as the 1st century BC, have intricate carvings and stupas that are typical of Buddhist architectural styles. Located 87 km from the Dhak Bahiri trek, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach.
• Shrivardhan Fort: A two-hour drive (56 km) from the Dhak Bahiri caves, this fort is one of the twin structures of Rajmachi and offers captivating views of the neighbouring fort and surrounding valleys. If you choose to reach Dhak Bahiri via a reliable Lonavala cab service, you can easily include a trip to this fort in the same itinerary.
• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 50 km from Dhak Bahiri, this sanctuary is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It is home to several endangered species, such as the Indian Squirrel. Moreover, the sanctuary has a Bhimashankar Temple, which is a site deemed to be a Jyotirlinga in the near future.

Wrapping Up

More than just a trek, the Dhak Bahiri Caves are a pilgrimage, an adventure, and a memory waiting to be etched. Whether it’s stargazing at Kondeshwar or following dizzying trekking routes, every experience is unmatched.

And the best part is that the trek is just a short drive away from both Pune and Mumbai. Savaari Car Rentals, India’s largest chauffeur-driven car rental company, offers reliable car rentals so that you can start your journey to the trek base with ease and finish it off with a story worth telling.