BELAGAVI: THE scenic Kumbwade waterfalls near Belagavi, which was hidden inside a private property till last year, is now attracting hordes of tourists from Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
Located in Amboli (Maharashtra), around 87 km from Belagavi, only a few nature lovers know about Kumbwade waterfalls as it is located inside the property owned by former Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and senior NCP leader late Babasaheb Kupekar. The spot is also known as ‘Baba waterfalls’. As it was closed to the public, most of them would trespass.
Speaking to Express, Madhukar Gawade, caretaker, said earlier people used to enter the property by jumping the gates and fence. In fact, Kupekar had restricted the tourists from entering the property for their own safety. “Landslides are common here. That’s why Kupekar’s family had restricted people from entering the property,” he said.
Gawade said, “As the trespassing continued, Kupekar’s family decided to construct proper road and initiate safety measures for people to watch the waterfall. The works commenced only last year.”
Gawade said a team of security personnel has been deputed in the area for ensuring tourists’ safety. To meet the expenses of maintaining the property and security of the tourists, a nominal entrance fee of `50 person is charged, he added.
Cave: The beauty of waterfalls
The beauty of Baba waterfalls is the cave behind the waterfalls. Tourists have to walk through the water curtain to enter the cave.
Barbecue hub!
As of now, there are no hotels or food joints nearby. A few visitors usually bring barbecue. Some locals cook food but they have to be intimated in advance.
A source of employment
The rising popularity of Baba waterfalls is expected to provide employment to the villagers and also divert tourists from overcrowded Amboli.
How to reach Kumbwade Falls
Reaching Kumbwade waterfalls by road is easy as many private buses are available from Belagavi, Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) and Goa. One can fly to either Belagavi or Goa and from there take a cab. Dabolim Airport of Goa is 130 km and Belagavi Airport is at 102 km from the falls. Buses are available from Belagavi and Goa to Amboli. Private transport can be hired from Sawantwadi which is 30 km from Amboli.