Kund Mala: Pune’s Hidden Riverside Gem

Reported by Kajal Bhukan

Talegaon Dabhade, 13th June 2025: Located just 30 kilometers from Pune city, Kund Mala is an emerging yet relatively untouched tourist spot nestled on the banks of the Indrayani River. With its seasonal waterfall, naturally carved rock formations, and a temple situated in the middle of the river, Kund Mala offers a scenic and adventurous escape for those looking to unwind away from the city’s chaos.

In recent months, Kund Mala has quietly gained popularity among offbeat travel seekers for its raw natural beauty and proximity to Pune. Unlike many monsoon destinations that get overcrowded, Kund Mala still offers a quiet, peaceful retreat, a rarity in a rapidly urbanizing district.

A Short, Scenic Journey

Reaching Kund Mala requires a brief 15-minute diversion from the old Pune-Mumbai highway, just before the expressway begins. After crossing a couple of railway level crossings and passing through Begdewadi railway station, visitors arrive at this hidden riverside location. The straightforward route offers glimpses of rural Maharashtra, dotted with small farms, railway tracks, and local homes.

Once at the site, visitors come upon a modest weir that forces river water to cascade over rocky ledges. During monsoon and shortly afterward, the flowing water creates a strikingly beautiful waterfall, small in scale but rich in visual impact.

Nature’s Sculpted Wonder

One of Kund Mala’s most fascinating features is its landscape of naturally hollowed out rocks, shaped over centuries by the flowing Indrayani River. These geological formations resemble the famous potholes of Nighoj, though on a smaller scale. Best seen in the post-monsoon months when the water level drops, the formations offer a striking example of nature’s artistry and geological wonder.

However, the same flowing water that carves beauty into the stones also poses a risk. During peak monsoon, the site becomes dangerous, with slippery rocks and strong currents hiding the hazards beneath. Visitors are advised to tread carefully, particularly if traveling with children or the elderly.

The Thrilling Bridge and Riverside Temple

To cross the river, one can walk across the rocky path or take a narrow concrete and metal bridge. While it appears to be a basic pedestrian bridge, locals, especially bikers, use it as a regular shortcut. Despite being officially marked unsafe, it remains in use, with no guardrails and limited space. Pedestrians often have to flatten themselves against the edge to let two-wheelers pass, adding a touch of thrill to the otherwise serene landscape.

Across the river stands the colorful temple of Kund Devi Mata, believed to be the village’s kuldevi (ancestral goddess). Devotees believe the local community descends from the goddess herself. The temple is uniquely positioned in the middle of the river, accessible by footbridge or through shallow waters during dry months. Early mornings and late afternoons cast a golden hue on the temple, making it a perfect subject for photography.

A Simple Yet Fulfilling Rural Experience

Kund Mala is not a commercial tourist hub, and that’s part of its charm. Food stalls near the temple offer familiar favorites like vada pav, pakoras, instant noodles, and chai. The aroma of frying snacks and boiling tea completes the rustic experience. In winter, the location also becomes a camping site, with families setting up small picnic spots along the riverbank.

Locals, familiar with the terrain, often cross the river in four-wheelers, a practice that seems risky to outsiders but has been honed through years of experience. Their ease and familiarity highlight the bond between the village and its river.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kund Mala is from October to February. During this post-monsoon period, the water recedes enough to reveal the rock patterns while still maintaining the flow needed to enjoy the waterfall. It’s safer and more convenient for walking, exploring, and photography. Avoid visiting during peak monsoon (July–September) due to high water levels and slippery surfaces.

How to Reach Kund Mala?

By Train: Board a local train from Pune Junction to Begdewadi Railway Station. Kund Mala is just 1 km from the station, accessible via an auto rickshaw.

By Car: Take the old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Just before Ghoradeshwar, turn right toward Begdewadi. The journey takes approximately one hour from Pune, depending on traffic.

By Two-Wheeler: Follow the same highway route. Parking is available near the footbridge and the temple area.

A Quiet Reminder of Nature’s Presence

Though not widely known, Kund Mala is gaining attention for its natural beauty, religious significance, and geological features. It reminds visitors that even in the shadow of growing cities, spaces of peace and natural beauty still exist quietly awaiting respectful exploration.

Tourists and locals alike are encouraged to maintain cleanliness, avoid plastic litter, and help preserve the serenity of this natural retreat for generations to come.