Hathni Mata Waterfall
Natural Beauty and Myth: Hathni Mata Waterfall is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Gujarat, dropping from a height of about 100 meters. Tucked away in the dense forests near Jambughoda, it provides a refreshing escape from the urban heat. The name "Hathni" translates to "Female Ele phant" in the local language. This name is derived from a large rock formation at the base of the waterfall that closely resembles a baby elephant. The site is considered sacred by the local tribal communities, who believe the waterfall is the abode of the goddess Hathni Mata. A small cave-like temple dedicated to the goddess is situated right behind the cascading water, adding a spiritual dimension to the natural site. During the monsoon, the waterfall transforms into a roaring curtain of white water, surrounded by lush green cliffs and a mist-filled valley. The approach road to the waterfall winds through tribal villages and thick forests of teak and mahua, making the journey as beautiful as the destination. It is a popular spot for youth and families from Vadodara and Godhra who come for day picnics. The area is rich in biodiversity, and one can often hear the calls of various forest birds. While it is crowded on weekends, the weekday atmosphere is serene and meditative. It is a perfect example of the hidden natural gems that the Vindhya Range foothills have to offer.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Waterfall & Nature SpotEntry Fees:
Entry Fees: There is a nominal entry or parking fee of INR 20-50 collected by the local forest committee.
Camera Fees: Usually, there is no extra charge for personal cameras, but drones require special forest department permission. ...Entry Fees: There is a nominal entry or parking fee of INR 20-50 collected by the local forest committee.
Camera Fees: Usually, there is no extra charge for personal cameras, but drones require special forest department permission.Timing:
Operating Hours: Accessible from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Visitors are advised to leave before dark due to the forest location.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach by 9:00 AM to enjoy the freshness before the afternoon heat and crowds arrive. ...Operating Hours: Accessible from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Visitors are advised to leave before dark due to the forest location.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach by 9:00 AM to enjoy the freshness before the afternoon heat and crowds arrive.Special Events:
Adivasi Mela: A local tribal fair is held in the nearby villages during Holi in March, featuring traditional dances.
Monsoon Festival: Informal celebrations occur in August when the waterfall reaches its maximum volume. ...Adivasi Mela: A local tribal fair is held in the nearby villages during Holi in March, featuring traditional dances.
Monsoon Festival: Informal celebrations occur in August when the waterfall reaches its maximum volume.Best Photo Spots:
The Base Pool: Best spot to capture the full height of the waterfall against the verdant green cliff.
The Forest Trail: Beautiful light filters through the teak trees on the way to the falls, ideal for forest photography.
Read MoreThe Base Pool: Best spot to capture the full height of the waterfall against the verdant green cliff.
The Forest Trail: Beautiful light filters through the teak trees on the way to the falls, ideal for forest photography.
Macro Nature: Great for close-up shots of moss, ferns, and wildflowers that bloom around the spray zone.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Nature Trekking: Hike through the forested trails surrounding the waterfall to explore the local flora and fauna.
Taking a Dip: Bathe in the natural pool at the base of the fall, though caution is advised during heavy rains.
Cave Darshan: Visit the Hathni Mata shrine located in the cave behind the water for a unique spiritual experience.
Landscape Photography: Capture the 100-meter drop using a slow-shutter speed to create a "milky" water effect.
Picnicking: Enjoy a meal with friends on the large flat rocks near the stream, away from the main splash zone.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot regional birds like the Grey Hornbill and various forest raptors.
Explori...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Monsoon Splendor: Famous for being the tallest and most beautiful waterfall in the Vadodara region during the rainy season.
Tribal Worship: Famous as a site of deep religious importance for the Rathwa and Bhil tribes of the region. ...Monsoon Splendor: Famous for being the tallest and most beautiful waterfall in the Vadodara region during the rainy season.
Tribal Worship: Famous as a site of deep religious importance for the Rathwa and Bhil tribes of the region. -
Architecture:
Natural Geological Formation: The waterfall is a "plunge" type cascade where water drops vertically from a basalt rock cliff. The cliff face is approximately 80 meters wide during the peak of the monsoon season.
Temple Cave: The small shrin...Natural Geological Formation: The waterfall is a "plunge" type cascade where water drops vertically from a basalt rock cliff. The cliff face is approximately 80 meters wide during the peak of the monsoon season.
Temple Cave: The small shrine at the base is a natural rock cavern with dimensions of roughly 5 x 5 meters, housing the revered "elephant" rock. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Arrive at Vadodara Airport and book a private cab for the 2. 5-hour journey.
By Train: Reach Vadodara Station or Godhra Station, then take a bus toward Jambughoda.
By Road: Take the Halol-Jambughoda ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Jambughoda Sanctuary (15 KM), 2. Kada Dam (12 KM), 3. Champaner (30 KM), 4. Zand Hanuman (20 KM), 5. Sukhi Dam (25 KM), 6. Targol Reservoir (10 KM), 7. Dev Dam (35 KM), 8. Shivrajpur (5 KM), 9. Pavagadh (34 KM), 10. Bodeli (25 KM)
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: The rocks are extremely slippery; avoid climbing the wet cliff face or jumping into unknown depths.
Packing List: Carry a change of clothes, a towel, and waterproof bags for your electronics and mobile phones.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(862+) of Gujarat Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Bhujia FortBhujodi Handicraft VillageChhatardi Great Rann of KutchHiralaxmi Memorial Craft ParkKalo Dungar Lakhpat FortMandvi BeachMata No Madh TempleNarayan Sarovar Wildlife SanctuaryNirona VillageVande Mataram MemorialVijay Vilas PalaceKuber Bhandari TempleMaharaja Fateh Singh MuseumMaharaja Sayajirao University Makarpura PalaceMandvi GateMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Ajwa Nimeta Garden
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ajwa World
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Atladara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dabhoi Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
EME Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hathni Mata Waterfall
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hazira Maqbara
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities