Mumbai Orbit


Ulhas River

Ulhas River

About:

The Ulhas River is a significant river located in the western part of Maharashtra, India. It originates from the Western Ghats near the hill station of Karjat and flows through the districts of Thane and Raigad before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Vasai. The river is known for its role in supplying water to Mumbai and for its picturesque landscapes, especially in the upper regions.



During its course the Ulhas river meets the Barvi River, which is actually the discharge water of Barvi Dam. This meeting point is a tourist spot and a fishing spot for villagers. It is at Thane the river separates into two. One branch flows in the west direction and the other branch in the south direction. It is around the Salsette Island where lies the city of Mumbai. The two branches are estuarine in nature and they lie on seismic fault line.

Location info:
The Ulhas River originates near the Bhivpuri region close to Karjat in the Western Ghats. It flows westward, passing through cities such as Kalyan, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. The river eventually meets the Arabian Sea near Vasai Creek, north of Mumbai.

Climate/Weather:
Summers (March to June): The region experiences hot summers, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Monsoons (June to September): Heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, which significantly increases the river’s flow. Winters (November to February): Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, making it the best time to explore the river's surroundings.

History:
The Ulhas River has been an essential water source for centuries. It has supported agriculture, trade, and settlements along its banks. The river has a rich history, with its waters used extensively during the British colonial period for transporting goods. It continues to be vital for irrigation and domestic water supply in the Thane region.

Interesting things to do:

River Rafting,Karjat:
Karjat on the banks of the Ulhas river is a perfect place for many water sports activities. River Ulhas tempts the tourists to have a great experience of river rafting in the most exciting cool and calm waters perfectly blended with nature, Karjat’s river rafting is really an adventurous experience, with many of the visitors offer themselves for the passion.

Trekking,karjat:
Karjat is a renowned area for trekking due to its undulated hilly terrains and slopes. Karjat offers medium to very demanding adventurous trekking trails. The adventurous trekkers can get the required level of challenge from the trekking tracks in Karjat. These trails are mostly unexplored and unspoiled. The cool and calm ambience makes it a perfect place for nature trekking.

Interesting things to Visit:

Kondana Caves:
Kondana Caves situated in Karjat offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers. Ancient rock-cut caves, Kondana Caves are very famous Buddhist caves. These caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture. There was a natural disaster in the form of an earth quake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and floor of the caves were damaged.

Peth Fort:
Peth Fort, also known as Kotligad, is a major attraction of the small village Peth nearby to Karjat in its north east region. Peth is a conically shaped hill and it offers a panoramic view of the foothills. The fort is at the pinnacle of the mount and it is placed perfectly on the back drop of Matheran ranges and Western Ghats. One can view the Konkan country side from the fort and the beauty of this view is majestic.

Thane Creek: Where the river merges with the Arabian Sea, the creek is known for its biodiversity and migratory birds.

Mobile range info:
Mobile network coverage is generally strong around major towns and cities along the river, such as Kalyan, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. However, coverage might be intermittent in the more remote areas near the river's origin in the Western Ghats.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Karjat.
Nearest Airport: Mumbai International airport.
Road Transport: Karjat is 100km from Mumbai. State buses ply from Mumbai to Karjat.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ulhas Valley:
This valley glitters with large flowing streams of Ulhas river. It offers breathtaking sights during the monsoons, when the water falls gush through the thick greenery of the valley. There are a number of tunnels in the Ulhas valley, which helps the trains to pass through the valley.

Bhor Ghat:
This ghat has a historical significance. It was the ancient trade route connecting the ports at Choul, Revdanda, Panvel, etc. on the Konkan coast and the hinterland on the Deccan plateau.

Kondheshwar temple:
This temple is located in Sandshi. The beautiful architecture of the temple makes it a favourite tourist spot.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol pumps are readily available in urban areas like Karjat, Kalyan, Thane, and Navi Mumbai along the course of the Ulhas River.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Rahi,Karjat
Hotel Visawa,Karjat

Things to carry:
Water and snacks for day trips, especially if visiting rural or trekking areas near the river’s origin. Comfortable walking shoes for trekking or nature walks along the riverbank. Sun protection gear, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, if visiting during the summer. Camera and binoculars for photography and birdwatching, especially near Thane Creek. Rain gear if visiting during the monsoon season.

Tips & Suggestions:
The best time to visit the Ulhas River is during the winter and post-monsoon months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant, and the river is full. Monsoons can lead to flooding in certain areas, so it's advisable to avoid low-lying regions during heavy rains. If planning to trek near the river's source, ensure you carry adequate supplies and are well-prepared for the terrain.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station: 100

Nearest Hospital:

Gokul Hospital,Karjat
Phadke Hospital,Karjat