Hathni Mata Waterfall is an awe-inspiring monsoon destination nestled in the lush hills of Jambughoda near Vadodara, Gujarat, celebrated for both its scenic and spiritual appeal.
This professional travel guide offers everything needed to plan an unforgettable visit to Hathni Mata Waterfall.
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Situated in Shiv Rajpur near Jambughoda, about 76 km from Vadodara and 190 km from Ahmedabad.
- Nearest town: Jambughoda (5 km away)
The waterfall is situated about 80 km from Vadodara, and roughly 30 km from Pavagadh, requiring a 2–2.5 hour drive through picturesque villages and green fields.
The approach includes a short 10–15 minute hike from the parking area, with the last segment crossing a rocky stream—sturdy, grip-enhanced footwear is highly recommended.
Public transport options are limited; self-driving or hiring a taxi is advised for convenience.
Location & Map: (Click and get Perfect Location)
How to reach:
- By car: Ideal for a road trip from Vadodara or Ahmedabad.
- Public transport: Limited; best to hire a cab or drive.
- Parking: Available near the trekking point.
Timings, Entry, and Facilities
Hathni Mata Waterfall is open to visitors daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with the peak viewing season being the monsoon (July to October) when the water flow is at its strongest.
There are no entry fees, but parking costs apply (recent fees: ₹50 for cars, ₹20 for bikes, ₹100 for buses). Local vendors near the parking sell snacks and refreshments, though carrying your own water is advised for the hike
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- June to November (Monsoon and post-monsoon months)
- The waterfall is seasonal and gushes in full glory during rains.
- Avoid peak monsoon days if heavy rainfall is predicted—trails can get slippery.
🧭 Activities & Things to Do
- Nature and Adventure: Enjoy the thrilling hike to the falls through dense forest, rocky trails, and a shallow stream crossing. Exploring the area rewards visitors with panoramic valley views, flora, fauna, and even small fish in the pools near the falls.
- Trekking: A short forest trail leads to the falls. Moderate difficulty.
- Swimming: The waterfall forms a deep, natural pool at its base that’s suitable for swimming, but caution is necessary due to varying water levels—avoid swimming during periods of high flow or heavy rain.
- Photography: The cascade, lush surroundings, and misty atmosphere make this a paradise for travel photography.
- Spiritual Sites: A cave temple devoted to Hathni Mata sits at the base of the waterfall, alongside a rock resembling a newborn elephant, draped with holy fabric and flowers. Additionally, a Hanuman temple atop the nearby hill is accessible via a further 15–20 minute trek.
- Camping and Picnics: Designated picnic and camping spots are available near the falls, with some local homestays offering full-day packages including meals and activities.
- Bird Watching: Spot local and migratory birds in the surrounding forest.
- Temple Visit: A small cave temple dedicated to Hathni Mata adds a spiritual touch.
🧳 Travel Tips
- Start early—daytime visits are safer and more scenic.
- No entry fee, but budget for transport and essentials.
- Wear sturdy shoes– Wear comfortable footwear with good grip, especially during the monsoon when paths can be slippery.
- Mobile network connectivity is unreliable—download offline maps in advance.
- Carry snacks, water, and basic first aid.
- Respect the area’s sanctity and avoid littering to help preserve its natural beauty.
- Supervise children and elderly visitors during hikes and near the waterfall’s edge.
🍽️ Food & Essentials
- No restaurants at the site. Pack your own meals.
- Nearest food options are in Jambughoda or Vadodara.
🌿 Why It’s Special
- The name “Hathni” comes from the rock formation resembling a baby elephant.
- The 100-meter drop is surrounded by dense forest, making it feel like a hidden paradise.
- It’s a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and tranquility.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary or Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park for a full-day nature and heritage circuit.
Nearby Attractions to Enhance Your Hathni Mata Waterfall Trip
If you’re planning a visit to Hathni Mata Waterfall, don’t stop at the cascade- this region of Gujarat is rich with hidden gems and heritage sites that can turn your day trip into a full-blown nature and culture circuit. Here’s a curated list of must-visit spots nearby:
🐘 1. Hathni Mata Temple
Located right beside the waterfall, this serene cave temple dedicated to Hathni Mata adds a spiritual dimension to your adventure. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and photography, especially during early mornings or golden hour.
🐅 2. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Just a short drive away, this lush forest reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, and exotic birds. Ideal for nature walks, wildlife spotting, and eco-tourism stays. It’s open until 7 PM and offers camping options for overnight explorers.
🏕️ 3. Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary And Eco Tourism
This eco-tourism extension of the sanctuary offers guided treks, forest stays, and educational tours. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking for immersive experiences in Gujarat’s biodiversity.
🏛️ 4. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city complex features 16th-century Hindu and Islamic architecture, including forts, palaces, and stepwells. It’s a history lover’s paradise and only about 30–40 km from Hathni Mata.
🏯 5. Champaner Fort
Nestled within the archaeological park, this fort offers panoramic views and a deep dive into Gujarat’s medieval military architecture. It’s open until 6 PM and great for photography and exploration.
🌄 6. Pavagadh View Point
For breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, head to this vista point. It’s especially stunning during sunrise or sunset and offers a peaceful break from trekking.
🌊 7. Khuniya Mahadev Waterfall
Another scenic waterfall near Pavagadh, this one is known for its tranquil setting and spiritual vibes. It’s open 24 hours and makes for a great secondary stop if you’re chasing waterfalls.
🕉️ 8. Naazar Mata waterfall and cave
A lesser-known but spiritually significant site, Naazar Mata offers a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude and local folklore.
🌄 9. Makhaniyo Parvat
A scenic hilltop near Pavagadh, Makhaniyo Parvat offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys. It’s a peaceful escape for trekkers and photographers, especially during early mornings or golden hour. The climb is moderate, and the summit rewards you with sweeping vistas and cool breezes. It’s ideal for:
- Nature walks
- Sunrise photography
- Quiet meditation or journaling
🌊 10. Sukhi Dam
A peaceful reservoir surrounded by hills, perfect for picnics and sunset views. It’s a great spot to unwind after your waterfall trek.
🙏 11. Zand Hanuman Temple
A revered temple nestled in nature, known for its tranquil ambiance and local devotion. Ideal for a short spiritual stop.
🕉️ 12. Hanuman Mandir Panch Khobla
Located in the Panch Khobla region, this temple is popular among locals and offers a serene setting for prayer and reflection.
🔱 13. Panch Khobla Shiv Mandir – (Read Detailed guide here)
A sacred Shiva temple surrounded by forested hills. It’s especially scenic during monsoon and offers a peaceful retreat.
🌄 14. Bhat View Tower
This elevated viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forest. A great photography spot, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🕳️ 15. Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave / Rinchhiya Mahadev – (Read about Rinchhiya Mahadev)
A hidden cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek to reach it is short but adventurous, and the cave’s natural formation adds to its mystique.
👑 16. Shree Mahakali Mataji Temple, Pavagadh
One of Gujarat’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, perched atop Pavagadh Hill. You can reach it via ropeway or trek, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
🏛️ 17. Popular Sites in Pavagadh & Champaner
- Champaner Fort: A historical gem with Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Kevda Masjid & Nagina Masjid: Stunning examples of 15th-century mosque architecture.
- Helical Stepwell: A unique spiral stepwell showcasing ancient engineering.
- Saat Kaman (Seven Arches): A photogenic ruin with panoramic views.
Suggested Itinerary Tip:
Start your day at Hathni Mata Waterfall, then head to Sukhi Dam and Bhat View Tower for nature.
Follow it up with temple visits in Panch Khobla and Zand, and end with a sunset at Pavagadh or Champaner’s historic sites.