About Bhushi Dam
Bhushi Dam is a masonry dam on the Indrayani River in Lonavala, Maharashtra, built in the late 1860s by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway to supply water for steam engines. Owned by Central Railway, it is now a popular tourist destination known for its cascading waterfall effect during the monsoon season when water overflows over stone steps. The site attracts visitors for picnics and photography amidst lush Sahyadri hills.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect to see water cascading over a series of stone steps during the monsoon season, creating a natural waterfall effect. The surrounding area features lush greenery and hills of the Sahyadri range. Food stalls selling local snacks like vada pav and corn pakoda are available nearby. Visitors often sit on the rocky steps to enjoy the water spray, though swimming is prohibited due to safety risks.
Key highlights
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Masonry dam built in the late 1860s for the Great Indian Peninsular Railway
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Water cascades over stone steps creating a waterfall effect during monsoon
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Located on the Indrayani River amidst Sahyadri hills
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Free entry with no ticket required
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Popular picnic spot with local food stalls nearby
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Owned and maintained by Central Railway
History of Bhushi Dam
Built in the late 1860s by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway as a water source for steam engines on the Mumbai-Pune route. Water was originally transported via cast-iron pipes to Lonavala, Khandala, and railway reversing stations. The dam remains owned by Central Railway, successor to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway.
Route
| By air | Nearest airports are Pune Lohegaon Airport (70 km) and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (95 km) |
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| By train |