‘Mini Bhushi’ Rush: Weekend Tourists Flock to Bhaje Waterfall, Traffic Chaos Follows
‘Mini Bhushi’ Rush: Weekend Tourists Flock to Bhaje Waterfall, Traffic Chaos Follows
Lonavala, June 23 — With the monsoon season in full swing, the scenic Bhaje waterfall near Lohagad and Visapur forts has transformed into a weekend hotspot, drawing massive crowds from Pune and Mumbai. Dubbed ‘Mini Bhushi’ for its resemblance to the famous Bhushi Dam experience, the site saw a flood of tourists over the weekend, turning the peaceful locale into a buzzing retreat.
The attraction has gained popularity thanks to a recent development initiative by the Bhaje Gram Panchayat and the Public Works Department. Specially built stone steps around the waterfall now allow visitors to safely sit and soak in the cascading waters — recreating the beloved Bhushi Dam ambiance on a smaller scale. The effort has not only boosted local tourism but also provided seasonal employment to area residents.
Adventure seekers, especially youngsters, combined their waterfall visit with treks to nearby forts, making the most of the monsoon magic. Natural pools and gushing streams offered a refreshing break from city life.
However, the weekend surge also brought with it some familiar problems — long traffic snarls, bottlenecks near the narrow approach roads, and disorderly parking. The railway gate area near Bhaje turned into a major chokepoint, causing delays and frustration for both visitors and locals.
As footfall is expected to rise in the coming weeks, residents and officials are calling for better traffic regulation and parking management to prevent further chaos in this otherwise tranquil hill getaway.
