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11 Min Read In many parts of the world, when cataracts with a large volume of water flow down the hill, the wind pushes the water backwards forcing it to rise in misty plumes, which can blow over a large area. The scenic beauty of this mostly temporary occurrence is a delight for both travellers and photographers. But do get prepared to get wet if the view point is on the rim of the hill and the wind blows the water towards you.
Monsoon is one of the best seasons to visit Maharashtra in India if you love hiking and not bothered by the downpour. The torrential monsoon rains turn the brown Sahyadri (Western Ghat) hills into lush green and slopes are dotted with innumerable waterfalls. Apart from the thrill of trekking, sometimes through gushing waterfalls, catching sight of a reverse or upside down waterfall can be a bonus.
There are some popular ones within easy driving distance from Mumbai and Pune. One of the most popular reverse waterfalls can be seen at Naneghat, a historic mountain pass trade route connecting the Deccan Plateau with the Konkan coast. The reverse waterfalls lies off the Malshej Ghat Road. It is around three hours from Mumbai.
Samrad village (about four hours’ drive from Mumbai) in the Sandhan Valley is also known for its reverse waterfalls perched at 2,000 feet. Although trekking in the region may not be allowed during heavy monsoon, you may hire a guide from the village to take you to the waterfall.
The hills of Amboli (accessible from Sawantwadi and Belgaum) are dotted with waterfalls during monsoon, among which the Kavalshet Point is best to catch a string of upside down waterfalls ranged along the rim. There is a paved path along the rim and a railing too. But the place can be very slippery owing to the water flowing upwards over a long distance.
The Anjaneri Waterfalls near Nashik and a waterfall on the way to the Tahuli Peak in Haji Malang are also well known as reverse waterfalls. The Lonavla area also sports a few reverse waterfalls.
You will find many reverse waterfalls in scenic areas in countries outside India.
Kinder Downfall (on Kinder River in central England), usually limited to a trickle in summer, can turn into a gorgeous waterfall fed by a heavy downpour. And at the same time, if the wind is blowing with a force, the water rises upwards in a misty vapour. Travellers to the Cliffs of Mohair on the western coast of Ireland have also mentioned seeing reverse waterfalls on a windy day.
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Although considered a rare phenomenon by visitors to Hawaii, it is not impossible to catch an upside down flow at the Waipuhia Falls in Oahu when the powerful north-easterly trade winds blow.
The Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido, Japan, forms a scenic background to the Furepe Falls which drops down a sheer cliff into the Sea of Okhotosk. You can approach the falls by a boat. With the right conditions, you may catch the water flowing backwards, rising like wisps of smoke among the hills.
If you are travelling through the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil, often considered an ideal family vacation destination, do not miss the Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Waterfall). Dropping a sheer 1,100 feet down the craggy rocks, the water disperses into a smoke. And if there is a strong wind, you may catch the water rising up in plumes.
The inverted waterfall in Talca (Maule region) in central Chile is a spectacular sight. If the wind is really strong, the water flows in the reverse direction as if an unseen hand is hosing up the water from below.
And if you are not willing to trek or travel to remote areas to catch the reverse waterfall but still want to get a feel of it, check out the railed in reverse waterfall at the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot Theme Park, Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida.
Note: Even though India and other countries are gradually opening up to domestic tourists, and there are chances of international travel beginning soon, it is better to check with the local authorities for pandemic-containment restrictions and if the destination or attraction is open or not. Reverse waterfalls in natural settings may not always be approachable by cars and require a bit of walking or hiking. So wearing appropriate trekking shoes is recommended. If it is windy, umbrellas are of little help, so opt for raincoats. For trekking in Maharashtra, do carry light snack and drinking water as well as insect repellents.
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