Varandha Ghat, Pune, Maharashtra India

The Varandha Pass is a ancient route. In 1857 it was widened by the British by dividing Kavlya Fort in two. The fort stands on the border of Pune and Raigad districts and joins Bhor and Mahad. Varandha Ghat is a hill fort about 25km east of Mahad. It lies on the route of the Varandha Pass which crosses the Sahyadris in the Pune district of Maharashtra in India. A 74km long road from Mahad to Bhor passes Varandha Ghat and crosses the pass, reaching a height of around 800m. The drive along the route provides dramatic scenery, looking down onto Konkan and the forested valleys.

On the peak to the left of Varandha Ghat is Kawla Fort and in the foothills is Shivthar Ghal, famous for caves. About 40km along the route the road passes the western end of Lake Puranda. It is famous for the numerous waterfalls and the picture square scenery in the surrounding.