Quick answer: public access to Pandavkada Falls in Kharghar has not been confirmed for 8 October 2026. News reports describe a restriction ordered on 25 June 2026 that named Pandavkada among seven Kharghar and Taloja places, and the falls have been closed or restricted in most recent monsoons. Whether that order still applies is not confirmed: Section 163(4) of the BNSS limits an order of this kind to two months unless the state government extends it by notification, and a Forest Department restriction can apply separately. Confirm authorised access before travelling, and obey barriers and instructions at the site.
This guide sets out what has been reported about access, who to ask, why the falls are dangerous in the rains, and what to do instead.
Pandavkada Falls at a glance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Raigad district |
| Current public access | Not confirmed as of 8 October 2026 |
| Reported restriction | A June 2026 restriction described in news reports |
| Permitted entrance | Not verified |
| Tickets, hours and parking | No current authorised visitor arrangements verified |
| Before travelling | Confirm access and the permitted approach with the responsible authorities |
What has been reported about access
The Free Press Journal (updated 5 July 2026) reported that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) declared seven places prohibited areas by an order dated 25 June 2026 under Section 163 of the BNSS. The places were Pandavkada Waterfall, Chafewadi, Phanaswadi, the driving range in Sector 5, Owe Camp Dam, the hill opposite Taloja Jail and the lake opposite Taloja. Police said violators face “strict legal action”. The report names no specific penalty and gives no end date.
A report of an order is not a record of its current status. Orders under Section 163 are time limited, and they can be extended or replaced. The Forest Department can also restrict entry separately. Neither flowing water nor the end of a previous year’s restriction means a visit is permitted now.
Access has been restricted in most recent monsoons. Reports describe Section 144 orders in 2021 and 2023, a Forest Department closure for the monsoon in 2022, an annual entry ban announced by the Forest Department in 2024, and an official quoted in May 2025 saying tourist entry is banned during the monsoon.
In August 2026, two Navi Mumbai groups wrote to the Chief Minister asking for the seasonal restrictions to be reviewed and for sites to reopen in phases after a safety assessment (Free Press Journal). The report quotes no official response, and a request for review is not a change in the rules.
Getting to Kharghar, not to an entrance
Pandavkada Falls is in Kharghar. Kharghar station on the Harbour line is a suburban rail access point for Kharghar, and our Mumbai local train guide covers the lines and connections. Directions to Kharghar Hills, nearby trekking points or other waterfalls should not be treated as directions to an authorised Pandavkada entrance. Confirm public access and the permitted approach with the responsible authority before arranging onward travel.
Who to ask and what to ask
Use the Navi Mumbai Police contact directory to find Kharghar Police Station, and ask the Forest Department’s Panvel range about its own restrictions. Ask three things:
- Is public entry permitted on the date you plan to go?
- Which entrance or approach, if any, is authorised?
- Are there separate Forest Department restrictions?
In an emergency, call 112. Keep that number for emergencies, and use the directory for routine questions.
Waterfall season and access restrictions
The falls run in the monsoon, roughly June to September, and are weak in the dry months. Seasonal flow, legal access and weather safety are separate matters, and each has to be settled before a visit. Do not travel to the area in heavy rain. Do not plan a post-monsoon visit without confirming access first.
Why the falls are dangerous
Reports describe drownings and rescues at the falls, and the rain-fed stream can rise quickly. The PTI report of a May 2025 rescue describes five men who crossed the waterfall and could not return when the flow rose. The Free Press Journal reported two people feared drowned at the falls in July 2026 and a drowning in August 2026.
- Do not enter the pool or swim.
- Do not cross a swollen stream.
- Do not bypass a barrier or notice board.
- Do not judge the water level by eye. It can change within minutes in heavy rain.
Footwear, companions and equipment do not make a visit safe or authorised.
Fees, hours and parking
Current authorised opening hours, ticketing and visitor parking have not been established. Confirm whether public access is permitted first, then ask the responsible site authority about any visitor arrangements. Older descriptions of railings, lifeguards, mobile reception and facilities on travel blogs are dated reports, not current conditions.
Other outings to consider
Central Park in Kharghar is a large CIDCO garden with walking tracks and lawns, and our parks and gardens guide covers what to check before you go. Our things to do in Navi Mumbai and free things to do guides list more options. If you consider the Karnala Bird Sanctuary or one of the monsoon treks near Mumbai, each needs its own weather and access check, and none is an automatic substitute during dangerous rainfall.
Sources
Reports on access orders and incidents: the Free Press Journal (5 July 2026, July 2026, August 2026, August 2026, 2021, 2022, 2023), Newsband (2024) and PTI via The Week (2025). Dates shown are the report dates. Sources reviewed on 8 October 2026. Current public access, an authorised entrance and visitor facilities are not confirmed. NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with the police, the Forest Department or any civic body.
For other places to visit in Kharghar, see our guide to places to visit in Kharghar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pandavkada Falls open to visitors?
Current access is not confirmed. News reports describe a restriction ordered on 25 June 2026 under Section 163 of the BNSS, and Section 163(4) limits such an order to two months unless it is extended by the state government. A Forest Department restriction can apply separately. Confirm access with Kharghar Police Station and the Forest Department before travelling.
Where is Pandavkada Falls?
In Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, in Raigad district. Kharghar station on the Harbour line is a suburban rail access point for Kharghar. Confirm the permitted approach with the responsible authority before you plan onward travel.
How do I reach Pandavkada Falls from Kharghar station?
This guide gives no turn by turn directions to the falls. Directions to Kharghar Hills, trekking points or other waterfalls are not directions to an authorised Pandavkada entrance. Confirm whether public access is permitted and which approach is authorised before you travel.
What are the entry fee and timings?
Current authorised opening hours, ticketing and visitor parking have not been established. Confirm whether public access is permitted first, then ask the responsible site authority about any visitor arrangements.
When is the best time to visit Pandavkada Falls?
The falls run in the monsoon, roughly June to September. Seasonal flow, legal access and weather safety are separate matters, and flowing water does not mean a visit is permitted. Avoid the area in heavy rain, and confirm access before planning any visit.
Is it safe to swim at Pandavkada Falls?
No. Reports describe drownings at the falls, and the water can rise quickly in the rains. Do not enter the pool or cross a swollen stream.
What happens if I enter despite a restriction?
Police said violators of the June 2026 order face strict legal action, and the report names no specific penalty. Check the restriction that applies on your date.
What can I do nearby instead?
Central Park in Kharghar is an easy garden outing. See our parks and gardens guide and things to do guide for more. Karnala and monsoon treks need their own weather and access checks.
