Tillari is a beautiful forested region located on the Maharashtra-Goa border, in the Sahyadri range. It’s famous for its dense evergreen forests, rich wildlife, and scenic waterfalls, especially during the monsoon. The area gets its name from the Tillari River, which also feeds a dam nearby – the Tillari Dam, an important water source for the region.
The Tillari Ghat road is quite thrilling to travel on with sharp turns, steep climbs, and mist-covered views, especially in the rainy season. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, herpers (reptile lovers), and nature photographers. Animals like leopards, barking deer, Indian gaur, and even wild boars are sometimes seen here. You’ll also find unique frogs, snakes, and insects during night trails.
Doda (Dodamarg Region) – Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra
Doda is a local name people often use when referring to the Dodamarg region, located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It’s a valley area with lush greenery, rivers, and forests, nestled between the Western Ghats. It lies close to Goa and shares much of its tropical beauty.
Dodamarg is known for its peaceful rural charm, rich biodiversity, and farming culture. The region is also home to wildlife like Malabar civets, giant squirrels, hornbills, and sometimes wild elephants that migrate from nearby forests. The climate is humid, and the region stays green most of the year.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Pune – Tillari
Depart from Pune early in the morning (around 4:30 am). Enjoy a fresh and hot breakfast en route. Travel distance to Tillari is approximately. 400 km and takes around 8–9 hours by road. Arrive at Tillari by afternoon. After lunch and a short rest, proceed to visit Baba Waterfall (approx. 25 km, 45 minutes drive one way). This hidden waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Spend some time there and later return to the resort. In the evening, head out for a guided nature trail to observe local flora and birds. Return to the resort. After dinner, go for a night trail in the nearby forest. If lucky, you may spot species like Vine Snake, Malabar Gliding Frog, Castle Rock Night Frog, and other nocturnal frogs. Back to the resort. Lights off.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea, and Dinner)
Day 2: Kalnidhigad Fort – Evening Nature Trail – Paraggad Fort – Night Trail
This morning, enjoy birding around the campsite—this area is rich in Western Ghats species and offers peaceful trails to spot forest birds. Post breakfast, proceed to visit Kalanidhigad Fort (approx. 12 km, 30 minutes drive). This small hill fort is situated in a remote part of the forest, offering a short hike with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. It’s a quiet place with historical value and untouched beauty. Return to the resort. After lunch and some rest, head out to explore a nature trail along forest streams, a good spot to observe aquatic insects, amphibians, and unique flora. Later in the evening, leave for Paraggad Fort (approx. 20 km, 45 minutes drive). This lesser-known fort offers a gentle climb and a spectacular sunset view over the Sahyadris. It’s also known for its peaceful surroundings and views of dense valleys. Return to the resort. Post dinner, head out for a night trail to observe reptiles, amphibians, moths, and other nocturnal species. Back to the resort. Lights off.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea, and Dinner)
Day 3: Swapnavel Waterfall – Nature Trail at Cannol Road
Today, we’ll be exploring the beautiful Swapnavel Waterfall, located in the scenic Tillari region. Surrounded by dense forests and rich biodiversity, this lesser-known waterfall offers a refreshing experience amidst nature. After lunch and some rest, we’ll head out in the evening for a nature trail along Cannol Road. This trail is a great spot to observe waterbirds, otters, reptiles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
We’ll return to the resort after the trail. Following dinner, we’ll head out once again for our final night trail, offering one last chance to experience the region’s nocturnal wildlife.
Back to the resort. Lights off!
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea, and Dinner)
Day 4: Tillari – Pune
Today morning, enjoy a nature trail at Green Valley, after breakfast, we will depart from Tillari for Pune. The travel time is approximately 8 to 9 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions. We’ll stop en route for a relaxed lunch break. By evening, we aim to reach Pune around 7:00 PM, marking the end of a refreshing and memorable trip.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Evening Hi-Tea)