Vaitarna Lake, originally known as Modak Sagar, is a popular destination in the North of Mumbai. Situated in Wada Taluka of Palghar District, this lake is also referred to as Vaitarna Dam. In the hilly slopes of Igatpuri, there is another expansive reservoir called Upper Vaitarna Lake.
While Modak Sagar is not open to the public, Upper Vaitarna Lake offers a picturesque setting for visitors, especially during the monsoon season. It is a great spot for camping along the flowing river in the Igatpuri Nasik area, located on Ghoti Vaitarna Road. Both lakes serve as freshwater reservoirs, supplying drinking water to various residential areas in Palghar, Thane District, and sometimes even Mumbai city..
Vaitarna Lake Dam Water Reservoir
Vaitarna lake is a vital source of fresh drinking water for Mumbai, Suburbans, Thane, and Palghar areas, among 6 to 7 other sources. It plays a crucial role, especially during emergencies when rainfall in the city is low. Upper Vaitarna and Lower Vaitarna (Modak Sagar) are both beautiful, serene, and peaceful locations.
Since 1992, access to Modak Sagar has been restricted due to security concerns. Visitors must obtain special permissions to explore this stunning DAM & LAKE area, which marks the beginning of the Vaitarna River’s journey towards the west, where it eventually meets the Arabian Sea.
Vaitarna river The Vaitarna River, originating from the Modak Sagar dam, gracefully meanders down the picturesque hilly slopes. Along its journey, it passes through several charming villages in the Palghar district, such as Patare pada, Kalambhe, Balivali, Kalambholi, Tilsa, Shirsad, Pethranjani, and more. The river even crosses the national highway at Wada, making its way through Gates Khurd, Alman, Vaitarna Nagar Village, Pinplas, Takali, and Boranda area, where the magnificent Vaitarna River Bridge stands tall. Continuing its course, the river flows towards Manor, embracing numerous other villages along the way. As it reaches the Tandulwadi hills, it gracefully passes through Dahiwale and Darshet village, eventually crossing the Wadhiv Saravali Railway Lines (Mumbai Gujarat) before finally merging with the majestic Arabian Sea.
Please be aware that the primary focus is on the Drinking water source lake, which is explicitly ‘NOT a TOURIST SPOT’, with restricted public access at Modak sagar checkpost. If you are searching for a picturesque lake area with public access and a Dam waterfall in a forest setting near Mumbai that is safe and secure, I suggest visiting Vandri Lake.
Let’s discuss the Vaitarna Dam, which used to be a popular picnic spot and a heavenly tourist destination for the people of Thane Palghar districts before 1992. Visitors would flock to the Modak Sagar Vaitarna Lake to enjoy boating and picnic activities, and there was even a chance to spot crocodiles back then.
Unfortunately, some workers lost their lives during the construction of this dam. In their memory, the locals built the ‘Swami Samarth Math.’ Once the Modak Dam was completed, it brought immense relief to the residents of Vasai Virar, who had previously faced water problems.
Two additional lakes, serving as reservoirs of fresh drinking water, can be found in the vast area connecting Palghar and Nasik Mumbai Road. Simply put, Tansa lake is situated on the left side (in Palghar District) and Bhatsa lake on the right side as you head towards Mumbai Nasik Highway. These lakes are not located close to the highway but are rather situated deep inside the area.
Whenever necessary, surplus water from Vaitarna Lake (Modak Sagar) is discharged and redirected to Tansa Lake, if needed to Tulsi and Vihar lake located inside Borivali National Park forest zone area.
If you take a look at Google Maps, you’ll notice that in the North-East direction from Mumbai towards Palghar & Nasik area, you’ll find the major drinking water sources of Mumbai, Palghar (Including Vasai Virar), Thane area. At the top is Upper Vaitarna Lake, the largest water reservoir. Just below is Modak Sagar (Vaitarna Dam & Lake), a bit further towards Mumbai are Tansa & Bhatsa lakes, and within Mumbai city vicinity are Tulsi Lake, Vihar Lake, and the well-known Powai Lake. It’s important to note that Powai Lake is no longer a drinking water source.
Lake Distances
- Approximate Distance from Modak Sagar to Tansa lake is about 20 to 22 Kilometers.
- Mumbai to Modak Sagar (Lower Vaitarna) (105 Km).
- Mumbai to Upper Vaitarna Reservoir (153 Km).
How to Reach Vaitarna Lake / Dam
Just a friendly reminder, Modak Sagar (Lower Vaitarna) is not a place for tourists and is actually a restricted area. Now, let’s talk about Upper Vaitarna, which can be found in the beautiful Igatpuri area along the Mumbai Nasik Highway.
If you’re planning a trip to Upper Vaitarna from Mumbai, the Thane Nashik road is your best bet. After crossing Kasara Ghat, you have two options: you can either take the route from Vihigaon or continue straight towards Nashik and then take a left onto the scenic ‘Ghoti Vaitarna Road’. This road offers a breathtaking drive, especially during the monsoon season. Ghoti Vaitarna Road veers off to the left from ‘Khambale’ after passing through the enchanting town of Igatpuri. So, get ready for a memorable journey towards Nashik.
If you’re searching for the way to Modak Sagar, just head towards Manor from the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway. Once you reach Manor, make a right turn and continue on to Wada taluka. From Wada Village, follow the route towards Shahpur and Atgaon.
See Also: Few attraction around if you like to visit are Ganeshpuri & Vajreshwari (Temple and Hot Water Springs) and Mahavir Dham Temple. See also Vasai Virar Attractions.
Two of the Thane lakes, Masunda (Talao Pali) & Upvan are good for daily visits.
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