💦 An Evening at Kakolat

The Waterfall That Almost Eluded Me

TRAVEL

5/8/20242 min read

Some trips are perfectly planned. This one… wasn’t.

I reached Kakolat Waterfall in the evening, almost at closing time. The sun was already dipping, the gates half shut, and the guard gave us a look that said, “You’re lucky I’m nice.” And we were.

🛣️ From Gaya to Kakolat: A Last-Minute Detour

I was in Gaya that morning—no plan, just a soft itch to “go somewhere offbeat.” Someone casually mentioned Kakolat, and I hit the road immediately.

It’s around 110–120 km from Gaya, through rural roads that slowly shed the chaos of the city. By the time I reached the entrance, it was late afternoon, and I was greeted with a signboard that quietly broke the excitement:

“Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM”

Oops. Luckily, the guards let us in, saying, “Jaldi dekhiye, phir band ho jayega.”

🧭 What You Should Know Before You Go

  • 📍 Location: Kakolat Waterfall, Nawada district, Bihar

  • 🕒 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (strict)

  • ⛔️ Note: May remain closed on rainy days for safety reasons

  • 🎟️ Entry Fee: Nominal; local maintenance charge

  • 🥤 Food: A few small snack shops at the base selling chips, cold drinks, etc.

  • 🐒 Monkeys: Loads of them—friendly till you open food. Be alert and zip your bags!

🌿 Climb, Chill, and Cold Water

You’ll need to climb about 50 steps to reach the waterfall from the entrance. It’s not hard, but yes—you’ll feel it if you’ve been sitting in a car all day.

At the foothill, there’s a natural bathing tank, perfect if you want to take a dip in clear, cold water. There's also a separate bathing facility, and a small temple near the waterfall, quietly sitting there as if it’s seen a thousand versions of you before.

As I reached the waterfall, I drowned myself in the calmness of the surroundings. I sat near the edge watching the mist rise against the green.

💡 Travel Notes & Tips

  • 📍 Nearest cities: Nawada (~33 km), Gaya (~110 km)

  • 🧴 Carry towel, water bottle, and extra clothes if you plan to bathe

  • 🍴 Light snacks available near the parking area

  • 🛕 Visit the small temple near the waterfall for a moment of calm

  • 🐒 Do not take out food near the monkeys—they know what a chips packet sounds like

  • 🌧️ Avoid on rainy days—area may be closed due to slippery trails or overflow

  • 🚗 Best done via personal car or hired cab (public transport is limited)

🎥 Want to See What It Looks Like?

I’ve shared some videos and mini-stories from Kakolat on Instagram—📲 @nomadjourneys.in

✨ What Made It Special

Even with the time crunch, the casual chaos, and the monkey drama, it was worth it. The water, the climb, the calm—it stayed with me long after I left. Next time, I’m going earlier. With snacks zipped up. And definitely, extra time for a proper dip.

🚗 Planning a Visit?

If you’re in Bihar—Gaya, Rajgir, Patna or Nawada—and looking for a pocket of peace, Kakolat Waterfall is a quiet little reward.

Come for the water. Stay for the stillness. Dodge the monkeys.

And hey, if you go—tag me! I'd love to see how it looked through your lens. 📸