AMBOLI
Amboli is a hill station. At an altitude of 690 meters it is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa and not many people are aware that this hill station is situated there. Amboli lies in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India, one of the world's Eco Hot-Spots and it henceforth proliferates in a variety of fairly unique flora and fauna. The hills of Amboli village provide one of the sources of the Krishna river(also known as the Ganges of south India). The main attraction for tourists is the incredibly high rainfall, the numerous waterfalls and mist during the monsoons. There are 108 Shiva temples in and around Amboli of which only a dozen have been discovered. It’s quiet, unpolluted. Just that perfect get away from that tiresome work schedule.
PLACES TO VISIT
Mahadevgad Point
Located at a distance of 2.5 km from Amboli, the Mahadevgad point is very scenic. You get a wonderful view of the valley below. The sunset from this point is a sight that you cannot miss!
Shirgaonkar Point
The Shirgaonkar point is 2.5 km away from Amboli. If you want to have a nice picnic spot and you love the rains, you should pack your bags and head out to this place. The road leading to the point is covered with dense forest. Lots of greenery and rain, if that’s what you like this is the place to be.
Starting point of Hiranyakeshi River
Located at about 3 - 4 km from Amboli, the starting point of Hiranyakeshi river is a wonderful place to visit. There is a Shankar and Devi temple at the Starting point and also a 'Kunda' or water tank. You have to walk a small distance to go up to the temple. The area around the temple is very peaceful and you can hear the birds singing their own little tune.
Goa
A one day trip to Goa is possible if you have your own vehicle. Goa is approximately 90 Km away from Amboli and if you leave in the morning you can visit Goa and come back to Amboli in the evening.
HOW TO VISIT?
The closest airport is the Goa airport.
If you are going by train, The nearest railway station is Savantwadi.
If you are hitting the road from Mumbai, you can reach Amboli in this order: Mumbai-Panvel-Pen-Chiplun-Savantwadi-Amboli(It is about 600 Km)
If you are driving from Pune-Satara-Kolhapur-Nipani-Ajra-Amboli (It is about 495 Km)
State Transport buses ply from Mumbai to Savantwadi, and Savantwadi to Amboli.
WHEN TO VISIT?
Monsoons would be the most appropriate time to visit Amboli as there will be numerous waterfalls during the season. If you absolutely love the rain, you should pack your bags and get there at that time of the year.
