AMBOLI HILL STATION
AT
SINDUDARG
Amboli is situated in Sindudarg district of Maharastra State of India. It is at an altitude of 690 meters above the sea level and
its amazing topography comprises dense forest area with a large number of
waterfalls which increase in number during the rains.The beautiful hill-station
of Amboli is rightly called the ‘queen’ of Maharashtra; such is its natural
splendour.
Famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is
cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora
and fauna can bestow upon it. Located in the princely state of Sawantwadi,
Amboli is located on the ridge of the Western Ghats and is particularly
majestic during the monsoon when impromptu waterfalls gush down the hilly
terrain.
Located 529 kilometers from Mumbai and well-connected by road, the
railway station nearest to it is at Sawantwadi Road on the Konkan railway line
while the closest airport is at Dabolim in Goa.
In fact, it is the heavy rainfall of an average of 750 centimeters per
year which results in such thick growth of trees and plants along the
hillsides.
The hill-station was a favourite with the British rulers and it is said
that Colonel Westrop was the one who took special efforts in developing this
place. Winter is actually the perfect season to visit Amboli and some of the
points that are a ‘must see’ include the Nangartas Waterfall, Hiranyakeshi, Sea
View Point, and Mahadevgad. Kavlesaad Point is another interesting point from
where you can get a view of the Sahyadri ranges.
However, for those who would like to add a little more mysticism to
their visit, choose to go during the monsoon season. The entire region gets
covered with a dense fog during several times a day.
It is then that you can actually experience the power of silence and how
nature makes it own music. Meanwhile, don’t forget to stop by at the
Hiranyakeshi Mandir. It is from here that the river Hiranyakeshi originates.
The approach road is rough but the destination provides a wonderful
experience. You would in fact want to spend hours at this calm and peaceful
spot. The river ultimately flows through Karnataka where it is known as
Ghataprabha. There’s also a small temple dedicated to Parvati.
For lodging MTDC offers a perfect rest house with a facility for meals.
There are of course other hotels and restaurants too at Amboli which has
emerged as a popular tourist destination over the years. What makes this place
special is that it is very rich in flora and fauna and you will in all
probability be able to spot wild boars, antelopes, deer, monkeys and bison and
maybe a leopard too in case you happen to be at the right spot at the right
time.
Amboli is also a draw with enthusiastic bird-watchers who come here to
glimpse and photograph various species like the Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher,
Drongo, Yellow-Browed Bulbul, Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Crimson-Backed Sunbird,
Orange-Headed Ground Thrush, Indian Schimitar Babbler, and a lot more.
A huge number of butterflies, frogs and reptiles make the forest their
home too. Some of the trees and plants found here include Hirda, Ain, Anjan,
Shikekai, Mango, Fern, etc.
By Air
The nearest airport is Dabolim
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi road on Konkan railway.
By Road
Amboli is well connected by road from Sawantwadi, Belgaum and Kolhapur.
Number of buses ply from Pune and Mumbai to Amboli.
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