Tamhini Hill Station - It Is One Of The Wettest Destination In India

TAMHINI HILL STATION 

AT

PUNE

Tamhini Ghat is one of the best choices to see nature at its best and also pack in a little adventure. It is during this time that the deep brown hills turn a verdant green and provide a feast for the eyes. The value addition is that you can also explore the backwaters of Mulshi Dam and spice up your vacation with a bit of river rafting.

Tamhini Ghat can be accessed from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Reach Kolad and after crossing the bridge over river Kundalika, take the left turn that leads to Pune via the Mulshi Dam backwaters. Tamhini Ghat is the stretch between Kolad and these backwaters. 

The gradual climb opens the doors to a different world of green velvety carpets, gushing streams, dark grey clouds stooping low, and the occasional waterfalls. These impromptu waterfalls caused by the rains – some trickling down the hill smoothly and some literally gushing down in torrents – attract tourists from far and wide.  

The rains turn the parched land into a carpet of green with plants and flowers in full bloom. The hills stretch towards the skies like giant walls, partly covered by mist. And all along is a mysterious and enchanting play of light and shadows with the overbearing clouds and the rain creating an effect quite like a flickering lantern. 

Tamhini Ghat is simply ethereal with its sweeping views and is definitely less crowded than its cousin, Malshej Ghat. In fact, every turn in the landscape holds a surprise, offering fantastic sights. There is also a temple here dedicated to the goddess Vanjai that lies almost hidden amongst dense vegetation. The path to it will remind you of the forests that you may have read of in fairytales.

From the Tamhini Ghat you can take the road that leads to the Mulshi Dam backwaters which will also lead you to the gigantic waterfall at Palse. This particular waterfall is quite a hit with the young crowd and don’t be taken aback if you see people actually jostling each other to get absolutely drenched. 

As you approach the Mulshi backwaters, you will come across many resorts where you can opt to stay overnight and enjoy the early morning view of the lake. Further ahead is Kolad which is now becoming immensely popular for river rafting that you can do on the river Kundalika. The currents are strong and it is the only river in Maharashtra where you can experience white water rafting. Kolad now has several cottages and resorts where you can book a room.

Distance from Mumbai: 140 kms

By Air

The closest airport is at Pune.

By Rail

Tamhini is not close to any railway station. Pune is the nearest junction and smaller stations that are close-by include Lonavala and Kasarwadi.

By Road

Tamhini is 93 kms away from Pune and one has to travel via Paud. From Mumbai, take the Express way towards Pune, exit at Lonavala. From Lonavala, it’s a scenic drive via Aamby Valley to Tamhini.

TOP MOST FAMOUS TEMPLES IN TAMIL NADU

SIKKAL SINGARVELAR TEMPLE

SREE VILLIPUTHUR ANDAL TEMPLE

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

THILLAI NATARAJA TEMPLE

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE



SRIRANGAM TEMPLE



THIRUVANNAMALAI TEMPLE

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary - Elephant Safari Is The Highlight Of Day-Tripper

JALDAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

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WEST BENGAL

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the Eastern Himalayan foothills in Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district in the state of West Bengal.  It covers an extensive area of 216 square kilometers and is a maze of grasslands, perennial streams, woods, extensive belts of tall grass and sandy river banks.

Jaldapara received the “wildlife sanctuary” status in the British Era in 1941 when its area was 141 sq. km. Situated beside Hollong River, Jaldapara is now spread over in an area of 216.51 sq. km and with a Rhino population of more than 160.  Other important species includes Bisons, Deers, Leopards and numerous birds including the famous Great Hornbill.

The beauty of the forest lies in the fact that it is home to an amazingly wide variety of flora and fauna with some endangered species. The one horned rhinoceros in particular is the most famed one inhabiting the forest. Jaldapara was declared to be a wildlife sanctuary in 1914 to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of this land. Rivers Torsha, Malangi, Kalijhora, Sissmara and Chirakhawa have created banks along which the wildlife sustains itself.

aldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is most famous for Asiatic one horned rhinos and you will spot many while you explore the forest on elephant back. Other animals found here include barking deer, tigers, elephants, sambhar, wild boars, bisons and hog deer. This place is a bird watcher’s paradise since it offers the greatest variety of birds in Bengal. Birds like Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo and Asian Paradise Fycatcher, Green Pigeons, Doves, Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hoopoe, Shrikes, Bengal Florican, Black partridge, Shaheen Falcon, Great Pied Hornbills, Forest Eagle Owl, Large Green billed Malkoha and White Rumped Vulture are spotted here.

Jaldapara is known for its Rhino population. There are only a few areas where this elusive beauty can be found. Apart from Kaziranga and Pobitara in Assam, Jaldapara in West Bengal is being the safe home for this wonderful species since long. The grass wetland, ideal for Rhino's provides them natural habitat for their strong survival.More than 240 species of birds are found in variety of habitat- Grassland, water bodies, woodland.

Very close from the Jaldapara National Park- The Holiday Home is situated a distance of around 2.5 km from the Main gate of the National Park. Centrally located at Natonal Highway 31 with dual approach from Hasimara and Madarihat. Hasimara Station is just 7 kms and it takes 15 minutes by bus to reach the Holiday Home. Madarihat is around 4 km from the Holiday Home. The hotel is located just beside National Highway 31, so no carrying of your baggages.

By Air

Bagdogra 145kms from Jaldapara is the nearest airport from where tourist can reach Jaldapara by road-route via Siliguri.Bagdogra to Siliguri is 13 km.

By Train

The most important railway station in the North East India is NJP.  The nearest railway station is Madarihat which is only 7 km from the sanctuary. All the mail and express trains stop at Birpara/Hasimara railway stations, both are 20 km. away from the sanctuary.

By Road

Jaldapara is connected by National Highway with Siliguri and can be reached by car within 3hrs.Madarihat is the entry point for the sanctuary. It is located on the NH 31 (Siliguri-Hasimara), 140 km east from Siliguri, 80 km north from Cooch Behar and 50 km west from Alipurduar. North Bengal State Transport Corporation buses, Bhutan Government buses, minibuses are available from Siliguri to Alipurduar via Madarihat. Cars can also be hired at Siliguri.