Amboli,Maharashtra india

If you are looking for peace and solitude, Amboli is the answer - a tranquil hill station on the Western Ghats, surrounded by thick forests and tree canopied hills. On the coastal side, Amboli peers over the tree lined sandy ribbon of the Konkan coast; on the other three sides of Amboli, you are

rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the sweeping valley. Not only does Amboli prove to be the ideal weekend getaway, but also makes for a romantic honeymoon destination. For couples on their honeymoon, Amboli has all the privacy and beauty they need and a honeymoon in Amboli is sure to make their marriage vows meaningful. Whether you are on a honeymoon or just vacationing, the quaint hill station of Amboli offers a pleasant and refreshing change of pace.

Historically Speaking

The British, declared Amboli a hill station by the 1880s. Even before them, Amboli''s potential had already been discovered by the Sawants of neighbouring Wadi, within whose fief Amboli lay. But the sky above this village in the Sahyadris continuously dripped for a good four months, if not the entire

year, making it the wettest place in Maharashtra. The surrounding forests were so thick with trees and tigers at the time of the Raj, and because Matheran was so much closer, Amboli remained unchecked on maps for a very long time after.

Events Vinayak Chathurthi is celebrated in Amboli with much pomp and show in the month of September. In October-November, Amboli is attractive with Dussehra and Deepavali celebrations. The festivities with marvelous illuminated lights, fireworks and delicious feasts are special features.

Night Out A good place to go is Subedar Major (Retd) Atmaram Gavde''s Sainik Dhaba which does simple, tasty Malwani thalis. Their surmai fish fry is perfectly done.

Activities Spend your days in Amboli meandering through scenic hillscapes and misty forests or simply pack a picnic and relax under the shady trees. For the best views in Amboli, get to Sunset Point, Parikshit Point, Kavelsad Point and Shirgoankar Point for the most amazing views. Amboli is particularly charming in winter when the rains have stopped and there are a thousand waterfalls gushing down the hills. Nothing can be more romantic than the misty spray of the waterfalls in Amboli.

Sights

Spend your days in Amboli meandering through scenic hillscapes and misty forests or simply pack a picnic and relax under the shady trees. For the best views in Amboli, get to Sunset Point, Parikshit Point, Kavelsad Point and Shirgoankar Point for the most amazing views.   Amboli

is particularly charming in winter when the rains have stopped and there are a thousand waterfalls gushing down the hills. Nothing can be more romantic than the misty spray of the waterfalls in Amboli. There are two waterfalls on opposite sides of Amboli. The Nangartas Waterfalls are situated 10 kms from the town. These Falls are scenic and the gushing waters drop into a deep ravine. On the opposite side of town are the other more popular waterfalls - simply called Waterfalls. Here one can actually frolic on the rocks and water below.

How to get there by Air The nearest airport would be Dabolim, Goa (127 km/ 2 1/2 hrs), serviced by a host of airlines like Indian Airlines, Kingfisher and Jetite. From Goa take a taxi to get to Amboli via Sawantwadi.

How to get there by Rail The nearest railhead is Sawantwadi which is 28 km from Amboli. Regular buses ply on the route.

How to get there by Bus It is a pleasant drive from Goa which is only 90 km away.

Best time to Visit Amboli''s bracing climate makes it a year round destination. The hill station is at its rain-washed best just after the monsoons.

Hotels in Maharashtra Amboli offers a range of accommodation from Hotels in Amboli, motels, tourist guesthouses and an MTDC resort. Hotel JRD International offers rooms in the moderate range (about Rs. 4000) and is well suited to families. The Whistling Wood Resort has a great location and well suited for couples and families on vacation.

Nearby Places

Bauxite Mine are 10 km away and they presents present an eerie but interesting landscape to observe. Goa''s main town Panaji is only 90 kms from Amboli. So if you''re looking at extending your holiday to enjoy the sun and sand, Goa is your best option. An extremely

popular tourist destination Goa has something to offer for all sorts of travellers. Head to the popular beaches like Baga and Calangute to let your hair down and party or further up north to Arambol or Anjuna or even to south Goa for a more relaxing holiday.