Amboli

State

Amboli , lies in the Sahayadri Hills of Western Ghats, it is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa. It is surrounded by thick forests of the Anjani tree and plantations of cardamom; and crisscrossed by a number of tiny streams. It is one of the few hill stations of Maharashtra from where one can see the sea. The main attractions of this place are the many viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the valley such as Sea-view Point, Purvicha Vas, and Mahadevgad Point - all of which unfold a view of the Konkan coast merging with the Arabian Sea.

Image credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/enygmatic/2957789987/

History

Amboli was developed as a hill station by the British political agent, Colonel Westrop, after the opening of the Ghat Road from the coastal town of Vengurla, now in southern Maharashtra, to Belgaum. Of Amboli in the 1880s it was said,' the ghats...swarm with wild beasts, but the jungle is so dense that it is almost impossible to drive them from their lairs.' Even today, there is some forest around Amboli. It si the closest hill station to Goa, and is a small settlement perched 690 metres (2,264 feet) up in the Western Ghats. It is on record as the wettest place in Maharashtra, with an average of nearly 750 centimeters (269 inches) of rainfall a year, falling between June and October. Because of its size and distance from Mumbai, it is quiet and peaceful. At this time, the hill station is wrapped in mist. In other seasons there are fine views of the Konkan coastal belt. Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate - a welcome respite in summer. Amboli is one of the few hill stations from where one can really see the sea. If one is looking to spend a few days in splendid isolation with the family, Amboli is an ideal resort.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Goa, which is connected by local flights to Mumbai and Bangalore.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Savantwadi, which is 30 km away. .

By Road:
Amboli is well connected by road to cities in Goa and Mumbai.

Shopping

Junk jewellery and handcrafted items are the best buys here.

Accommodation

Amboli offers a range of accommodation from hotels, 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.

Things to do

Nature Walk
Like any intelligent hill station Amboli offers amny viewpoints to its visitors. During the rains clouds cast a white blanket over the horizon and when you step out you will walk in the rolling mist. Some of the walks depending on the roads, might well be inaccessible at this time. There is the mandatory Sunset Point then Parkshit Point, Kavelsad Point and Shirgaonkar Point, which offer views of the surrounding forests, and sometimes it is possible to see deer or a rare leopard here. Mahadev Gad 3 km built by the Sawants has good views of the valley.

District
Sindhudurg
Location
Located on the southern ranges of the Sahyadri Hills 25 km from Sawantwadi which is another 50 km north of Panjim.
STD Code
02363
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar