Quiet and isolated, Amboli is a perfect hill station for those who really
want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated at
an altitude of 690 m, Amboli lies in the Sindhudurg district of South
Maharashtra. Also known as the Cherrapunji of Maharashtra, Amboli is the
last mountain resort before the coastal plains begin. On one side
of Amboli lies the Konkan coast, the other three flanked by handsome looking
valleys.
Since it lies in the Sahayadri Hills one of the world's
Eco Hot-Spots, Amboli boasts variety of flora and fauna. Like any hill
station, Amboli offers many attractive walks and several waterfalls.
Amboli also receives an annual rainfall of nearly 750 centimeters making
it the wettest place in Maharashtra. Amboli is blessed with thick forest
due to such a heavy rainfall. Best time to visit Amboli is during winter
when the hills are covered by mist and it looks beautiful. Sunset
Point, the highest point at Amboli, Parikshit Point, Kavelsad Point and
Shrigaonkar Point offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forests.
The Sea View point offers a panoramic view of a good part of konkan coast.
The bauxite mines can also be visited. The Amboli Ghat on sawantwadi
road, The historical Botanical Garden, Hiranya Keshi, Nangartas Waterfall
etc are the other few major attractions at Amboli.
Hiranya Keshi
Originated from the mouth of a cave near Hiranyakeshi (Hiranyakeshi is
goddesses Parvati) Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hiranya Keshi
river site is famous for its amazing natural beauty. It is situated 6
km from the town center. It is also an ideal place for fishing and
meditation. Hiranyakeshi ugam, the starting point of the river Hiranya
Keshi can be accessed through a tiny rocky path.
Nangartas Waterfall
Situated 10 km from Amboli, it has pleasant surroundings. It falls deep
and noisy into a beautiful and narrow ravine. A concrete bridge has been
constructed over it so that tourists can enjoy its beauty. Best to see
this waterfall during monsoons. Around 5 km from here is another waterfall
known as 'waterfall' by the locals.
Sunset Point
Situated on the Amboli ghat road, the sunset point offers a spectacular
view of sunrise and sunset scenes.
Madhavgadh Fort
Madhavgadh Fort, four times the size of Shanivarwada (a palace
fort in Pune) which is now in a state of ruin. A memorial on the main
road gives an insight into the 'war' and the tombstone reads that there
was only one British soldier who died in the battle.
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Hill Stations 
