Amboli is a beautiful little hill station in south of Maharashtra, perched at a height of 690 m on the Sahyadri hills. As you arrive, Amboli welcomes you with vibrant views of lush green hills with paddy fields, fresh mountain air and several viewpoints providing breathtaking views.
During summer's Amboli's cool climate is a welcome respite from the heat and a perfect place to spend one night or a weekend. But it is during the monsoon's when the Sahyadri hills come alive, you can enjoy a walk in the clouds, dance away in the rain, enjoy the numerous majestic waterfalls around or just spend an enchanted cool afternoon with hot cups of tea. There are several tea stalls that sell steaming Poha and other snack items which you can enjoy while exploring this beautiful hill station.
There numerous attractions for tourist in and around Amboli, Numerous water falls, Sea-view point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours fishing at Hiranya Keshi or go for a picnic to Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad, Another enjoyable and different expedition is a visit to the bauxite mines which is just 10 kms away. So, if you are looking for a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal getaway.
Best time to visit : The best time to visit Amboli is in the monsoon season from (July to September) In summer, the weather is pleasant and cool from (March to June).
How to reach : If you are traveling from Kolhapur city, Amboli is about 120 km from Kolhapur by road. Bus services and private taxis are easily available from Kolhapur. Tourists coming from far away locations like Mumbai, Goa, Delhi or by other trains of Konkan railway can reach Amboli from Sawantwadi railway station. From Sawantwadi, Amboli is about 30 km away and you can take buses from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation that ply between Belgaum and Sawantwadi via Amboli.Private cars are available from Sawantwadi railway station to Amboli.
Getting around : Private taxis and three-wheeler rickshaws are available from the main bus stand , you can go by horseback or hire bicycles which could add to the feeling of getting away and being close to nature all by yourself.
Major attractions:
- Numerous water falls.
- Numerous view points.
- Sea-view Point.
- Sunset point.
- Fishing at Hiranya Keshi(near Amboli).
Where to stay : Most of the hotels in Amboli are well maintained and provide facilities like restaurant, room service and cab services. Below are a few hotels you can stay in during your visit
- MTDC Resort.
- Hotel Sailee.
- Silent Valley Resort.
- Shanti Darshan.
- Hotel Shiv Malhar.
- Whistling Woods Resort.
- Green Valley Resort.
- Hotel Pushkarleela.
Where to eat :
- MTDC restaurant which is considered to be the main restaurant along with other few small restaurants around.
- Narvekars Mess in the market place which provides very good food both Veg and Non-Veg.
- Kamats restaurant serves South Indian and regular fare.
Other things to carry :
- During monsoon season carry your monsoon gear as there is constant rain.
- Carry dry snacks which can come handy.
- Carry plenty of water.
- Carry a few pair of extra clothing as during monsoons it is misty,wet and there is constant rain
- Carry a basic first-aid kit.