Monsoon getaway in Maharashtra: Head to Bhandardara, Amboli or Mahabaleshwar

Make the most of the rains with a focus on fitness:

BHANDARDARA
Considered a trekker’s paradise, Bhandardara is located on the Western Ghats of India in the Ahmednagar district. Situated amongst lush greenery, high hills and water, Bhandardara is an ideal summer getaway from the city and is visited by travellers throughout the year. Bhandardara is famous for its waterfalls and trekking routes.

HOW TO GET THERE
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Igatpuri.

By Road: Bhandardara is 185 km. from Mumbai and almost the same distance from Pune.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE
- Visit Lake Arthur Hill, generally known as Bhandardara Lake.

- Visit River Pravara, which is built across the Wilson Dam.

- The enthralling Umbrella Falls and Randha Falls, the third most outstanding waterfalls in India.

- The famous Agasti Rishi Ashram and Amruteshwar Temple

WHERE TO STAY: Many holiday resorts are located at Bhandardara near Nashik.

AMBOLI
The beautiful hill station of Amboli is also known as the eQueenf of Maharashtra for its natural majesty. This is an impressive hill station situated in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Famous amongst ecologists as a valuable environmental hotspot, it is rich with exquisite flora and fauna. Positioned on the edge of the Western Ghats, Amboli is picturesque for its beautiful waterfalls.

HOW TO GET THERE
By Air: Dabolim is the nearest airport.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi road on Konkan Railway.

By Road: Amboli is well-linked by road from Sawantwadi, Belgaum and Kolhapur. Many buses commute from Pune and Mumbai to Amboli.


THINGS TO DO AND SEE
- Sunset Point is a popular point for tourists to spend a lovely evening.

- Shirgaonkar Point oversees thick forests around the area.

- Hiranyakeshi Mandir is where the Hiranyakeshi River springs out from the entrance of a cave and has a Shiva temple. Kawaleshet Valley is a well-known echo point.

MAHABALESHWAR
Gushing cool breeze, vantage points with spectacular valley and buzzing flea market is the reason why one must visit Mahabaleshwar. Visit the strawberry ranches in and around the beautiful hill station.

HOW TO GET THERE
By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India.

By Rail: The nearby railway network is Satara, which is around 55 km away while the major railway junction at Pune, 120 km.

By Road: Many state transport buses go to Mahabaleshwar or one can also opt for private transports.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE
- One can enjoy horse riding.

- Pratapgad Fort is just 22 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar and is positioned 1,080 meters above sea level, overlooking the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar.

- Elephant's Head Point is one of the finest point where the overhanging cliffs look like an elephant's head and trunk.

- Mahabaleshwar Temple, a prominent landmark for tourists, has lord Shiva as its deity.

WHERE TO STAY: There are resorts in Mahabaleshwar that offer a comfortable stay overlooking naturefs beauty. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) also offers some good options.