Amboli Ghat: Maharashtra’s Serene Gem

Located on the border between Goa and Maharashtra, within the scenic Sindhudurg district is Amboli. It is beautiful during the monsoon season, and equally charming for a weekend picnic excursion throughout the year. 

Declared a hill station in the early 1880s, Amboli sits at a modest 690 metres above sea level yet feels dramatically lush and mist-kissed. It is the last hill station before the Konkan coastal plains begin, making it a unique ecological transition zone rich in biodiversity.

In recent years, Amboli has drawn wildlife enthusiasts for its thriving ecosystem. Today it is home to over 35 mammal species, around 200 bird species, 150 varieties of butterflies, and more than 45 species of reptiles and amphibians.

I remember travelling through Amboli Ghat some 25 years back when we were going to Goa via Kolhapur. It was a sight that refreshed us and the short tea break got extended for a few more hours as we explored the region! Oh! How much I want to return soon!

Interesting Facts:

• Amboli receives the highest rainfall in the western region and is also referred as the Cherrapunji of the West!
• Locals at Sawantwadi had discovered Amboli long before the advent of the British, but due to its inaccessibility could not make it known to the world. Guess that’s why Matheran became the summer retreat. Thankfully Amboli still has a few remote places yet to be discovered.
• The British used the area to supply garrisons to the other parts of the country in the Central and Southern areas.

Amboli Waterfalls

The Amboli waterfalls command attention with their impressive size, conveniently situated right along the roadside. Visitors have the opportunity to approach the falls closely, thanks to convenient steps leading up to them, making them accessible even for children. These weren’t there when I last visited. Do remember to exercise caution, particularly during the monsoon season when it gets slippery. So, proceed with care as you ascend to enjoy this natural wonder.

The entire region abounds with numerous hotspots boasting spectacular waterfalls, drawing attention from Instagrammers and YouTubers alike in recent years.

Amboli is also the source where the River Krishna originates and there’s a Shiva temple where you can see its source.

Sightseeing at Amboli

Discover different viewpoints while overlooking the Konkan coast and travel around to visit few interesting places like:

Mahadevgad (2.5 km from Amboli)

Amboli offers plenty of view points to admire the entre valley and every season offers a diffrent view. From Mahadevgad point, you can get a glimpse of the ruins of the twin forts: Manohar Fort and Santosh Gad. The sunset here is a mesmerising experience.

Kavlesad Point

This is a unique place with a reverse waterfall (which is actually the cold mists from the falls that get splashed upwards due to the wind forces!) and one needs to see it to believe it. And no visit to Amboli can be completed without getting to Kavlesad Point or Kavala Shet, as it is locally known.

The place is also referred as Kawaleshet Valley and here you can hear the echo of your voice crystal clear!

Shirgaonkar Point (2.5 km from Amboli)

The winding roads here are a delight. Monsoons are fun as the entire valley is lush green with misty clouds and amazing winds. This point if quite popular to some seasonal birds too.

Hiranyakeshi Temple (5 km from Amboli)

This is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place has a serene and peaceful environment, and interestingly, out of the 7 ponds situated here, only one gets sunlight!

There is a cave out of which the River Hiranyakeshi originates, but no one has yet explored the inside sanctum, and it is still a mystery. Some also believe that there are 108 hidden Shiva temples in the area but only a few have been found.

Nangarta Falls (10 kms from Amboli)

The Nangarta Falls drop into a narrow ravine with a deep and mysterious sound! The falls are located on your way if you are coming from Pune or Mumbai. A quick turn and you can find a designated viewing platform and a bridge which allows you to safely admire its beauty and take pictures.

Shopping At Amboli

Sawantwadi and Sindhudurh area is famous for its wooden toys and pack of cards known as Ganjifa. Ganjifa was introduced by the Mughals and the pack has 120 cards with each one painted in intricate paintings.

You can also find numerous shops selling a huge variety of the famous Kolhapuri chappal. And don’t forget to purchase some cashews and forest honey!

Explore more nearby

With extra days at hand, you may travel and explore more nearby and visit the following places:

Vengurla (54 km from Amboli)

Vengurla is a popular beach destination.  For more details on this beach town, read my travel blog at https://gotraveltrek.com/2015/06/01/vengurla-maharastra

Tarkarli (78 km from Amboli)

Perfect weekend to enjoy beaches, forts and temples. MTDC also have houseboats here that are quite popular among tourists and offer a great place to stay.

From here, you can visit and see the Sindhudurg Fort that stands on a rocky island of Kurte, Malvan region. Also see the Devbag Sangam and the Karli River backwaters that meet up the Arabian Sea. There are ever boat rides available that are fun.

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (106 km from Amboli and 282 km from Pune)

It was earlier known as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary and was the 1st wildlife sanctuary declared in the state of Maharashtra in the year 1958. The sanctuary is popular for the massive population of ‘Bison’. Best Time to Visit: October to March.

Location & Distance Guide

Sawantwadi (Train Stop): 31 Kms
Belgaum (also the nearest airport): 68 km
Panjim: 80 km
Goa: 118 Km
Tarkali: 78 Km
Vengurla: 54 Km
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary: 106 km
Kolhapur: 128 km
Pune: 369 km
Mumbai: 507 km

Stay Options

I would highly recommend visiting https://www.stayvista.com that offer a range of stay options in nearby towns for a perfect trip.

Recommendation for homestays

Nisarg Family Resort is owned & managed by Rucha and Deepa, a Konkan couple who are passionate about their culture, and that comes through in the way they take care of their guests. The place offers 8 deluxe rooms equipped with all modern facilities and a 24-hour room service.

Maachli: Nestled between a lovely tropical forest, beetle nut and coconut trees, Maachli reflects village life with abundant natural beauty all around. It is located just a 12-hour drive from Mumbai and 8 hours from Pune, and is a perfect getaway over a long weekend!

Amboli Nature Camp: The Amboli Nature Camp offers unlimited opportunities to explore this untouched, beautiful area, and Yuvashakti takes care of safety measures, adventure activities and excellent food.

Yoga Republic: the place offers a stay and camping option in the middle of the jungle at Amboli. They focus on teaching traditional Satyananda Yoga
Distance from Goa Airport: 120 km/2 hr drive.

Pug Marks Camps: is a premier Adventure and Wildlife Travel Company conducting camping and adventure activities across states in India.

Sivananda Yoga Vidya Peetham: runs a yoga camp at the Green Valley Resort in Amboli.

Other Blogs to read before travelling to Amboli

Treks and travels by Aravind GJ
amitabhagupta.wordpress.com by Amitabha Gupta
tharobster.wordpress.com gives you full insight into the place and viewpoints.