Amboli Ghat: Maharashtra’s Serene Gem

Located on the border between Goa and Maharashtra, within the scenic Sindhudurg district, Amboli emerges as an idyllic retreat, particularly during the monsoon season, yet equally charming for a weekend picnic excursion throughout the year. 

Amboli was declared a Hill Station in the early 1880s, and at just 690 meters above sea level, it is breathlessly beautiful.

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 completely, and the short tea break was kind of prolonged for a few more hours exploring this beautiful 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.

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 the surroundings may be 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:

Kavlesad Point: is a unique place that has 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!

Mahadevgad is 2.5 km from Amboli and offers panoramic views of the valley. From here, one can also get a glimpse of the ruins of the twin forts: Manohar Fort and Santosh Gad. The sunset here is a mesmerising experience.

Don’t miss viewing the sunrise here at Sunrise Point at Mahadevgad.

Shirgaonkar Point is 2.5 km away, and the winding roads are a delight. Monsoons are fun as the entire valley is lush green with misty clouds and amazing winds…carry a picnic basket and enjoy the sunset.

Hiranyakeshi Temple at Amboli has 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 none has yet explored the inside sanctum, and it is still a mystery.

Nangartas Falls: are 10 kms away from Amboli and fall on your way as you come from Pune or Mumbai. A quick right turn takes you to a small brigde from where the falls can be viewed. The Nangartas Falls drop into a narrow ravine with a deep and mysterious sound!

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) is a famous beach destination.  For more details on this beach town, read more at https://gotraveltrek.com/2015/06/01/vengurla-maharastra

Tarkarli is 78 km away and a place known for 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 is just 1o6 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): 30 Kms

Belgaum (also the nearest airport): 69.4 km
Goa: 118 Km
Tarkali: 78 Km
Vengurla: 54 Km
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary: 106 km
Pune: 369 km
Mumbai: 507 km

Homestays in Sawantwadi

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. Pls connect with them for Tariffs.

Dwarka Homestay: Literally a home away from home, this home-stay offers comfortable living amidst a self-sufficient working farm. Surrounded by an orchard full of mangoes, coconut & cashew, the food is homemade, and the dairy farm experience is worth a visit in your lifetime.

Maachli: Nestled between 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!

Nandan Farms:

Do you know Amboli is frequently visited by International Hang gliders for adventure sports due to the place’s windy air currents?

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.
Fees: Rs. 3,800/- per participant. Click for Local Trek Schedule. The above fees include the entire transportation from Pune to Pune by special bus, accommodation at the rest house/tents, veg. meals, expert charges, and all entry fees, etc.

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.