Amboli is a well-known hill station nestled in the Maharashtra state of India. At a height and altitude of 690 meters, it is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa and relatively unexplored one. It is situated in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India, one of the world`s "Eco Hot-Spots" and it therefore is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Amboli remains pleasant all around the year as it receives the highest rainfall in Maharashtra. Owing to this characteristic, tourists from varied distant places visit this hill station.
Historical Significance of Amboli
According to history, the Amboli village came into existence as one of the staging posts along the road from Vengurla port to the city of Belgaum, which was extensively used by the British to supply their garrisons in south and central India. The hills of Amboli village also provide one of the sources of the Krishna River (The Ganges of South India) and an ancient temple of Lord Shiva (called Hiranyakeshi) exists at the cave where the water emerges. It is also believed that there are 108 temples of Lord Shiva in and around Amboli of which only a dozen have been uncovered, one as recently as 2005.
Nearest Cities of Amboli
The nearest cities of Amboli are Sawantwadi, Kolhapur, Sangli, Belgaum, Pernem, Gadhinglaj, Sankeshwar, Ajara, Chandgad, Gargoti, and Gokak.
Tourist Attractions of Amboli
The incredibly high rainfall and the plentiful waterfalls and mist during the monsoons are the main attractions of Amboli. Other tourist destinations are Nangarta Falls, Kavleshet Point, Maruti Mandir, Mahadev Gad, Sunset Point, and Shirgaonkar Point.
Nangarta Falls is a narrow ravine into which the water flows from a height of over 40 feet. Kavleshet Point offers wonderful views of valley. Maruti Mandir enshrines Lord Ganesh and Rama. Mahadev Gad too provides excellent valley views.
Connectivity to Amboli
Amboli is well connected via railway, roadway and airway. The closest railheads are Sawantwadi Railway Station, Pernem Railway Station, Belgaum Railway Station, Kolhapur Railway Station and Miraj Railway Station. The road connectivity of Amboli links it with all the surrounding cities. The nearest airport is at Belgaum, about 1.5 hours drive away. A new airport is expected to come up in north Goa shortly.
