Monsoons in Maharashtra are best experienced when one travels from hilly roads interspersed with dense hard-to-see fog & tiny-to-mammoth sized roadside waterfalls! A cup of hot steaming tea in the Ghats accompanied with hot fried pakoras (locally known as bhajia) sets the mood for a perfect vacation!

Amboli in Sindhudurg, Konkan is the best getaway to enjoy the vagaries of the monsoons! Set amidst a cascade of hilly Sahyadri ranges, Amboli hill station is still a rare destination on the tourist map.

Amboli is well known among environmental researchers, biologists & nature lovers for its rich biodiversity of flora & fauna. The ample rainfall which this place receives is the reason for its dense forests & lush green landscapes. Tourists can also witness rare species of birds, butterflies, snakes & even frogs in these marshy lands!

Amboli is also known as the land of waterfalls & travelers can enjoy their stay by indulging in some thrilling waterfall adventures. Those who are religiously inclined must visit the ancient Shiva temple – Hiranyakeshwar.  The temple is said to be the source of the Hiranyakeshi River which flows through the hilly slopes of the Amboli village.

Best sightseeing places around Amboli are:

1. Amboli Falls

Set at close proximity from the village, the Amboli Falls are must visit. With gurgling water gushing down the jet black rocky slopes, it is a sight to behold.

2. Shirgaonkar point

This is a high vantage sightseeing point which provides panoramic views of the valleys & dense forests. Best views are in the monsoons when you see clouds floating by below in the hilly ranges.

3. Madhavgad 

The ruins of this historic fort are situated nearby. Although the fortress has long back fallen, the views from atop are mesmerising.

4. Hiranyakeshi Temple

An ancient Shiva temple, it is frequently visited & worshipped by locals & tourists alike.

5. Nangarta Falls

A narrow gorge waterfall of about 40 feet height, Nangarta falls are steep but thrilling to view from the top.
If you are looking to spend the weekend in a silence only disturbed by the chirping of birds & the gurgling of water creeks, then Amboli is the perfect destination for your weekend getaway! Relax in the fresh air & damp green surrounding this place has to offer & you will return back to the grind of the city fully refreshed!

How to get there:

Being on the borders of three states – Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka, Amboli is easily accessible by road as well as rail from many towns in all these states. Taxis, private jeeps & state transport buses also frequently ply on the route are great for budget travellers. Nearest railway station is Sawantwadi Road & nearest airport is Dabolim Goa.

Where to stay:

Amboli being a small village town has many farmstay options. You can explore these as it lets you get a flavour of the local’s lifestyle & further helps in preserving the ecosystem of the areas.

Farmstays around Amboli are the best option as the hosts are open to letting you discover the simple pleasures of a village life while staying in the most rustic & scenic locales.

Another must try is the open fire cooked food from the farm’s kitchen. Volunteer to do some daily chores for the locals like drawing water from the well, collecting firewood or making rotis on the chulha & experience the pleasures of agro-tourism which Amboli has in abundance to offer. So let’s plan this monsoon weekend getaway to Amboli and drench in the monsoon fun at Farmstay.

Best time to visit:

Monsoons are the best time to visit as the splendor of the place lies in its tiny creeks & mighty waterfalls!