Amboli: Of Waterfalls & Wildlife...

For all those travel enthusiasts not keen to venture too far (here we mean out of the country), there¡¯s a delightful destination tucked away in the Sahyadri hills -- in the South of Maharashtra. And which is easily accessible from Goa.

We are talking about Amboli, a hidden gem where lush greenery, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls come together to create a perfect haven. What's more, the perfect time to visit it is now -- during the monsoon.

Purnima Sharma

Discovered by the British, this charming hill station often gets overshadowed by its more famous counterparts like Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar. And just as well ¨C for, that¡¯s what makes Amboli special and keeps it away from the swelling crowds that seem to throng most of the other such popular destinations.

As we wind our way up the smooth roads of the Konkan region from our hotel in Sawantwadi, the air starts to feel cooler and crisper. And indeed, the views get more and more breathtaking with every turn revealing a new panorama of mist-kissed valleys and thick forests.

Purnima Sharma

One of the highlights of Amboli is its waterfalls which are indeed a sight to behold. Let me start with the smaller ones ¨C delightful streams gushing down -- that dot the mountainscape during the monsoon. But the piece de resistance is the captivating Amboli waterfall that compels you to stop for a while to admire its beauty. To say that this waterfall coming down from a height of almost 400 ft creates a mesmerizing spectacle would be an understatement. For those wanting an up, close, and personal experience with the cool waters, there are steps on the right side, complete with handrails, for safety.

Purnima Sharma

However, a small suggestion for the keen visitor here ¨C time your visit in such a way that you get there in the early hours -- before the crowds swarm in and youngsters hog most of the space available for selfies.

Purnima Sharma

A little ahead, lies Kavalshet, a picnic spot that offers beautiful views of the valley. Pick up a bhutta and as you enjoy its desi, organic taste, find yourself a good place to enjoy the views of the gossamer-like mist that seems to float over the landscape like a magical cloak. If it allows, you might be treated to the reverse waterfall that happens when strong winds carry sprays of water upwards. Monsoon time is also when you might find the sky splashed with hues of orange, pink, grey, and purple, creating a canvas that shall remain etched in your memory for a long time.

Purnima Sharma

For wildlife enthusiasts, the rain-soaked UNESCO World Heritage Site -- regarded as one of the world¡¯s best eco hotspots offers a variety of endemic species of plants and animals.

Very often, we hear of the discovery of new species of amphibians and reptiles such as the recent finds -- frog species, Minervarya Pentali, and the 'Sahyadriophis' genus, a new kind of snake. The list could go on...

For those interested, even night tours ¨C since many of the species are nocturnal -- are organized by experts.

Purnima Sharma

Besides the ancient Bhagvathi temple that stands next to a huge dam that people also pray to, a visit to the Sawantwadi Palace is also a must.

Purnima Sharma

Standing as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region, this palace has an aura that transports you back to the era of maharajas and their opulent lifestyles.

We meet the affable Raja Bahadur Khem Sawant Bhonsle and his elegant wife Shubadhadevi who tell us that they are 18th-generation royals.

Purnima Sharma

Their ancestors (belonging to one of the intrepid warrior tribes from Rajasthan) came here in the 15th century from Udaipur. The Bijapur rulers, impressed by the fighting spirit, valour and sacrifice of the Rajputs, gave them land and territories and settled them here. The present Raja Bahadur has now converted part of his six-acre property into a museum that offers a dekko into the erstwhile lifestyle of his royal family and, another into a hotel.

Purnima Sharma

So, a few relaxed days spent in the scenic environs of the Western Ghats, with trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife expeditions thrown in for good measure make Amboli a must on every tourist itinerary.

The writer is a senior travel journalist.