HILL STATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

Those curvacious craggy ranges that lying along the coast of Maharashtra, the western ghats, are the home of several little known, but charming hill stations. In fact, they almost belong to the colonial era, when people traveled up to these stations to escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of that old world charm and would make for an ideal holiday even if it be only on the weekend.

As varied as the different parts of the state, the hill resorts in Maharashtra offer a secluded sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing the visitor to explore their natural scenic beauty. They are ideal spots for an invigorating holiday.

Sr.	Hill Station	Location	Detailed Info
1	Mahabaleshwar	Satara	Click Here
2	Lonavala Khandala	Pune	Click Here
3	Kamshet	Pune	Click Here
4	Matheran	Raigad	Click Here
5	Amboli	Sindhudurga	Click Here
6	Panchgani	Satara	Click Here
7	Chikhaldara	Amravati	Click Here
8	Bhandardara	Ahmednagar	Click Here
9	Jawhar	Thane	Click Here
10	Toranmal	Dhule	Click Here
11	Mhaismal	Aurangabad	Click Here
12	Malshej Ghat	Pune	Click Here

KAMSHET

Kamshet is a popular hill station located in the state of Maharashtra. The village Kamshet is 16 kilometers ahead of the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. The place is known for its beautiful scenic view.

Tourist Attractions

There are several attractions in Kamshet which are worth seeing. The Kondeshwar Temple dedicated to Hindus God Shiva is a beautiful place of worship is located at Pohara near to Kamshet. Thousands of devotees come to visit this temple at the time of Mahashivratri. The town are also credited with many ancient Caves and Temples. Some of the popular ones are the Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa Caves. The Vadavali Lake is the popular picnic spot of the town where you can enjoy boating. Paragliding is one of the prime attraction in Kamshet. Every year the town organizes Paragliding competitions. These competitions attract the thousands of participants as well as the viewers from all over the world. There are numerous paragliding schools for the beginners in Kamshet.

Best time to visit Kamshet

October to May (Summer 22°C to 40°C; Winter 12°C to 33°C)

Hotels in Kamshet

The locals offer a warm welcome to the tourists. There are several hotels and resorts which offers comfortable rooms and delicious food to the tourists.

Nirvana Base Camp (+91-2114-266187) Min. Tariff - INR 1500/-
Paragliding Ashram (+91-2114-266122) Min. Tariff - INR 2400/
Native Place (+91-2114-286007) Min. Tariff - INR 3400/-

How to reach Kamshet

To travel to this beautiful place you can use cab or bus service either from the Pune Airport or from the Mumbai Airport.

Nearest Railway Station - Lonavala Railway Station. From Lonavala Railway Station to Kamshet is about 16 Kilometers and it costs approximately INR 300/- by cab.

TORANMAL

Toranmal Map

Toranmal is a beautiful and peaceful hill station tucked in the Satpuda mountains at an altitude of 1461 meters from sea level in Dhule District. Formerly it was the capital of Mandu Dynasty. The Hill Station gets its name from tree “Torna” which grows prolifically.

Sunset Point at Toranmal offers heart stopping views of Satpuda ranges and their peaks. Sita Khai Point offers a breathtaking view of deep valleys.

Other important places nearby are the Yashwant Lake, Lotus Lake, Coffee Garden, Macchindra Cave, Torna Devi Temple (the goddess of Torna Tree), and the Gorakhnath Temple. The Yashwant lake is very serene and has good boating facilities.

The State Transport (ST) buses ply from Dhule, Nandurbar and Shahada to Toranmal.

Accommodation Toranmal

Goraksha Kuti (Rest House of Forest Department) #02565-223485 [Tariff : Rs.400/-]

Climate Toranmal

Tropical

Best time to visit Toranmal

During Winter (October to January)

Nearest Railway Station

Nandurbar Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Vadodara Airport (Code: BDQ/VABO)

Distance

Nandurbar to Toranmal – 92 kilometers (By Road)
Vadodara Airport to Toranmal – 273 Kilometers (By Road)

MHAISMAL

Mhaismal, a small and charming hill station, is 39 kilometers north of Aurangabad City is nearest from Khuldabad or Ellora Caves. It is at the height of 1067 meters in the Sahyadri ranges. Girija Bhavani Temple here is very famous and the devotees in thousands throng here regularly. A fair is held on every Chaitra Pournima.

Gorakhnath Cave in the vicinity of Mhaismal is known to be a holy place where Gorakhnath, one of the nine naths, had performed penance in this cave.

There are regular State Transport buses from Aurangabad for Mhaismal. Khuldabad is 12 kilometers away from Mhaismal while Ellora Caves and Ghrishneshwar Temple are 7 kilometers.

Climate

Cool Breezy

Best Time to Visit

During Monsoon (June to September)

Accommodation

Hotel Panchavati (0240-2328755)

Nearest Railway Station

Aurangabad Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Chikkalthana Airport (IXU)

Distance

Aurangabad City to Mhaismal – 39 Kilometers

Nearby Holy Places

Girija Bhavani Temple, Balaji Temple, Ghrishneshwar Temple, Gorakhnath Cave, Shri Bhadra Maruti Temple

Photos - Mhaismal

Girija Mata

Shri Bhadra Maruti

PANHALA

Panhala Fort

The sprawling complex of Panhala fort has a bracing weather of a hill station. Only 18 kilometers from Kolhapur City, Panhala on a height 977 meters above sea level, is both historical and scenic in its appeal. It is redolent with the memories of Shivaji Maharaj who as besieged here by the forces of Siddi Johar and is reported to have effected an epic escape from his clutches to Vishalgad.

Built by Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1500 AD and known as ‘Sajja Kothi’, it is right on the edge of a precipice commanding a magnificent panorama.

Legend reputes Panhala’s origin to the times of Rishi Parashar. In modern history it was Bhoja-II of the great Silahara dynasty who made it the seat of his government in 1190 AD. Panhala was also held successively by the Yadavas and Bahmani Kings and others.

Well laid out, Panhala, with its red soil and salubrious climate, has several ancient ruins and monuments, including the Teen Darwaza, which has an inscription dating back to 954 AD; Wagh Darwaza, the Amberkhana or granary which used to contain 25,000 khandis of corn. There are many viewpoints, fine walks with hike and several places of excursions like Jyotiba with its picturesque ancient temples, to the adjoining plateau of Redegadh and other places.

From Panhala an excursion is also possible to the pass of Pawankhind where Baji Prabhu, Shivaji’s gallant general sacrificed his life to cover the escape of his chief to Vishalgad. Fifty two kilometers away from it is the wildlife sanctuary of Radhanagari.

Nearest Railway Station : Kolhapur

Photo Gallery

Panhala Map

Panhala History

JAWHAR

Beyond Dahanu, which is a beautiful sea beach and land of flower and fruit, is Jawhar. Jawhar is known as Mahabaleshwar of Thane district. This aptly gives the idea of Jawhar and its beauty. Jawhar is a tribal area mostly habited by Warli tribes. It is at the height of 500 meters from sea level and is reached by picturesque woodland way. There are several view points commanding panoramic scenery. Also in the vicinity are small hill stations Mokhada, Suryamal. During monsoon many tourists are attracted here to see the greenery and the beauty of waterfalls.

Worth seeing places in Jawhar are, King’s Palace, Jai-Vilas Palace, Dadar Copra fall, Hanuman Point, Sunset Point, Bhupatgad etc. Shirpmal is a historic place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once had camped during his Surat campaign and had negotiated with the Adivasi King of Jawhar. Warlis here acclaimed for their craft and art. Accommodation facilities are provided by M.T.D.C. It has as excellent circuit house, formerly the Maharaja’s guest house. Jawhar is full of jungle and gentle air, not too cold, not too hot at any time of the year.

BHANDARDARA

Bhandardara

Bhandardara, a holiday resort village, is located on the western coast in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Standing at a height of 750 meters Bhandardara is a location of India’s one of the rare dams at high altitude, the Wilson Dam. It is also the largest earthen dam in the country.

Bhandardara is also the location of Lake Arthur, Country’s one of largest and loveliest lake and boasts of the highest peak in Maharashtra State, Mt. Kalsubai, 1646 meters from the sea level.

After sailing few kilometers in the interior, one comes across 1200 years old temple of Amruteshwar, which has beautiful carvings. Carrier birds have been known to immigrate to this area all the way from Siberia.

Bhandardara has the additional beauty of having a circular colourful garden at the foot of the dam over the sides of which the water rushing from the sluice gates from charming cascades.

From Bhandardara the beauteous Randha falls, formed by the flow of the water of the lake are few kilometers away. The Ratangad fort and Mt. Kalsubai could be climbed from Bhandardara as well.

Many people visit Bhandardara, but very few view the sheer beauty spot of Ghatghar. Much off the beaten track, right in the heart of the hills, deep into the forest. Ghatghar is situated above the Bhandardara lake, along most picturesque and best road starting from near Bhandardara, flanked by high hills and forts all around and views of the Arthur hill lake, overlooks three districts – Ahmednagar, Nashik and Thane.

Places of Interest

Amruteshwar Temple, Wilson Dam, Ratangad Fort, Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Ghatghar, Mount Kalsubai, Anandvan Resort, Agasti Rishi Ashram

Accommodation Bhandardara

MTDC Resorts - Toll Free Number - 1800-229930; # 02424-257032

Best Time to Visit Bhandardara

During Monsoon (June-September)
Peak Season : November to April

How to reach Bhandardara

Nearest Airport : Mumbai Airport (BOM)
[Mumbai Airport to Bhandardara - Distance : 166 Kilometers (By Road)]

Nearest Railway Station : Igatpuri (C.R.)

Photo Gallery

CHIKHALDARA

Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara, situated in the satpura mountain at a height of 1118 meters is a green hill station, a beauty of colorful birds and animals. It is delightfully cool, naturally beautiful and historically significant place for tourist.

For the tourist’s pleasure and enjoyment, there are splendid view points, lovely walks and drives, lakes and waterfalls, flora and fauna, colorful gardens.

In the epic Mahabharat, Bheema killed Kichaka and threw him into the valley, hence the name Chikhaldara, or Kichak Dara, the valley of Kichak. There is Bhimkund where Bheema took a bath after slaying Kichak. Chikhaldara is also a rich heritage in tribal culture – of the Korkus, Madia, Gonda etc. One is enchanted by their colorful dances, their sense of rhythm, their unusual musical instruments.

The interesting excursions from here are Botanical garden, Shakkar lake etc. The Nilmar and Mahadeo hills with their wooded valleys are visible from some of the points. To the south there is a panorama of the Berar plains and the Bela Ghat. For climbers also Chikhaldara provides ample scope. Nearby is well known tiger project of Melghat.

There is the imposing Gavilgad Fort, built way back in the 11th Century. The fort ramparts and embankments, tottering here and there, but still standing, defiant of the ravages of time, command a vast area and its four gates overlook strategic positions, now militarily meaningless, but still aesthetically attractive.

Places of Interest

Bhimkund, Shakkar Lake, Gavilgad Fort, Forest Gardens, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point, Semadoh Lake,

Accommodation

MTDC Resorts - Contact Numbers - Sunita-09892112411 / 09892917917

Best Time to Visit Chikhaldara

October to June

Nearest Airport to Chikhaldara

Akola Airport (also known as Shivani Airport) (AKD)

Distance

Akola Airport to Chikhaldara - 150 Kilometers

Nearest Railway Station

Badnera (C.R.) Amravati

Distance

Badnera to Chikhaldara – 95 Kms. (By Road)
Mumbai to Badnera – 678 kms. (By Road)

Photo Gallery

Chikhaldara

Beautiful Surrounding - Chikhaldara

AMBOLI

Amboli

Amboli at an altitude of 690 meters in the southern ranges of Sahyadri is well known for lush hills and dense forests. It is 32 kilometers from Sawantwadi, a former state in British rule where the palace of the Sawantwadi ruler is situated.

Numeric view points of Amboli offer panoramic vistas of the lush hills and fertile plains. Sea view point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast.

The climate at Amboli is cool and refreshing. It is ideal for a quiet holiday. Hiranyakeshi river offers hours of fun for a joyride. Nagartala fall, 10 kilometers away from Amboli, Mahadeogad, Manohargad are perfect places for picnicking.

The forest here is best for hunting.  This hill station is nearest to Goa and south Konkan. There are buses going via Amboli from Belgaum, Sawantwadi, Vengurla.

Best Time to Visit

During Winter (October to January)
* Avoid During monsoon... as hilly place with high rainfalls

Accommodation

Green Valley Resort # 02363-240236 / 240239
[Tariff : Rs.900/- to Rs.2000/-; Extra Guest Charges - Rs.200/- per person]

Nearest Railway Station

Sawantwadi (Konkan Railway)

Distance

Mumbai to Amboli - 494 Kilometers (By Road) Via NH4
Sawantwadi to Amboli - 32 Kilometers

Amboli Photos

PANCHGANI

Surrounded by five hills is a place called Panchgani - the beautiful hill station just 18 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar. Its atmosphere is temperate throughout the year. It has wonderful scenery of mountains and valleys from many points. Panchgani has several sanatoria for convalescents and several hotels and boarding houses.

A drive that swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart-stopping views of the river Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other. The walkways are thickly canopied by deciduous trees and gaze endlessly at the river Krishna, snaking through by hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of meters below.

The table land here is a flat mountain peak, the location for many a love-song from Hindi films. At Panchgani the symbiotic co-existence of some species of trees is amazing, such as pines from France, plums from Scotland, grapes from Boston, Cinchona from Ootacamund, Mangoes from Ratnagiri.

Accommodation

Prospect Hotel # 09422 442299
[Tariff : Per Person Rs.3000/-; Child (Age  4 to 10) Rs.1500/-]
* Tariff includes Bed Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Dinner (Veg/Non Veg.)
* Accommodation on twin sharing basis

Nearest Railway Station

Wathar Railway Station

Distance

Wathar Railway Station to Panchgani - 45 Kilometers (By Road)
Mumbai - Panchgani - 250 kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way and NH4