Amboli Ghat waterfall

About:

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Amboli Ghat, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats, is often referred to as the "Queen of Maharashtra." Known for its lush greenery, mist-covered mountains, and spectacular waterfalls, Amboli's history is deeply rooted in its ecological significance. The region was historically a crucial point on the trade routes connecting the Konkan coast to the Deccan plateau. During the British colonial period, Amboli became a favored destination for officials and visitors, who were enchanted by its cool climate and scenic beauty. The Amboli Ghat Waterfall, in particular, is renowned for its breathtaking appearance during the monsoon season, drawing visitors from across the country.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Visit the Amboli Waterfalls: One of the main attractions in the region, especially during the monsoon season. The powerful waterfall cascading down amidst lush greenery is a sight to behold.
• Trek through the Misty Forests: Explore the beautiful forest trails around Amboli Ghat. The mist-covered trees and rich biodiversity make trekking here an enchanting experience.
• Spot Unique Flora and Fauna: Amboli Ghat is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. If you're lucky, you might spot rare species of frogs, birds, and butterflies.
• Explore the Madhavgad Fort: A short hike from Amboli, this fort offers stunning panoramic views of the Konkan coast and surrounding landscapes. It’s a great spot for history lovers and photographers alike.
• Enjoy Birdwatching: Amboli is a paradise for birdwatchers. The region is home to numerous species of birds, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
• Sunset Point: Visit the Sunset Point in Amboli to witness a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the hills and valleys.
• Visit Hiranyakeshi Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is located near the source of the Hiranyakeshi River. A peaceful place for meditation and spirituality.

Interesting things to Visit:

Mahadevgad:
When driving towards Amboli ghat from Sawantwadi one feels bashed by exotic beauty of pleasing green hills in low lying areas which are visible at every turn. At the top there are view points such as Purvicha Vas, Mahadevgad point, Manohargad- Manasantoshgad point, Shirgaonkar point, Kawalesat
point all these points offer birds eye view of picturesque terrains below.

Sunset Point :

In the evening sunset turns horizon into shades of orange, red and pink before being extinguished into deep blue waters of Arabian sea.

Nagartas Waterfall :

For waterfall lovers this roaring beauty is just 9 k.m. away.

Hiranykeshi:

Scenic place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva where pilgrims gather in large numbers during Mahashivratri. The Hiranykeshi river originates from mountain rock and flows down from this place. You can spend hours angling for fish in its proceedings stream. 5.5 Km away from Amboli

Adventure Caving :

Exploring this cave besides Shivlinga is a challenge for adventure sport lovers. Cave is estimated to be 300 mts. long. Lot of obstructions such as black out, biting fish, mud, dangerous Jalwa's which suck human blood and confined air come in the way when one enters inside through its narrow winding path. There are seven ponds inside. Surprisingly sunlight appears in the last pond, secret of light's source is not discovered yet. A huge throne inside is also a misty. Credit goes to group of adventure loving youngsters, who discovered these facts in January 1981.

Botanical Garden :

This historic garden is a precious treasure of Amboli.Here you can open- mindedly roam in the woods for joy and pleasure. Vanbhojan,the picnic out in the woods with family or friends will make your movement truly enchanting one.

Karvi:
This tree flowers once in a seven years. When it blossoms it adds to the beauty of Amboli mountain range.

Mobile Range Info:

Amboli Ghat, being a remote location in the Western Ghats, often experiences weak or inconsistent mobile network coverage. Here’s a breakdown of the mobile service providers:

• Jio: Offers decent coverage in the town areas of Amboli Ghat. However, the signal strength weakens as you approach the waterfall or enter dense forest regions. It is recommended to use offline services in such areas.
• Airtel: Similar to Jio, Airtel provides reliable coverage in and around the main town, but it becomes unreliable in more remote or forested areas. Tourists should prepare for potential connectivity loss while exploring.
• BSNL: Known for wider coverage in rural and remote areas, BSNL may offer slightly better reception compared to other networks in certain parts of Amboli Ghat. Despite this, network consistency can still be a challenge in dense regions.
• Vi (Vodafone-Idea): Vi provides partial coverage, mostly around the town. However, it experiences connectivity issues similar to other providers in remote or hilly areas around the waterfall and forest regions.

It is recommended to carry offline maps and inform someone about your travel plans, as signal strength is likely to be weak or absent in deeper parts of the Ghat, especially near the waterfall.

How to Reach Amboli Ghat Waterfall:

By Air: The nearest airport to Amboli Ghat is Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport), located approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Amboli.

By Train: The closest railway station is Sawantwadi Road Railway Station, situated around 30 kilometers from Amboli. Trains from major cities like Mumbai and Goa stop at this station. From here, you can hire a taxi or take local transport to reach Amboli Ghat.

By Road: Amboli Ghat is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. You can take a bus or drive from cities like Pune (348 km), Mumbai (490 km), and Goa (90 km). Private taxis or buses are available from nearby towns such as Sawantwadi and Belgaum to Amboli.

By Bus: Several state-run and private buses operate from major cities like Pune, Mumbai, Goa, and Belgaum to Amboli. The bus service is regular and affordable, making it a convenient option for travelers.

By Car: If you're traveling by car, Amboli Ghat is accessible via the NH-66 or the NH-548 routes, which connect Goa and Maharashtra. The scenic drive through the Western Ghats is an added bonus for road travelers.

Nearest Visiting places:

• Parikshit Point (2.5 Km)
• Mahadev Gad (3.0 Km)
• Kawaleshet valley (10.0 Km)
• Shirgaonkar Point (3.0 Km)
• Hiranyakeshi River ( 6 Km )
• Nangartas Waterfall (10Km)
• Sunset Point 1.5 Km
• Amboli Dam
• Nenewadi Cave

Nearest Petrol Pump:

The nearest petrol pump to Amboli Ghat Waterfall is located in Sawantwadi, around 30 kilometers away. There are several fuel stations along the way, including:

• HP Petrol Pump, Sawantwadi: A well-maintained fuel station offering petrol, diesel, and basic car services.
• Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Sawantwadi: Another nearby fuel station with good amenities and services for travelers.
• Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump, Amboli Road: Situated on the main road leading to Amboli Ghat, this is the closest option for refueling before reaching the Ghat area.

It is advisable to refuel your vehicle in Sawantwadi or nearby towns before heading towards Amboli Ghat, as there are limited fuel stations once you enter the forested areas.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation Near Amboli Ghat Waterfall:

Amboli offers a range of accommodations, from budget lodges to mid-range hotels. Here are some popular options:

• Whistling Woods Resort: A serene resort located near the waterfalls, offering comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding forests. Ideal for families and nature lovers.
• Amboli Hill Resort: A budget-friendly hotel with basic amenities. Located close to the main attractions, it’s a good option for travelers looking for affordability.
• Green Valley Resort: A mid-range resort featuring spacious rooms, an in-house restaurant, and proximity to the waterfalls. Perfect for a peaceful stay.
• MTDC Amboli Resort: This Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation resort offers budget-friendly rooms and is located in the heart of Amboli. It’s one of the most popular government-run accommodations.
• Hotel Sailee: A small hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. It’s situated near Amboli Ghat and is ideal for a short stay.

It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the monsoon season, as Amboli Ghat attracts many tourists during this time.

Things to Carry:

When visiting Amboli Ghat Waterfall, it's important to pack appropriately, especially if you plan to explore the area during the monsoon season. Here are some essential items to carry:

• Raincoat or Umbrella: The region experiences heavy rainfall, so it's important to have rain protection.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear non-slip, waterproof shoes for trekking and walking around the waterfalls and trails.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re planning long treks in the area.
• Snacks: Pack some light snacks for the journey as there are limited food options near the waterfall.
• Camera: Amboli Ghat is known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Don't forget to carry a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
• Power Bank: Since mobile network signals can be weak, carry a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged in case of emergencies.
• Offline Maps: Mobile connectivity may be limited, so having an offline map of the region is recommended.
• Insect Repellent: The forested area can have mosquitoes and other insects, especially during the monsoon.
• Personal Medications: If you have any medical conditions, carry your necessary medicines and a basic first-aid kit.
• Light Jacket or Sweater: The weather can get cool, especially in the evening, so it's good to have something warm.

Tips & Suggestions:

Here are some useful tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your visit to Amboli Ghat Waterfall:

• Visit During Monsoon: The best time to visit Amboli Ghat Waterfall is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfall is at its full glory. However, the terrain can be slippery, so exercise caution.
• Wear Proper Footwear: The area around the waterfall can get muddy and slippery during the rains. It’s essential to wear waterproof, non-slip shoes for better traction.
• Avoid Littering: Amboli Ghat is an ecologically sensitive area. Please ensure you dispose of trash properly or carry it with you to maintain the beauty of the region.
• Carry Cash: Since Amboli is a small town, not all places may accept card payments, and there are limited ATMs. Make sure to carry enough cash for local expenses.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, especially if you plan on trekking or exploring the trails. There are limited shops near the waterfall itself.
• Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Mobile networks can be unreliable in and around Amboli Ghat, so download offline maps and make any necessary calls before you enter the area.
• Respect Wildlife: Amboli is home to various species of flora and fauna. Avoid disturbing the wildlife and stay on designated paths to prevent harm to the environment.
• Book Accommodation in Advance: Amboli is a popular destination during the monsoon season, so it’s advisable to book hotels or lodges well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
• Explore Nearby Attractions: While visiting Amboli Ghat, make time to explore other nearby attractions such as Madhavgad Fort, Hiranyakeshi Temple, and Sunset Point.
• Start Early: To make the most of your visit, start early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

Help Line/Phone Number:

If you need assistance during your visit to Amboli Ghat Waterfall, here are some important helpline and emergency contact numbers:

• Amboli Police Station: +91-2363-240233
• Ambulance Services: 108 (Emergency Medical Services)
• Forest Department (Amboli): +91-2363-240130
• Tourist Information Center: +91-2363-240235
• Local Taxi Service: +91-2363-240123
• Nearest Hospital (Sawantwadi Civil Hospital): +91-2363-272441

It is recommended to save these numbers in case of emergencies. Since mobile network coverage can be limited, ensure that you have access to these numbers offline.