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Amboli :
In the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills ,the picturesqeue Amboli is at an altitude of 690 m ,Amboli has numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 kms away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.
Getting around : Taxis and richskaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.
Weather : Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate -- a welcome respite in summer.
Getting there : Belgaum 64 kms away, is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway. Mumbai is 549 kms by road. Pune is 390 kms. State Transport buses ply from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.
Hotels : The modern MTDC resort is the best accommodation available.

Bhandardara :
This is a must see place for fun-loving trekkers,the place has a massive waterfall known as " The Radha Falls ".The " Wilson Dam " at a height of 150 metres is the largest earthen dam in the country ,at the base of the dam is a circular garden & a swimming pool.The Ratnagadh fort is an intersesting climb .Mount Kalsubai at 626 metres is the highest peak in Maharashtra it gives a grand view of the lake & the dam.
Getting there : By Air the nearest airport is Mumbai.By Train : Nearest railway station is Igatpuri.By Road :Mumbai-Bhandardara is 185 kms.
Accomadation : MTDC has a holiday resort at Bhandardara.

Chikhaldara :
Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara -- Chikhaldara .The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife -- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point.
Weather : Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 154 cms. Temperatures vary from 39 C in summer to 5 C in winter. October to June is the best time to visit.
Getting there : The nearest railhead is Badnera on the Central Railway branch line, 110 kms. Chikhaldara, 763 kms from Mumbai, is connected to most major cities by road. Regular ST buses connect Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities.
Hotels : The MTDC has resorts in Chikhaldara.

Khandala ,Lonavala :
Khandala and Lonavala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms apart straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Both towns offer some spectacular scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myraid waterfalls, the atmosphere is enchanting.
Places to visit are:
Tungari Lake : This lovely lake supplies water to Lonavla & is only 3 kms from Lonavla station.
Rajmachi Point : The point gives a magnificient view of the valley as also the surrounding hills.
Walvan Dam : The dam has a beautiful garden at its foot & the place is a popular evening spot.
Yoga Institute : The 70 years old famous Yoga institute is set in sylvan surroundings near the Walvan dam .The institute houses a Yogic hospital,Library,Laboratory,Living Quarters.The Yogic Hospital treats chronic ailments through yogic discplines.
Air Force Dam : Situated witin the premises of INS Shivaji -Lonavla's premier naval training institute is not open for the general public but if one takes the road that veers off from the gate of INS Shivaji & follow it as it ascends a few hundred feet one can see the most panoramic view of the valley below,isolated waterfalls amidst thick fogs.
Tigers leap :The captivating name is given to the edge of a cliff from where there is a shear drop of more than 650 metres.The magnificient view of the valley is enthralling.
Weather : temperatures vary from 12 C in winter to around 36 C in the peak of summer. The annual rainfall, when the climate is very pleasant , is 450 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.
Getting there : Pune 66 kms away, is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 kms away by road.Taxis and auto-rickshaws, easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best way of getting to and from Karla.
Hotels : There are a number of luxury and budget hotels in both Khandala and Lonavala,The Dukes Retreat Mumbai-Pune Road,Khandala Pin : 410301 Tel No :(02114)73826,73827,Fariyas Holiday Resort Frichley Hills,RPJS,Khandala Pin : 410302 Tel No :(02114)73852,73855,Hotel Vallerina 30/C ,Mumbai-Pune Highway,Khandala Pin : 410301 Tel No : (02114)73410,74108,Zara's Resort Near D.C High School ,Pune-Mumbai Highway,Khandala Pin :410301 Tel No :(02114) 72536,Avion Holiday Resort Mumbai-Pune Highway,Flyover Junction,Pin : 410401 Tel No :(02114)72755,Biji's Hill Retreat New Tungarli Road,Lonavla,Off Mumbai-Pune Highway Pin :410401 Tel No : (02114)73025 to 29,72638,72966.Highland Resorts Off Mumbai-Pune Rd,Lonavla Pin :410401 Tel No :(02114)73608,71191.Lake View Resort 4-Ryewood,Lonavla Pin : 410401 Tel No : (02114)72141,70817.Ryewood Retreat 65,Ryewood ,Lonavla Pin :410401 Tel No : (02114) 72060,73876.Span Hill Resort Plot #9,Sakhar Dande Estate,Tungarli Valley,Lonavla Pin : 413403 Tel No : (02114)73685.

Mahabaleshwar :
A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms at an altitude of 1372 m. The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgarh Fort, 24 kms away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries, blackberries ,jams and jellies.
Getting around : Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though a bicycle, which you can hire by the hour or for the day, is the best way to move around.
Weather : Temperatures vary from 13 C in winter to 29 C in summer, with a yearly rainfall of 663 cms. The best time to visit is October-June.
Getting there : Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms away. Pune is also the most convenient railhead, though Wathar at 62 kms is the nearest station. Mumbai is 290 kms away by road via Pune and 247 kms via Mahad. MTDC organises regular tours from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. State Transport buses run from Pune and Mumbai.
Places to Visit :
Panchgani ,Derives its name from the five hills around it.The beautiful hill-station is just 38 metres below & 19 kms away from Mahableshwar.
Hotels : Mahabaleshwar has number of places offering good lodging & boarding facilities.Anand-Van-Bhuvan Duchess Road,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin : 412806 Tel No :4306687,6114238.Hotel Anarkali Kasam Sajan Road,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin : 412806 Tel No : (02168)60336/60800.Brightland Holiday Village Kate's Point Road,Nakhinda Village,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin : 412806 Tel No: (02168) 60700.Fountain Hotel Opp.Koyna Valley,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin : 412806 Tel No :(02168)60227.Hotel Gautam Race View Road ,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin :412806 Tel No :(02168)60388. Hotel Panorama Behind S.T.Stand,Mahableshwar,District Satatra Pin :412806 Tel No :(02168)60404 Hotel Pratap Heritage Valley View Road ,Near Market,Mahableshwar,District Satara Pin : 412806 Tel No :(02168)60071.Hotel Rajesh Near S.T.Bus Stand ,Mahabaleshwar,District Satara Tel No :(02168)60006/7/8.Valley View Resort Valley View Road,Near Market,Mahableshwar,District Satara,Pin : 412806 Tel No :(02168)60066,60068.

Matheran :
Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternatively, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests can get you there just as well. Matheran's cliffs, with incredibely steep drops to the plains below,create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children. The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sweet speciality -- Chikki. Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet and serene place.
Weather : Temperatures vary from 16 C in winter to 32 C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.
Getting there: Mumbai, 100 kms away is the nearest airport.Neral station, 21 kms away is where you can catch the toy train. Mumbai by road is about 108 kms from Matheran via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms away. All cars and buses stop at Dasturi just outside, from where you can walk, take a horse or a hand-pulled rickshaw into the town. State Transport buses ply regularly from Mumbai and Pune.
Hotels : Mathern has number of places offering good lodging & boarding facilities: Hotel Alexander Madhavji Road ,Mathern ,District Raigad Pin : 410102 Tel No :(02148)30251.The Byke Nr.Muncipal Office ,Mathern ,District Raigad Pin : 410102 Tel No :(02148)30365.Regal Hotel Kasturba Road,Nr.Post Office,Mathern,District Raigad Pin :410102 Tel No : (02148)30243,30287.Royal Hotel Kasturba Road,Mathern,District Raigad Pin :410102 Tel No :(02148)30247,30345.Hotel Rugby Vithalrao Kotwal Road ,Mathern ,District Raigad Pin :410102 Tel No : (02148)2821721.

Malshej :
Malshej Ghat is an ideal getaway for adventure lovers ,hikers & trekkers.The dense green valleys hundreds of cascading waterfalls & fog-smothered massiffs makes you want to come back here again & again.
Getting there : By Air the nearest airport is Mumbai,By Train :Nearest railhead is Kalyan ,By Road :Mumbai is situated approximately 154 kms from Malshej.
Places to Visit :
Harishchandraghadh is an interesting climb at an altitude of almost 1,424 metres.
Shivneri Fort : It is birthplace of legendary Shivaji .Also the towns of Ozar & Lenyadri known for Lord Ganesha temples are quite nearby.
Accomadation :MTDC has self contained rooms & dormitory.

Saputara :
On the Maharashtra & Gujarat border in the Dang district is Saputara a picturesque hill resort.The place is located almost 3500 feet above sea level.The best season to visit this place is between July to October.Natural beauty ,sunrise,sunset ,beautifully maintained gardens & a museum are some of the attractions here.There ia a aplacid lake here surrounded by mountains where one can do boating & enjoy the picturesque view.
Getting there : By Air,nearest airport is Mumbai.By Train : Nearest railway station is Nashik.By Road :Mumbai is approximately 250 kms via Nashik.
Hotels : The place has few hotles which offer lodging & boarding services Hotel Patang :Opp.Boating Club,Saputara,District Dang Pin :394720 Tel No :(02631)7251.Vaity Ropeway Resort : Saputara,District Dang Tel No :(02631)37210/11/12/13.

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CitiesBeachesHill StationsPilgrimages
Historical PlacesFortsSanctuaries