MTDC Hill Stations Maharashtra
Maharashtra is endeared with the ambient beauty and spectacular views of the winding horizons. The mountainous route offers the cool and picturesque spots that fill the soul with nature’s bounty. The Hill Stations of Maharashtra are as follows:
Mahabaleshwar: Chain of soaring peaks, enthralling view of the valley, lush green flora, fresh reprieve of cool air and the rivers enriching the beauty of the whole region. Mahabaleshwar is the destination worth visiting. Mahabaleshwar means ‘god of power’. Indeed, the name of the place reflects its thrill, old world charm and the mélange of modernity. While on a Mahabaleshwar tour, the travelers have an opportunity to treasure every moment of their life. There is so much to see and explore in Mahableshwar that one day is not enough for holidaying. The town bazaar of the region is called Malcom Peth. This busy market got its name after the British Governor Sir John Malcom. Lying in the center of the city, this market is abounded by restaurants, shops, hotels and accommodations.
Mahabaleshwar: Mahabaleshwar has proper motor able roads and visitors can take en route to other major attractions of the region. The auto services on hire are also available which takes travelers to Malcom peak, Mora ji castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945 and the Mahabaleshwar club. As short drive from the town is the beautiful Venna lake, where one can do fishing, boating, and pony riding. Besides this, the travelers can make a visit to Mahabaleshwar temple revered for its Swayambhu Lingam. Mahableshwar is a fabulous destination. En route to its way is the Babington point in Dhom dam. The revelers can indulge in themselves in the adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing and para gliding. The other tourist magnets that can be visited at Mahabaleshwar include:
- Mount Malcom: Built in the year 1829, this was one of the famous buildings of its time.
- Holy Cross Church: The holy cross church adorned with the stained glass, still retains its originality. This old Roman Catholic Church is a real marvel dating back to the 17th century AD.
- Pratapghar Fort: About 24 km from Mahabaleshwar is the Pratapgarh fort. This fort is the testimony to the glorious past of the region where Chatraapti Shiva ji killed Afzal Khan by his tiger claws. From here the travelers can behold the marvelous views of the entire region. Being more than a century old fort, the visitors can still trace the sculptures and other monolithic designs. Arthur point, window point, Wilson point, Carnac point, Dhobi falls, Elphinson Point, Bombay Point and Kates point are the worth visiting travel attractions. There are many old attractions, which become the focus of attraction during the festive season.
- Mahabaleshwar Club: Built in the year 1881, the Mahabaleshwar club offers a slice of serenity to all wanting a break from the humdrums of the city life. The Mahabaleshwar club includes all the necessary facilities like jogging track, mini golf course and the badminton court. Christmas is celebrated every year with great fervor and pomp.
- Strawberry festival: Every year from 1st April to 4th April strawberry festival is celebrated at Mapro gardens in Mahablesshwar. Different varieties of strawberry are displayed here. Farmers from different parts of the country show there presence and thus, also get special appreciating for the same.
The temperature remains pleasant through out the year. During winters, the temperature range from 16 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius. During winters the temperature is less than 5 degree Celsius. Situated at the height of 1372 meters above the sea level, Mahableshwar is an incomparable destination for all those searching for solace and solitude.
Matheran: Sprawling languidly at an altitude of 800 meters, undulating hillocks cloaked in green wends it way to the hill station named Matheran in Maharashtra, South India. With the amalgam of old world charm, the Parsi and Marathi life style and cottages will surely captivate your senses. The lush green hills, Charlotte Lake, shopping complexes, rivers and gorges are assured to leave you spell bind for a few seconds. Standing at the Hart point, the travelers can get a breathtaking glimpse of Bombay from the famous peak points in Matheran. The minimum temperature range from 16 degree Celsius in winters to 32 degree Celsius in summers respectively. October to May is the best time to visit Matheran.
Bhandardara Hill station: Nestled amongst the Syahadri hill, Bhandardara hill station is blessed with verdure peaks, roaring waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Arthur Lake, Ghoti, Wilson Dam, Ount Kalsukai, Agasthi Rishi Ashram, Ratan gad and Amriteshwar are the major attractions of this hill station. An hour long journey to this destination leads to the road dotted by lush green hills, rivulets, azure skies, bustling wild life and many other surprises come as the bounty retreat for the revelers looking to indulge in unforgettable experience. November and April are the best seasons to visit Bhandardara. Summers here are very hot and winters are quiet cold. Mumbai is just 185 kms from this mesmerizing destination. Igatpuri, 45 kms here is the nearest rail head. Nashik, Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar are the nearest destinations which must be visited by the revelers while on a Tour to Bhandardara in Maharashtra, Western India.
Chikaldara: Chikaldara is famous place mentioned in the epic, Mahabharata. Bheema killed the demon Kichak and the place got its name Kichakdara. Today what we hear from the people is its corrupt form of the name Chikaldara. It is a sole hill resort in the Vidharbha region attracting large numbers of travelers from every nook and corner of the world. Situated at the height of 1118 meter, this destination has the added dimension of being the only coffee growing area. Boars, panthers, leopards, tigers, reptiles are amongst the common finds at Chikaldara. The scenic point of Chikaldara can be best enjoyed from Hurricane point, Prospect point, and Devi point. Other interesting excursion includes Gavilgad and Narnala fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal museum and the Semdoh Lake. Chikaldara receives the annual rainfall of 154 cm. The summers are hot with the maximum temperature of 39 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius in winters. October to June is the best time to visit. The nearest rail head is Badnera which is 110 km away from this hill station.
Malshej Ghat Hill Station: The Malshej Ghat holds special niche amongst the trekkers, hikers and adventure lovers. The nature here is at its best. It is also the birth place of the warrior legend Shiva ji. The travelers can also make a visit to Buddhist caves which are thousands of years old in their existence. The Malshej Ghat’s nearest rail head is Kalyan and Mumbai airport is 158 kms from this marvelous hill station.
Panchgani: Panchgani has derived its name from the five hills overlooked by rivers and great canyons. At this hill station, the travelers can saunter through the walkways canopied by lush green trees, hills, tranquil forests and farms. Located at an altitude of 1334 meters, Panchgani is just 38 meters below Mahabaleshwar. Surrounded by British and Parsi buildings, the travelers here will get an opportunity to peep in the beautiful past of the region. The MTDC Tourism organizes special visits to these buildings. Hours can be spent at the bazaar in Panchgani. The visitors here can shop and traverse through the by lanes where they can get best bargains on the products. The horse riding, trekking and other adventure sports can be best explored at this destination. While on a horse ride the vacationers would venture through the paradisiacal greens and would come in rendezvous with the Mother Nature. September to May is the best time when travelers can make a visit to Panchgani.
Jawahar: The Jawahar hill station is called as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane district’, Maharashtra. Canopied with lush green hills and bustling wild life, Dadara Kopra falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman temple, sunset points and Shipramal where Shivaji chose to camp while on a way to Surat. Jawahar also provides the travelers a unique opportunity to behold the view of the paintings depicting tribal way of life. The nearest railway head is in Igatpuri which is 61 kms from Jwahar. The distance by road from Jawahar to Mumbai is 180 kms. The nearest airport is Mumbai which can be easily reached through taxi or bus.
Amboli: Traversing through the Sahyadri hills, Amboli is the last mountain resort perched at an altitude of 690 meters above the sea level. The vacationers can get the best views of the other hill stations in Amboli. You can spend hours in angling and trout fishing at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Narayan Gad and Mahadev gad. This destination endows the travelers with a chance to spend a few days in complete seclusion and peace.
Panhala: Panhala is a great tourist magnet, nestled at an altitude of 970 meters above the sea level. This hill station holds a great importance in the history of Maharashtra. History Panhala is the history of Maratha kingdoms. Sajaa Kothi, is the place here where Sambha ji was imprisoned. Amba bai is another temple where Shivji used to offer prayers to goddess while going to expeditions. Pavankhind is another place where Baji prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji’s escape. Panhala is located at an altitude of 977 meters offering inspiring scenery and invigorating climate. The nearest rail head and airport are at Kolhapur, approximately 18 to 20 kms from Panhala.
Khandala, Lonavala and Karla Hill Station: These three resorts have carved a special niche amongst the travelers looking for looking seclusion and solitude. Dotted with lush green forests, hills, rivers, lakes and dainty land capes, these three resorts stay completely unrivalled win every aspect. These three destinations are generally famous for Chikki. Trekking is although a good way to go around but having your own vehicle (bicycle) is certainly the best option. Some of the major attractions here include Duke’s Nose, Korigad Fort, Tigre’s leap, Lohgad , Karla and Bhaja caves. Temperatures vary from 12 degree Celsius in winters and 36 degree Celsius in summers. The bets time to visit Pune is between the months of October to May. The nearest railhead is on the Mumbai Pune line which is 64 kms away. The annual rainfall averages 450 centimeters.
Toranmal: Adorned in the Satpuda Mountains at an altitude of 1461 meters, it is one of the most serene places on Earth. But if the travelers are tired of traveling, you can make a visit to Yashwant lake, Seetha khali and any of the charming temples relating to mythology. The nearest rail head is Nandurbar which is 76 kms from the main destination and the nearest airport is in Aurangabad.
