Magical in the monsoons : Maharashtra’s hills!

This advice comes with a warning!! Once there you may never want to return! Come monsoons and Maharashtra’s hills magically transform into one of the country’s most frequented tourists destinations. Clean and green from the rains that have washed away the summer heat and dust, these hills filled with a sense of freshness with their lush dense forests, roaring waterfalls, silver streams and cool breeze misty hills  an inviting getaway for those looking for fun and frolic!
Sitting pretty in the Satara district, Mahableshwar often referred to as Maharashtra’s ‘Queen of the Hills’ is situated at a height of 1372 m above sea level and is home to one of India’s most evergreen forest, dazzling waterfalls,  and some amazing view points.

Must visit attractions in this beautiful hill station include the Elphinstone Point, Connaught Peak, Marjorie Point, Arthur’s Seat, and the Lingmala & Dhobi Falls. The best view point here is the Wilson Point, the highest view point of Mahabaleshwar, while the Pratapgad fort at a distance of 24 km takes one back in time with its many interesting tales of the past.

At 1334 m above sea level, Panchgani derives its name from the five hills surrounding it. A perfect getaway, Panchgani founded by John Chason is famous for its British and Parsi architecture, and is also known for its breathtaking view of the Krishna River, dense woods, green valleys and strewn countryside.

Think of Maharashtra’s hills and who can forget Aamir Khan’s catchy tune..”Ati khya Khandala?!”… Barely 3 km away from Lonavala, Khandala along with Lonavala, are favorites especially during the monsoons, for its gushing waterfalls and greenery all around. Pleasant climate, dazzling waterfalls and lakes, interesting caves and forts, breathtaking views and some interesting trekking trails…make them great destinations to help unwind amidst nature! The main lakes within the area include Tungarli, Pavna, and Valvan Lake, while the Kune falls come gushing down at 100 m and is a sight that mesmerizes one and all.

An interesting attraction from Lonavala is Karla, a place famous for its Buddhist caves that date back to the 2^nd century BC; here one can find interesting sculptures, Chaityas and Viharas. Other caves here include the Bhaja Caves and the Bedsa Caves which are known for their carvings.

Some of the many forts that relive the glorious days of the Great Maratha warriors include the Rajmachi fort, Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan Fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort, and the Tunga Fort.

With its ‘No vehicles allowed’ policy, Matheran is literally a breath of fresh air and a wonderful getaway! And this isn’t the only incentive for tourists looking or a break from the noise and pollution, Matherthan being home to 33 view points, offers tourists some picture perfect moments.

Important viewpoints here offering some breathtaking views of the sunsets, valleys below and the Sahyadri hills include Porcupine Point, Monkey Point, Malang Point, Hart Point, Panorama Point, and Echo Point. From trekking to these view points to enjoying the beauty of the Charlotte Lake, or enjoying its toy train, Matheran is just the place for a relaxing holiday.

Though not as famous as the ones mentioned above, these hills smaller in size are definitely not small in attractions.

Amboli being a place in Maharashtra that receives heavy rainfall is famous for its thick dense forests, stunning waterfalls and spectacular view of the Konkan beach. The main attractions here include Nagatta Falls, Sea view Point, Bauxite Mines, Hiranya Keshi – a famous fishing ground, and last but not the least Mahadev and Narayan Gad.

Offering a break from the noise and dust, Bhandardara blessed with rejuvenating climate is a charming hill station known for its magnificent picnic spots. Besides its dense forests, Radha Falls, Umbrella Falls, and views of the Arthur Lake, this hill station is also home to the famous Wilson Dam, the largest earthen dam in India and the one of the oldest in Asia.

Other attractions here Ghorpada Devi temple, Amruteshwar temple dating back to the 8th century, the 400 year old Ratnagad Fort, and the Agasti Rishi Ashram.

Maharashtra’s highest peak, Mount Kalsubai with a height of 1646 m also makes a wonderful from here.

Not only does Chikhaldara take you back to the days of the Mahabharata (as it is said this is the place Bhima killed Keechaka here and threw him down the hills) but it is also known for its waterfalls, lakes, flora and fauna.

At an altitude of 1,118 m above sea levels, Chikhaldara is Maharashtra’s only coffee plantation, and home some tome interesting attraction such as the Dhakana-Kolkaz National Park, Melghat Tiger Project, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, Semadoh Lake and Tribal Museum.

The Melghat Tiger Project is a great place to not only for tigers, but also other animals like wild bears, sloth bears, panthers, etc.

Panhala takes you back to the days of Shivaji, one of Maharashtra’s greatest warriors, a charming hill station; it is home to the majestic Panhala Fort, the largest  of all the Deccan forts. Built in 1209 AD, it said to be the only place this great ruler spent over 500 days at a time.

Other attractions here include the Teen Darwaza, Blue Basat temple, Someshwar Temple, Sambhaji Temple and the 7th century AD Mahalaxmi temple. Don’t miss the exciting wildlife sanctuary at Radhanagari whilst here.

Home to one of Maharashtra’s few tribal kingdoms, Jahwhar is famous for its “Warli’art, Hanuman Temple, Dadar Kopra Falls, and more.

Though picturesque, with its many lakes, old temples, thick woods, breathtaking flora and fauna, Toranmal’s greatest appeal is the fact that it is one of those hill stations in Maharashtra that doesn’t get as crowded as the rest. While the grand fair held at the Goraknath Temple during Maha Shivratri does attract the crowd, this place is the one for those in search of solitude and quiet! The Yashvant Lake is also an interesting picnic spot here.

Last but not the least Malshej Ghat is the place for trekkers! Its charming nature walks, rejuvenating climate, dazzling waterfalls and lakes make this hill station a nature lover’s paradise.

Other attractions here include the Shivneri Fort, where the great Maratha ruler Shivaji was born, Harishchandragadh, a hill fort, Ganesh and Shiva temples, Buddhist caves belonging to the 3rd century found at Lenyadri and more.

Perfect holiday retreats, each providing some fascinating landscapes and pleasant climate, if getting “back-to-nature”, peace or quiet is what you’re looking for; then we certainly recommend you try these!

Hill Stations in India

The hill stations in India are perfect destinations for tourists to visit during the summer months. The picturesque hills of the country beacons all. The compelling beauty of the Hill stations is a visual delight for one and all. Crowds throng these tourist destinations almost all over the year.

These places are tucked far away from them maddening crowds. The lush greenery, the fresh air, the mountain dews and the snow capped peaks create a have for the vacation seekers. People escape to the hill stations to avert the scorching heat of the plains. The picturesque beauty of the hills entices the international tourist and many of them keep on frequenting India without inhibitions.

The adventure enthusiasts have ample scope for trekking and explorations in these Hill stations. Sporting activities like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing and paragliding are very popular. The newly weds prefer to go to these places for honeymoons and start their conjugal life in a romantic way. There is romance in the air of the hills. Therefore, these hills help to revive many a staggering marital or conjugal lives.

The students of botany and geography are taken for excursion to the hill stations to link the learning of the class to the real scenario.  These students collect leaves of plants and other flora and fauna which can be preserved. They may also collect rocks and other findings for experiential learning.

The travel agents provide several tour packages to suit different travel plans and budgets. You need to chalk out your travel plan prior to your booking to facilitate your to avail the utmost of your trip to any hill station. Almost all hill stations are connected by rails and roads. A few of these places have air connectivity also.

The most famous hill stations of India are the following:

• Jammu and Kashmir- Gulmarg, Srinagar and Sonmarg
• Himachal Pradesh- Shimla, Kulu and Manali
• Uttarkhand- Mussoorie, Nainital and Kausani
• Rajasthan- Mount Abu
• West Bengal – Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong
• South India- Ooty, Kodaikanal and Munnar

Hill Stations in Northern part of India:

North India has the highest number of hill stations due to its geographic advantage. Many of the best hill stations of the world are located here. Many people plan their trips to North Indian Hill Stations to rejuvenate themselves. The snow capped mountains, the greenery, the fresh air, the friendly people all invite tourists from all over the world. The famous hill stations of North India are Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Srinagar, Chail, Chamba, Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Kangra, Kasauli, Khajjiar, Kufri, Kullu, Manali, Palampur,  Renuka, Shimla, Zanskar, Almora, Badrinath, Gangotri, Kausani, Mussoorie, Nainital,  Pithoragarh and Ranikhet.

Hill Stations in the Southern part of India:

The southern part of the country is blessed with hill stations like Anantagiri, Coonoor, Coorg, Idukki, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Ooty, Peermade and many more. While planning your trip in South India you should never ever miss out the popular hill stations of the state you are visiting. So pack your bag with proper woolies (you may need in the evenings) and embark on the trip to a peak in South India. The charms of these hills will fascinate and rejuvenate you.

Hill Stations in Eastern part of India:

The beauty of East India is synonymous with natural beauty and diversity of culture. The famous hill stations in the eastern zone are Darjeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Mirik, Kursheong, Shillong and Tawang.

Hill Stations in Western part of India:

These hill stations blend natural beauty with adventure facilities. The exotic locales of the Hills of Western India are a must visit destinations. The popular hill stations in this zone are  Khandala, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Mantheran, Panchghani, Panhala and Saputara.

Short Description of the Hills Stations in India:

Darjeeling Hill Station- If you want to view Kanchenjunga the third highest peak in world- you must visit Darjeeling in the northern part of West Bengal. Well, this is not all you can enjoy pleasure rides in the largest man-made lake in the hills called Mirik. You can view the enthralling sunrise in the Tiger Hills. Last but not the least, you can stroll in the mall- gossip, eat and visit the shops and stalls to purchase garments, woolens and so on.

Kodaikanal Hill Station- Kodaikanal or Kodai is in the southern part of the Palani Hills. It is 120 kilometres from Madhurai in the southern part of the country. The altitude is 2100 metres. The slopes of the hills are filled with woods, waterfalls, and rocks.

Khandala Hill Station– This is set at the height of 625 metres in the Sahyadri Ranges in the western slopes. Khandala is located in the state of Maharashtra. The panoramic views are seen to be believed.

Lonavala Hill Station– This is a hill station in Maharashtra. This is known to be the jewel in the Sahyadri Mountains. This is a popular as a health resort.

Manali Hill Station– This is a very important hill station in the north of India. This hills station attracts innumerable tourists. The name is derived from Manavalaya (home of Manu). People also come here for pilgrimigages.

Mount Abu Hill Station– This hill station looks like an oasis of greenery in the barren deserts of Rajasthan. This is located in the southern end of the Aravali range. The rich fauna renders the coolness to the climate of the area.

Mussoorie Hill Station– This is a charming location in the hills of Garhwal. The distance of Mussourie from Dehradun is 34 kilometres. The altitude is 2003 metres.

Nainital Hill Station– This hill station has many lakes and greenery. The famous temple of Naina Devi is visited by tourists enthusiastically. There are many more temples. This land abounds many mythological stories and legends.

Ooty Hill Station– Ooty (Udhagamandalam) is situtated in the Nilgiris. This is a favorite retreat in the southern India. There are orchards of peaches, plums, as well as tea and eucalyptus plantations.

Shimla Hill Station– This is the most popular hill stations in India. It was the summer capital of India in the British era. The altitude of Shimla is 2,196 metres. In this location reminiscence of the British rule lingers till date. The city of Shimla has accessibility to many major destinations. It is well connected by many rails and roads.