Driving into rain on the hilly road surrounded by greenery, you will hear the roaring sound of a cascade. Then you will see a group of people playing below the waterfall, dropping from a height of 30 metre.

If you move a bit ahead, you will see another cascade. One more waterfall next to it... it begins to get difficult to count how many waterfalls you will find within a distance of four kilometres. If you succeed in counting, you will discover that there are 23 waterfalls all in all!

Located in the southern range of the Western Ghats, Amboli is a wonderful hill station. Situated on the border area of Maharashtra’s Sindhdurg district, Amboli is a known place for Kannadigas living in and around Belgaum. It is just 68 km from Belgaum.

Situated at 690 metres above sea level, Amboli is a treasure for nature lovers. The many waterfalls, dense forests, and lovely landscapes here are a feast for the eyes. The verdant landscape of Amboli comes alive during monsoons when the waterfalls gain their glory. Amboli receives the highest rainfall in the country after Cheerapunji- 350 to 400 inches on an average.

Summer is the right time to visit hill stations. But, Amboli is an exception. Rainy season is the most appropriate time to visit this place. To see the waterfalls in their full glory, one has to visit this place during the monsoon.

Amboli comes on the Belgaum to Sawantwadi (Maharashtra) route, a Kuccha road laid by British rulers 110 years ago. This beautiful hill station was developed by a British political agent, Colonel Westrop. You will enjoy the scenic beauty of Amboli when you start moving towards Amboli from Belgaum.

Thick clouds pass by, leaving you with a heavenly feeling. There are hotels for tourists who want to halt there. A resort approved by Maharashtra Government offers good food and accommodation.

FACT FILE

*Places to visit

There are a number of places at Amboli worth visiting. You need at least two days to see all of them.  There are a total of 24 water falls. Though situated 10 km away from Amboli, some waterfalls (like Nagartas) can be heard from a distance.

Another marvellous water-fall located near Sawantawadi on the way to Amboli attracts people. Most of the people visiting Amboli take a break here to shower under its gushing water. Most of the water falls can be viewed from the serpentine road reaching Amboli.

*Birth place of river

Hiranykeshi river originates at a cave on the terrain rocks and flows down to reach Amboli. The cave is about 300 metres long. There are seven ponds inside the cave. Surprisingly, sunlight is seen only at the last pond. How the sunlight appears only at this point is yet to be discovered. Discovering the cave is a risky proposition as it is completely dark inside.

A small Shiva temple has been built in front of the cave. Pilgrims gather in a large numbers here during Mahashivratri.

*Mahadevagad

Located three km away from Amboli, the Mahadevagad fort is in dilapidated state due to lack of maintenance. It is a lovely place to visit and enjoy a panoramic view of the Konkan coast. The sunset point, located two km away from Amboli, is a thrilling experience.

Apart from these, there are Botanical Garden, a Silk centre, Raghaveshwar temple and a palace to visit. Mahadevgad, Manohargad, Manasantoshgad and Narayangad offer challenges to trekkers.