Chikaldhara Hills

A wonderful place to retreat yourself and it gives you a chance to have a close interaction with nature, yes the destination is Chikaldhara Hills, it is located in Amaravati district of Vidarbha region, this beautiful hill station has got the honour of Vidarbha region's only hill station that gives you a perfect blend to view abundance of wildlife,amazing beauty of lakes and waterfalls with so many viewpoints, it has got its name after "Keechaka".


Chikaldhara is located at an altitude of 1,118 m, this is the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra , this hill station has got the gift of deep valleys and really these valleys are going to give you a pleasure with majestic trees and velvet mist. That's all contribute to make it a must visit destination in summers, here you would be greeted with breathtaking waterfalls,natural scenery,exciting wildlife and a placid lake.

Chikaldhara Hills have got very cozy and wonderful climate, it will give you a lovely feeling as cold breeze and waterfalls,the beauty of this hill station is overwhelming,its main attraction is Melghat Tiger Project And Dhakana - Kolkaz National Park, you can enjoy the natural beauty and the beat timeto go there is from October to June. A perfect retreat for summer. Chikaldhara Hills area also embedded with Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary.

There is beautiful Melghat Tiger Reserve, it has got its place in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district along with Wan Sanctuary that is located in Melghat area of Amravati District,it has got Tropical Dry Deciduous forests.

Mahabaleshwar

A hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.Located at a distance of 285 km from Mumbai,it is the ideal get away spot for most of the people in the state. Mahabaleshwar in Sanskrit stands for God of Great Power. Mahabaleshwar is comprised of three villages:Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar,Malcolm Peth and part of the Shindola village.The hill station is surrounded by valleys on all its sides. The highest peak of the plateau is Wilson/Sunrise Point which boasts a height of 4,720 ft .Mahabaleshwar is known to be the source of Krishna river and legend has it that it comes out of a bull's mouth in the Mahadev Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar along with four other rivers Gayatri, the Koyana,Savitri and the Veni.




As the hill station was a summer capital of Bombay during the reign of British Empire,It has traces of British era in the architecture of cottages,mansions and bungalows built there.Mahabaleshwar was named "Malcolm Peth " after the then General of Bombay ,Sir John Malcolm.The market place is still named after him.

Famous for its massive production in strawberries,it acts as the biggest supplier of the fruit across the country and abroad.Major attractions are:
The Venna Lake which is surrounded by trees on all its sides.One can enjoy boating in the evening especially when its a little foggy. Panchgani,another scenic hill station smaller in size though is very close to Mahabaleshwar,about 20 km. The Table Land Phenomena of the little hill station is simply mesmerising

Mount Malcolm, which was built in 1829 under the rule of the then Governor of Bombay,Sir John Malcolm is worth a watch but has lost its old world charm now.




Mahabaleshwar Club was built in the year 1881.It is open for members only.It is well taken care of and is popular for its well tended rose gardens and a jogging track.The Golf course,however can be visited by tourists in the club

Morarji Castle in the hill station was once home to Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1945.

There are various points which are famous among which a must visit are Lodwick Point which has a great view.The point has a monument of a general which was erected by his son.Elphinstone Point is a another scenic spot overlooking the valley of Koyna river.It was named after a former General of Bombay.Other Points to visit are Kate's Point,Wilson's Point.

Mahabaleshwar gets more beautiful with every place that you visit there,filled with streams,perennial springs and amazing climate all throughout the year,it has become the most popular hill station across the nation.

PANHALA Hill Station, Maharashtra

Situated at a magnificent height of 3177 feet above sea level, Panhala commands a panoramic and awesome view of the valley. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape.




The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. Panhala is redolent with memories of Shivaji. Not surprising, though, considering that barring his capitals at Rajgad and later Raigad, and Shivneri, where he spent his childhood, Panhala is the only fort where Shivaji spent more than 500 days. It was Maratha State capital until 1782 and in 1827 it went to the British.Besides, there's the Sambhaji temple Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, Raj Dindi

This imposing fort, 20km northwest of Kolhapur, is built on an outlying spur of the Sahyadris, rising more than 400m above plain. The strategic importance of Panhala, guarding one of the principal routes through the Western Ghat, can be judged from its long and varied history. After serving as the headquarter of the Shilahara ruler Bhoja II (1178-1209), the site subsequently passed into hands of Yadavas. It was favorite outpost of the Bahamanis of Bidar ; Mahmud Gawan, the powerful Prime Minister, encamped here during the rainy season of 1469. By the beginning of the 16c Panhala was absorbed into the kingdom of Bijapur.The Adil Shahis were responsible for strengthening and rebuilding the ramparts and Gateways.The fort was raided by
Shivaji in 1659, but it was not until 1673 that he was able to occupy it permanently.




In 1701 Panhala surrendered to Auragzeb, and it was here that the Mughal Emperor recieved the English Ambassador, Sir William Norris. Within a few months the fort was retaken by the the Maratha forces under Pant Amatya Ramachandra, who asserted his autonomy by founding
an independent dynasty.In1782 these rulers shifted their headquarters to Kolhapur.

After a local rebellion in 1844, Panhala was taken by the British.

Panhala Fort

More than 7km of fortifications define the approximately triangular zone of Panhala fort. The walls are protected for long sections by steep escarpments, reinforced by a parapet with slit holes. The remaining sections have 5-9m high ramparts, strengthened by round bastions. Unfortunately, the East Gate called Char Darawaja, through which the road passes on arrival at fort, was demolished by the British.

Places to see-
Sajja Kothi is a major attraction at Panhala is the that was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting anecdote attached to this monument. It is said that when Siddi Johar, a formidable Bijapur General, attacked Panhala, Shivaji tricked the general by escaping from the window of Sajja Kothi while a brave stalwart Shiva Kashid disguised as Shivaji combated the wrath of the general.

The Ambabai temple stands vigil to this, which is another, must visit at Panhala.Shivaji, a religious devotee, did not undertake any perils without paying obeisance to the goddess.

While at Panhala you may also visit the Sambhaji temple. The Sambhaji temple was built in memory of Sambhaji, the first ruler of Kolhapur.

The Someshwar tank of Panhala too is worth visiting. The tank came into existence due to the quarrying of stones that were required for the construction of the fort wall. There is a very well camouflaged well with a three-storied structure on top, Andhar Bav. This was cloistered to prevent any kind of water poisoning by the enemy.

The Nayakini Sajja at Panhala manifests the intelligent warfare strategy used by the Marathas to dupe the enemies. The Nayakini Sajja has been very strategically located near one of the corners of the fort to conceal a deep ravine in between. When the enemies attacked from that corner, they would actually climb over the make-believe corner of the fort to accede the Nayakini Sajja and in the endeavor fall into the deep ravine.

Climate
Average temperature at Panhala is 25 C throughout the year.The ideal weather to visit Panhala is from October to December although tourists visit till May.

The small yet scenic hill resort, Panhala lies in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range. Panhala is located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Panhala is situated about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road at a height of 3177 feet above sea level.

Getting there

By Air: The airport closest to Panhala is the airport at Kolhapur airport at a distance of 35 km from Panhala. Panhala is 416 km from Mumbai and about 200 km from Pune.

Road & Rail: State Transport buses ply between Kolhapur and Panhala every 2 hours during the day. The Kolhapur railway station is only 26 km from Panhala.

Panchgani - Five Plateau Hill Station

Only sixteen kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, the hill station of Panchgani is lesser known to tourists but no less in anyway. Swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other.A key geographical feature is the table topped plateau (panch = five, gani=plateaus) shaped by flattened volcanic rock.




Panchgani with its pristine natural beauty and rejuvenating oxygen levels has a TB Sanatorium. Patients are known to get better faster at Panchgani owing to the pure environs offered at Panchgani. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more.

In the evenings it turns into a makeshift fair with ferris wheels, pony rides and a variety of food stalls.Panchgani is often referred to as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra' If you want to enjoy the beauty of the hill Station Panchgani you may go for a pony ride.

The ride through the hamlets, farms and ravines with the gorgeous greens and the ravishing river Krishna of Panchgani will surely enchant you. Situated in the Western Ghats Panchgani is close to important cities like Mumbai and Pune. There are as many as twenty boarding schools in Panchgani.

Panchgani does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year.

You can commute to the beautiful place by following routes-
By Air: The airport at Pune is nearest to Panchgani at a distance of 98km.

Road & Rail: Pune is a popular railway station for tourists to Panchgani at a distance of 98 km from Panchgani. Though the railway station nearest to happens to be at Wathar. Panchgani is well linked with Mumbai and Pune through road.

Panchgani is the quintessential and a place for those seeking resort from polluted metro cities.The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani.

Saputara A Hill Station of Gujrat

Saputara is raw, picturesque and a densely wooded only hill station town situated in the "Dang" district of southern tip of Gujarat, India.

Saputara has been constructed as a well planned hill station having all necessary services like hotels, boating parks, swimming pools, club, ropeways, theaters and a museum providing the tourists an delightful vacation in the coziness of the hill station.

The big Gujrat cities closest to Saputara are Surat, 170 Kms from there and Nashik, 80 Kms away. The border of Maharashtra is about 5 kms. away from Saputara.

This hill station is situated on a plateau in the Dang forest area of the Sahyadri Hills Range. At an altitude of around 1,000 m with a climate that is pleasant although bit cold, throughout the year, Saputara literally stands for "Abode of Serpent". There is a presence of snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River which flows through the town. This snake sculpture on the shores of Sarpagana River is worshiped by the local tribes on many festivals like Holi.

Tribes like Kunbis, Warlis, Bhils and Gamits inhabit Dangs. They are known for their traditional dances, which are performed wearing Bamboo and Wooden masks. The dangs district constitute of an area of 1,752 km. having population of 1.5 lacks with a tribal population density of 94% and located in south-east of Gujarat.

Sight Seeing in Saputara

There are some worth-watching places to enjoy your holiday in Saputara town. Those lookout places or places of interest are: Ropeway, Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Boating Club, Museum, Step Garden, Rose Garden, Honey Bees Centre, Echo Point, Lake View Garden, Snake of Saputara etc. and some other religious attractions.


Saputara Lake
This is one of those places where you can breathe unpolluted air while enjoying your holiday out of the hustle and bustle of polluted city life. You can even go for a trekking down to nearby villages. No local transport is that much available in this hill station and this
tourist's or trekking place can be best covered on foot.

Excursion tours from Saputara

Saputara is best known for its wildlife excursion tours. Saputara is rich in wildlife resources and scenic beauties. Some of the scenic beauties include Botanical garden, Gira falls, Mahal forest, Unnai Mata Temple & Hot Spring, Jambalaya, Girmal Falls, Dang Darbar, Hatgadh Fort, Saptashringi Devi Mandir etc.

Climate & Weather of Saputara

The hill station Saputara refreshes the tourists throughout the year with its cool and cozy weather. Any rough temperature variation is not seen in Saputara. Saputara is a prototypical example of general and wildlife excursion tourists" destination for the pollution hit and heat-scorched lives of the plains and metros.

Accessibility of Saputara

By Road: State transport buses end private luxury coaches are available from various centers of Gujarat and Maharashtra for to and fro journey from there to Saputara. Different distances to Saputara are mentioned below.

By Rail:
Nearest Railway Station from Saputara is Nasik Road (80 kilometers-Central Railway), and Billimora (112 kilometers-Western Railway). Nearest narrow gauge railway station is Waghai, it is in the narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For the travelers coming from Gujarat via Ahmedabad or Surat or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the most convenient railway station as sufficient direct bus is available from there to Saputara.

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 265 kilometers away.

MATHERAN

This sparsely populated place at an altitude of 800 meters is a picturesque hill station called Matheran Hill Station, near to Mumbai at 104 kms. It is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to look outs that drop sheer to the plains. Matheran is situated in the Matheran range of Sahyadris at a height of 2516 feet.

Matheran truly is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible to all people irrespective of their age. The ban on motor vehicles inside Matheran have helped to preserve its ecology and keep intact its natural beauty.

Matheran has 38 points at which can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. However, to cover most of these points requires atleast one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are also easily availbale in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Given below are few points which we shouldn't miss.

Echo point offers a panoramic view and allows you to enjoy the echo's.

King George point
A must visit point in monsoon as it offers a beautiful view of the waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Charlott Lake. One can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care, strong wind prevents the water from falling down and throws it back.

Charlott Lake
It's the only water source atop Matheran that it provides water to entire Matheran.
Louisa Point
It offers a beautiful face on view of the waterfall seen from the King George point.

Panorama point
Although quiet far from Bazapeth it gives you a panoramic view(that's why it's named as Panorama point) of the Sahyadri ranges


Even the bazaar is just that a small marketplace, not a commercial shopping complex. It runs the length of one street, and contains shops and stalls that sell the produce of Matheran. You can see workmen hunching over strips of leather, fashioning the Kolhapuri chappal that Matheran is famous for. Leather bags, leather belts, leather shoes& the workmanship is exclusive and the prices reasonable. There are also glass birds and dried wild flowers for sale that have a quaint appeal.

One other thing that dominates the market is chikki, a confection made of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. You could buy chikki in kilos to carry home; it is a universally popular sweetmeat.

The presence of hotel's and lodging boarding facilities have made it possible to have a multi-day stay in Matheran and thoroughly enjoy nature's beauty. The modes of transport in Martheran are limited to horses and rickshaws (pulled by humans), however seeing the various points in Matheran by walking is equally enjoyable.

To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral. Neral is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral Matheran can be reached by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function normally in summer and winter sseason but there is only one train to Matheran in winter.The nearest airport is Mumbai that is around 100 kms from there. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you board to the toy train. Taxis are available from Neral to Dastoori car park. No vehicles are allowed inside Matheran and ponies are the favoured means of transport.