It was Monsoon and we wanted to go hiking. Finally we decided on Malshej Ghat, for the sight of the fresh rainwater fed waterfalls. Malshej is tucked away in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills in Amboli, Maharashtra. It’s a wonderful weekend getaway for the pollution stricken Mumbaites.

Options are many out here, from visiting numerous view points for a pleasant picture of the lush hills and fertile plains, to visiting Seaview point which offers a rare glimpse of the land upto the Konkan coast, to going to Nagatta falls or going fishing or angling at Hiranya Keshi. This is the perfect place to get away from the mad rush of cities and spending some quality time with yourself and loved ones. One can also undertake a pleasant expedition to the Bauxite mines which is around 10 km away from Amboli.

One can view the exotic sight of migratory flamingoes that choose Malshej as their Monsoon resort. The Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of the legendary king Shivaji is around 40 km from here. There are also Buddhist caves dating back to the 3^rd century.

Since it’s a Mumbai getaway, the best option would be go via Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Kalyan and Sawantwadi. The nearest airport is at Belgaum, 64 km away. Amboli has a cool and rejuvenating climate, ideal for summer breaks and you can get around in taxis and rickshaws that are available though, hiring horses or bicycles would give you the sense of being on an actual holiday!!