West India Hillstaions cities


Amboli

Amboli hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Amboli Location: Sindhudurg district,Maharashtra.
Significance: Known as Cheerapunji of Maharashtra
Altitude: 690m above sea level
Climate: Summer 35°C, Winter 12°C
Best time to visit: September to May

Ambola is a mountain resort in the grip of peace and tranquility. Located at an altitude of 690 m, Ambola is located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. This is the last mountain resort before the coastal plain of south are Sahyadri hills. On one side of the Konkan coast is Ambola, the other three, flanked by beautiful valleys to see. Ambola receives an annual rainfall of about 750 centimeters, making it the wettest place in Maharashtra. Due to heavy rains Ambola these steep hills is surrounded by dense bush. The view from the eyes of birds haunting the beach Konkan hills above Ambola attracts thousands of tourists here.

Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Chikhaldara Location: Amravati district, Maharashtra
Significance: Only Coffee Growing in Maharashtra
Altitude: 1118m above sea level
Climate: Summer 22°C - 35°C, Winter 12°C - 33°C
Best time to visit: October to June

Chikhaldhara is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region. It is situated at an altitude of 1,118 m and offers abundant wildlife, beautiful lakes and waterfalls. According to legend, is named after the Chikaldhara Keechaka demon who was killed by the Pandava hero, Bhima. Since this place was called Keechakadara. Over time this has come to be known as Chikhaldara. It is also the region's coffee growing in Maharashtra and is known for its deep valleys and beauty, making it a popular summer retreat.

Khandala

Khandala hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Khandala Location: 96 kms from Mumbai, Maharashtra
Area: 215 sq.kms
Significance: Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains
Altitude: 625m above sea level
Climate: Summer 30°C - 35°C, Winter 12°C - 15°C
Best time to visit: October to May

Khandala is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra Sahyadri mountains and is located 5 km from Lonavala, but another popular hill getaway. Located at an altitude of 625 feet, this quiet hill town is a weekend by the residents of Mumbai and Pune. rivers pleasant climate all year round, with the view of Western Ghats, ancient caves to explore, and countless waterfalls all add to the tourist attractions. This mountainous area offers numerous opportunities for camping and hiking and other activities outdoors.

 

West India Hill Station list

 
 

Lonavala

Lonavala hill station, hill stations in india, west india hill stations, Lonavala Location: 96 kms from Mumbai, Maharashtra
Area: 215 sq.kms
Significance: Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains
Altitude: 625m above sea level
Climate: Summer 30°C - 35°C, Winter 12°C - 15°C
Best time to visit: October to May

Located in the green hills of Sahyadri, Lonavala is at an altitude of 625 m and is the destination for weekend's most popular Mumbai and Pune. Known as the jewel of the Sahyadri it gives wood natural tourist and valleys, gushing waterfalls, historic caves, and scenic views. The surrounding hills were the stronghold of the Maratha chiefs, who practiced guerrilla warfare from here, against the Moghuls and later the British. Lonavala is now home to the houses of celebrities and business people, plus a host of resorts. Its other famous cousin town, Khandala lies just 5 km.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Mahabaleshwar Location: 285 km from Mumbai, Satara district, Maharashtra
Area: 215 sq.kms
Significance: Delightful Hill Station for horse riding, boating.
Altitude: 1372m above sea level
Climate: Summer 30°C, Winter 16°C
Best time to visit: October to May

Mahabaleshwar hill is situated at an altitude of 1372 meters on the mountains of Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Placid lakes, green hills and waterfalls throughout Mahabaleshwar it a popular destination among visitors. They ran from the hot and humid climate of the city to find a good atmosphere here. Temples, amazing places and sites of historical importance adds its natural beauty. The panoramic views, climate, excursions and sports activities in Mahabaleshwar provides the best vacation spot in Maharashtra.

The panoramic sights, climate, excursions and sporting activities in Mahabaleshwar states it the best holiday spot in Maharashtra.

Places to see in Mahabaleshwar

Waterfalls:

Lingmala Waterfalls, Chinaman's waterfall and Dhobi waterfall enthralls every visitor.

ViewPoints:

Mahabaleshwar has 30 exotic spectacular viewpoints. Wilson Point or Sunrise point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. One can enjoy the beauty of the rising sun from any of the three places here. Opposite to that Bombay Point is the point where you can witness the best of sunset in Mahabaleshwar.

Connaught Peak or the Mount Olympia, Hunter Point, Elphinston point, Babington Point, Kate's Point, Echo Point, Marjorie And Savitri Points, Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat are some of the famous natural points; each having own distinct characteristics.

Mahabaleshwar temple:

Lord Shiva temple which is the landmark of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded by 5 feet high stone wall. It has two apartments; one is God chamber and the outer or other the central hall.

Venna Lake:

The Lake is 2.5 km long and the boating facility to stroll through the beautiful lake is available for visitors. People can even enjoy horse riding on the bank of river.

Panchgani:

Panchgani is another famous hill station in Maharashtra 19km away from Mahabaleshwar, and at an altitude of 1,334 meters. It is surrounded by five hills. Like Mahabaleshwar Panchgani, too have numerous viewpoints as, the Sidney point, Parsi point and the Graves Point. The Cave's Kamlagad fort and Devil's kitchen are another popular spots here.

Pratapgarh Fort:

Pratapgarh Fort near Mahabaleshwar is the site built by Shivaji and it is where he defeated General of Bijapur Afzal Khan. The picturesque beauty of Afazal khan's tomb and around it is a must see.

Tapola:

Lake Tapola near Mahabaleshwar is also known as 'mini Kashmir.' It is a big lake dotted with small islands where tourists can enjoy boating. Visitors can visit various islands and appreciate their beauty.

Mount Malcolm:

It is the old building constructed in 1829 which is famous for it's brilliant architectural skills.

Catholic Church:

The uniqueness of old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is its stained-glass windows and is looked after by a Hindu family.

Sporting activities in Mahabaleshwar

There are lots of adventurous activities to be carried out in Mahabelshwar. Tourists can fish in Venna Lake; go on trekking trails amid sparkling waterfalls and fabulous sights.

The charm of the place reaches at peak among visitors during vacations like Christmas, Diwali and in summers. The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from October to June.

Shopping in Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar grows strawberries, gooseberries and raspberries and is famous for this. Buying these either fresh or in the form of jams, preserves and marmalades is simply worth a deal. The market is very small just a single lane of shops. The market is very popular for its leather goods and tribal trinkets.

Malshejghat

Malshejghat hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Malshejghat Location: Pune Border, Maharashtra
Significance: Ideal Gateway for Adventurer
Altitude: 700m above sea level
Climate: Summer 30°C, Winter 15°C
Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Located 154 km from Mumbai and three hours later, Malshejghat is a popular tourist destination and the hill station. It is surrounded by Western Ghats and the dense green forest, home to hundreds of plants and animals. Monsoon Lakes Region attracts flamingos, which are one of the main attractions and Malshejghat. It is located at a height of 700 m above sea level and is a haven for walkers, hikers and nature lovers.

 

Matheran

Matheran hill station, hill stations in india, 

west india hill stations, Matheran Location: Alibag District, Neral At Mumbai, Maharashtra
Area: 215 sq.kms
Significance: Splendid Hill Station
Altitude: 2500 ft above sea level
Climate: Summer 33°C to 35°C, Winter 12°C to 15°C
Best time to visit: March to May

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a popular tourist resort. At an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) above sea level Matheran is a hill station located about 100 km from Mumbai. Matheran literally means jungle on top. All vehicles (Except emergency vehicles) are banned here.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu hill station, hill stations in india, west india hill stations, Mount Abu Location:185 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan
Significance: Kailasa for Hindus
Altitude: 1220m above sea level
Climate: Summer 23°C to 33°C, Winter 11°C to 28°C
Best time to visit: June and September to December

Mount Abu is a hill station in Rajasthan (India), located in the center of the country, which is the thin desert in practice. When it was Rishi Munis home and meditate. According to legend, the name means son of Abu Himalayan name Arbuada.

Dilwara Jain Temple

It is known world over for its extraordinary architecture and marvelous marble stone carvings, some experts also consider it architecturally superior to the Taj Mahal. The minutely carved ceilings and the pillars are just amazing. Dilwara temples are also a popular Jain pilgrimage attraction.

Dilwara Temple complex consist of five temples devoted to five jain trithankaras(saints):

1. Shri Mahaveer Swami Temple -
2. Shri AdiNath Temple or Vimal Vasahi Temple
3. Shri ParshavNath Temple or Khartar Vasahi Temple
4. Shri Rishabdaoji Temple or Peethalhar Temple
5. Shri NemiNathJi Temple or Luna Vasahi Temple

No design is repeated, this in itself is a proof of human ingenuity and creativity.

Nakki Lake

It is the heart of city. The legend has it that this lake was dug by Gods or Devtas using their nails or nakh that's why called Nakki Lake. The hub of evening activity and boating - Nakki Lake is the perfect place to spent the evening with your partner, friends and family. It is romantically called the love lake of Mount Abu.

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple (Achalgarh)

It is the only place on earth where the great toe of Lord Shiva is worshiped. It is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. The Nandi is made up of Panchadhattu and weighs more than 4 tonnes.

Tod Rock

Perched over a hill, directly overlooking the love lake Nakki, it is one of the most frequented point in the itinerary of all visitors, more so of those from overseas.

Gurushikar

Gurushikhar the highest peak in the Aravalli mountain range. Gurushikar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Mount Abu and green Aravalli range, and also offers the opportunity to enjoy a visit to historic temples and shrines. It has a commanding view of Abu and its surroundings. This peak is the temple of Dattatreya. It is also a huge, giant Bell suspended for writing a wooden frame, its toll is up for a long time here.

Adhar Devi (Arbuda Devi) Temple

Situated in a cave, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in the Mount Abu region. The Adhar Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. The Adhar Devi Temple can be reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain.

Gaumukh Temple

The Gaumukh Temple is also popular for religious pilgrimages and meditation. There is also a tank - the Agni Kund. The Agni Kund is believed to be the site of a sacrificial fire which Saint Vashishth used to perform the yagni from which the four clans were born.There is a stream of water that flows from the mouth of the marble bull.

Sunset Point

Relax! And enjoy the sunset this place is perched atop the rocky portion of Mount Abu.

Near by mount abu famous temples are Amba Ji Mata Temple, Sundha Mata Temple, Ranakpur Temple etc

Panchagani

Panchagani hill station, hill stations in india, west india hill stations, Panchagani Location: 256 kms from Mumbai, Near Mahableshwar in Maharashtra
Significance: Delightful Hill station
Altitude: 1334m above sea level
Best time to visit: October to May

Panchgani is known for good schools. There are a few of the best boarding schools in this beautiful mountain resort. Panchgani has many old buildings from colonial and Parsi houses that are worth visiting. While you are on your trip to Panchgani, do not forget to taste delicious local food stalls offering a wide range of dishes.

Panhala

Panhala hill station, hill stations in india, west india hill stations, Panhala Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Significance: The Golden Peak
Altitude: 977m above sea level
Climate: Summer 25°C - 32°C, Winter 15°C - 20°C
Best time to visit: October to June

Almost all travel packages to include a trip to Panhala . The Ambarkhana was built by the Marathas and is home to the palace, the administrative department and in the barn. The granaries were necessary as the need to store grain in case of famine and other calamities. You can also take a look at Teen Darwaja, there are three doors, giving access to the fort.