AMBOLI

My husband and I wanted a weekend getaway without the hassle of too much of planning, packing or spending too much money.  From Hubli - Karnataka (which is where we were staying then), Amboli - Maharashtra is about 160 kms.  That was just an hour and a half drive.  So we took off.  As we hit the borders of Maharashtra it was raining and pleasantly lifted our moods.  The roads were narrower but lined on both sides with paddy fields, teak plantations and then a huge stretch of forest.  A little after - the weather was foggy and there was very little visibility.  Then we reached Amboli.  Amboli is a hill station along the Sahyadri Hills.  It's on the Ghat section, so expect winding roads, fog, rain and tiny waterfalls along the way. 

The "Sunset Point" -   Since it was foggy we couldn't quite see the sunset but the place is worth making a stop at.  Experience the pure bliss of looking at the lush green valleys and listening to the whistling woods. It is definitely worth a mental picture.  Along the road you have many small waterfalls that run down from the hills.  Do make a stop for the pure pleasure of bathing in clean water from the mountains.  It is more refreshing that you can imagine. 

The Big Waterfall - Do find your way to the biggest waterfall in the area.  It is a huge ravine and had two huge waterfalls running into it.  It was windy and raining on the day we went, so the waterfall running down the hill was splashing back upwards.  The feeling of the tiny water droplets on the face is pure pleasure.  The drive back from the waterfall to the main road is just plain GREEN.  It is beautiful. 

Do take your cameras and an umbrella if you need it.  We preferred getting drenched.