Some trips aren’t planned in detail, they just happen, yet leave behind beautiful memories. Our quick visit to Amboli, Maharashtra’s serene hill station, was one such refreshing escape, filled with nature, spirituality, and breathtaking viewpoints.
We kick-started our journey to Amboli at 5:30 AM on 14th June 2024, taking the scenic route via
Pune – Karad – Kagal – Adamapur – Gargoti – Ajara – Amboli.
With the early start, the roads were calm and traffic was minimal, making the drive quite relaxing. As we cruised past Pune and headed towards the highway, the morning light and cool breeze made the journey even more pleasant.
We took a short halt at Karad for breakfast, which turned out to be a perfect break to refresh ourselves. A quick, satisfying meal and some hot tea gave us the energy boost we needed for the long drive ahead. Post Karad, the journey became smoother and greener as we moved towards Kagal and further rural stretches. The scenery gradually shifted to lush fields and quieter roads. By the time we crossed Gargoti and Ajara, the surroundings felt more serene and close to nature.
The final stretch towards Amboli was truly the highlight, winding ghat roads, dense greenery, and cool mountain air welcomed us, making the last leg of the drive absolutely memorable.
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| Road to Amboli Village |
Just 5 minutes before reaching the resort, we had a beautiful and unexpected encounter. A fox appeared by the roadside, quietly standing still and staring straight at us. For a few seconds, everything slowed down. The calmness of the moment, mixed with a hint of curiosity in its gaze, made it truly unforgettable. And then, like a scene from a movie, it gently walked away into the greenery.
We reached Rainhills Holiday Home, Amboli around 2:00 PM, just in time to soak in the calm, misty vibe of the hills. After the long but scenic drive, hunger kicked in almost instantly—so we didn’t waste any time and ordered a hearty local lunch.
Our meal was simple yet incredibly satisfying: Kaju Masala, rich and flavorful with soft cashews; Nachni Bhakri, warm and rustic with that earthy taste; and Aluwadi, perfectly spiced and steamed. The combination felt authentic and comforting—exactly what you’d want after arriving in the cool weather of Amboli. It was the perfect start to our stay, setting the tone for a relaxed and refreshing getaway.
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| Somewhere in Amboli Village |
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| Rainhills Holiday Home Amboli |
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| Lunch at Rainhills Holiday Home Amboli |
After enjoying our delicious lunch, we took a quick power nap for about an hour, which felt absolutely refreshing in Amboli’s cool weather. Feeling recharged, we headed out to Kavalesad Point. As expected for a popular spot, there was quite a rush, and we had to struggle a bit before finally finding a parking spot. It was raining steadily, and within minutes we were completely soaked, but honestly, that just added to the whole experience! Standing there in the rain, surrounded by mist and greenery, felt magical. The view from the point was mesmerizing, even though the thick fog covered most of the valley. While we couldn’t see the entire landscape clearly, the glimpses we got were enough to imagine just how breathtaking the valley must look on a clear day. Despite the rain, crowd, and limited visibility, the moment felt incredibly special, one of those experiences where the weather doesn’t ruin the plan, but actually makes it more memorable.
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View from Kavalesaad Point
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After soaking in the misty views at Kavalesad Point, we continued our journey towards Chandgad, excited to meet one of our friends there. The drive itself turned out to be full of little surprises. On the way, we stumbled upon Nangartas Waterfall, conveniently located right by the roadside. It was one of those unplanned stops that made the journey even more special. With the rain adding to the charm, the waterfall was in its full glory, gushing water, lush greenery all around, and that soothing sound of nature. We couldn’t resist stopping for a while, clicking a few pictures, and just enjoying the moment.
Sometimes, it’s these unexpected finds on the road that become the most memorable parts of a trip.
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Nangartas Waterfall
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We were back at the resort around 8 PM, tired but content after a day full of rain, mist, and unexpected finds. Just when we thought the day had ended, nature had one last surprise for us. Right near the road, we spotted a troop of wolves crossing quietly in the darkness. For a moment, everything felt still, we just watched in awe, not wanting to disturb the scene. It was one of those rare, surreal experiences…a reminder that Amboli isn’t just about scenic views and waterfalls, but also about being so close to raw, untouched nature.
Prafull Gawade, a resort owner was extremely warm and welcoming. We had a lovely conversation with him about the diversity of Amboli village and the ghat, from its rich greenery and wildlife to the unique charm it holds during the monsoon season. It was insightful and made us appreciate the place even more. He advised us to visit the Hiranyakeshi Temple only after 8 AM, as it is located deep inside a forest area, and early mornings could sometimes bring sightings of wild animals nearby. Taking his advice seriously, we planned our visit accordingly, adding a small layer of excitement and caution to our peaceful morning plan.
After dinner, we relaxed for a while, reliving the moments from our day, and then called it a day, wrapping up an eventful and memorable Day 1 in Amboli.
The next morning, we started our day on a peaceful note. Around 8:30 AM, we visited the Hiranyakeshi Temple, one of the most serene spots in Amboli. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple has a calm and spiritual vibe. What makes it truly special is the origin point of the Hiranyakeshi River, which flows gently from a cave nearby. The sight of clear water emerging from the rocks, along with the soothing sound of nature, created a very tranquil atmosphere. It was the perfect contrast to the previous day’s adventurous and rain-filled experiences—quiet, refreshing, and grounding. We spent some time there just soaking in the peaceful surroundings before continuing our day.
Prafull also warned us to be careful of leeches around the Hiranyakeshi Temple, especially during the monsoon season. Since the area is densely forested and moist, leeches are quite common there.
That little warning made us more aware and added a tiny adventurous twist to our visit, we walked a bit more cautiously, but it definitely made the experience feel more real and close to nature.
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| Hiranyakeshi Temple, Amboli |
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| Where a river begins its peaceful journey |
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| Hiranyakeshi River |
After returning from the peaceful visit to the temple, we headed back to the resort and enjoyed our complimentary breakfast of Poha. Simple yet good in taste, it was the perfect start to the morning.
Soon after, we packed our bags and started our journey towards Belagavi, carrying along all the beautiful memories from the trip—misty roads, waterfalls, wildlife, and quiet moments in nature.
We took a day halt at Belagavi, relaxing before the final leg of our journey. The next day, we headed back home and finally reached Pune, marking the end of a truly refreshing and memorable getaway.
