Check out the following places that must not to be missed when you plan a visit to Mumbai.
Panchgani
Located at an elevation of 1,293 meters above mean sea level in the state of Maharashtra,Panchgani is a picturesque hill station in the Sahayadri range. The town was discovered by the British and was developed as a summer resort during the mid-eighteenth century. It became famous as a retirement place for the British officials due to its cool, all-year-round climate. Several western world plant species like poinsettia and silver oak were introduced by the British, providing the region with a flora like no other place in India. Sydney point, Table land, Parsi point, Devil’s kitchen, Marpo garden are few of the most popular tourists attractions in Panchgani.
Matheran
Matheran is located at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level in the state of Maharashtra. Placed amidst the picturesque hills of the Western Ghats, Matheran is a largely unspoilt hill station which is entirely free of automobiles. The town was developed by the British as a summer resort in 1907 with the building of the Matheran Hill Railway. The town was declared as an ecosensitive region thus restricting the use of any automobiles in the city. Alexander Point, Porcupine point, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, Celia Point, Charlotte Lake and Olympia race course are must visit places on your trip to Matheran.
Bhandardara
With the maximum elevations reaching upto 1600 meters above sea level, Bhandardarais a popular hill and tourist town in Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The town houses a plethora of tourist attractions like waterfalls, hills, lush green surroundings, rivers and lakes and several ancient forts. Bhandardara is easily accessible through winding roads that transverse through some of the most picturesque locations especially during the monsoons. Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Ghatghar, Ratangad Fort, Harishchandragarh fort, Mount Kalsubai and Amriteshwar temple etc. are a few attractions in Bhandardara that should not be missed.
Malshej Ghat
Located in the Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is a picturesque hill spot in the state of Maharashtra. The spot is known for its mountain passes that transverse through the Western Ghats and marvelous views of the valley and the magnificent Malshej Hills and picturesque waterfalls. The dark forests of Malshej are a prime attraction for the nature lovers as they house a huge variety of flora and fauna. The woods houses animal species like the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, rabbits etc. and is visited by a huge number of birds during the monsoons. Shivneri Fort, Bird Graveyard, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam and Malshej Falls are few of the most popular tourist attractions that can be visited here.
Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is situated at an average elevation of 1,188 meters above sea level and is the only coffee growing region in Maharashtra. The town was known to be the mythological place where the Pandava Bhima killed the barbaric Keechaka in hand-to-hand combat. The town was discovered by the British and was developed as a hill resort due to its climatic similarities to England. The hill resort is famous for its exclusive collection of flora and fauna. Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, wild boars etc. are the various animals that are found in the forests of Chikhaldara. Narnala fort, Gavilgad fort, Pandit Nehru Botanical gardens, Semadoh lake, Melghat Tiger reserve, Bhimkund, Shakkar Lake and Kalapani dam are just a few of the several tourist spots that are housed in this picturesque hill town.
Toranmal
Toranmal is a hill station located at 1,150 meters above sea level in the Satpura mountain range in Maharashtra. The town is famous for being a spot for the Hindu pilgrimage during the festival of Mahashivaratri. The town is known for its picturesque hilly surroundings and a favorable all year round climate. Yashwant Lake, Aawashabari point, sunset point, check dam, coffee garden, Gorakshaknath Temple, Lotus Lake, Seven Steps view point, Sita Khai and Nagarjun point are few of the popular attractions that should not be missed.
Jawhar
Jawhar is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is situated at an elevation of 447 meters above sea level. Jawhar is also known as the Mahabaleshwar of the Thane district of Maharashtra and is known for its picturesque locations and scenic beauty. The climate stays favorable throughout the year and is also visited by several Hindu pilgrims due to the Katya Maruti temple located here. Hanuman Point, Jaivilas Palace, Dadarkopara falls, Kalmandavi waterfall, Jai sagar dam, Shirpamal, Warli’s paintings etc. are the few important tourist attractions housed here.
Igatpuri
Famous for its meditation centers, Igatpuri is located at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level amidst the Sahayadri range of the Western Ghats. Due to the surrounding hills, Igatpuri is also a hiking and trekking hot spot in India and frequently used for shooting locations for several Indian movies. The town’s major source of economy is tourism and the town is plentiful with several tourist attractions with scenic surroundings. Bhatsa river valley, Amruteshwar Temple, Tringalwadi fort, Ghatandevi temple, Camel valley and Dhammagiri Meditational Centre etc. are few of the popular attractions in Igatpuri.
Lavasa
Located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Lavasa is a popular hill resort situated at an elevation of 640 meters above sea level. The mountain passes have made Lavasa a popular spot for the motorcyclists across the country. While the town’s status as a hill station is still under development, the lush green surroundings, vibrant town centers and lakes with the back drop of green hills makes Lavasa a sought after weekend destination for the inhabitants of Mumbai and Pune.
Karjat
A picturesque town located between the Sahayadri range of the Western Ghats and the Konkan shoreline, Karjat is a popular tourist spot in state of Maharashtra. The tourist town is famous for attractions like adventure sports, river rafting, hiking, trekking and rock climbing and is largely frequented during the monsoons. Peth Fort, Kondana Caves, Bhor Ghat and Ulhas valley are the most frequented tourist places in Karjat.
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