Amboli on the Sahyadris - The Cherrapunji of Maharashtra.

Grab a fistful of air and squeeze; if your palm gets wet, the chances are that you are in Amboli, a hamlet 690 m up in the Sahyadris, where dampness is ubiquitous during the four months of Monsoon from June to September. Air supersaturated with moisture seeps into your bones and soul; it can get exasperating as clothes inside the wardrobe or even suitcase absorb the moisture like a sponge. The only raison d'être for a visit to Amboli is the rains, so you are well advised to stay away if dampness annoys you. Amboli receives an annual rainfall in excess of 7000 mm. 

Amboli is anything but quiet and quaint as the gushing tourism brochures describe. Especially on weekends, it is packed to the gills with the revellers wanting to get wet and drunk. So expect massive traffic snarls near the main dhab-dhaba (waterfall) that is located right on the highway leading up to the hill station. A hundred stalls selling bhutta (corncob), instant noddles and vada-pav add to the chaos. Also don’t be surprised if you step on a beer can or liquor bottle. 

As in any hill station worth its salt, Amboli too has quite a few sightseeing ‘points’ scattered over a radius of 5 kms, ideal for long leisurely strolls. But walking about is fraught with danger, as I realised to my horror during the 10 km walk to the source of Hiranyakeshi River; monstrous SUVs driven rather rudely kept pushing me beyond the shoulders of the narrow winding roads. 

But Amboli does have an oasis of tranquillity. Tucked away out of sight, close to the dilapidated bus stand, is the Forest Park (Van Udyan), just perfect for contemplative walks. Here the wind flirts with drooping branches of lush green trees and light plays hide and seek with your camera. 

Amboli also has another face; it is a hotspot on the biodiversity map, and intrepid naturalists keep discovering new species of amphibians. It is a haven for herbs with exotic medicinal properties and I spotted a bunch of youths foraging deep to collect some. 

Amboli has limited infrastructure to support overnight stay. A good option is the privately managed, state government owned resort. It is located adjacent to the Van Udyan and offers VFM. Amboli can be accessed either from Belgaum or Sawantwadi. I recommend the latter for two reasons: One is the opportunity to the travel along the picturesque Konkan Railway route from Mumbai. The other is to shop for the famous wooden toys in Sawantwadi. 

To experience the splendour of Amboli, choose your days wisely. And finally a tip; carry adequate plastic to insulate the underwear and camera from moisture.