Explore Secret Spots in Maharashtra: Hidden Gems

Did you know about Maharashtra’s Lonar Crater Lake? It was made by a meteorite hit 52,000 years ago. It is the oldest lake of its kind in the world, set in basalt rock. This wonder is 1.2 kilometers wide and 137 meters deep. It’s a hidden gem in Maharashtra, a place full of surprises.

Maharashtra is known for its different landscapes. Among these is the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Kaas Plateau. It is home to over 850 flower types, including rare and endangered ones. These secret spots are more than places to see. They are full of history, nature, and adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Lonar Crater Lake is the oldest meteoric crater lake formed 52,000 years ago.
• Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, features over 850 unique plants.
• Panhala Fort dates back to 1200 CE and highlights Maharashtra’s historical prominence.
• Suvarnadurg Fort showcases impressive 17th-century defense architecture.
• Chikhaldara hosts Maharashtra’s only coffee estate and diverse wildlife.

Discover Kalavantin Durg: A Thrilling Trek

Kalavantin Durg is found between the Panvel plateau and Matheran’s forests. It is a marvel of the Bahmani Sultanate’s architecture. This once unbeatable fortress is now a thrilling trek with amazing views to Mumbai. The climb includes rock-cut stairs. It’s a historic adventure, especially beautiful on clear days.

History of Kalavantin Durg

Kalavantin Durg or Fort dates back to the Bahmani Sultanate. It was built on natural rocks for defense. Now, it’s a top offbeat site in Maharashtra. It attracts those who love history and adventure.

Trekking to Kalavantin Durg

The trek to Kalavantin Durg is among Maharashtra’s most dangerous. It begins at Thakurwadi village near Panvel. The path goes steeply up with rocky parts. It’s a tough climb. Yet, some do it during the rainy season for an extra challenge.

The journey from Thakurwadi Base to Prabalmachi Camp takes 2 hours. It covers 4 kilometers. Prabalmachi Camping is 116km from Pune and 54km from Mumbai. It’s the trekkers’ starting point. From Prabalgad Fort, you see Kalavantin Durg, Matheran, and other sites.

Best Time to Visit Kalavantin Durg

The best time for a Kalavantin Durg trek is from October to February. The sky is clear for great views. However, the monsoon brings greenery and extra adventure. These secret Maharashtra spots, like Kalavantin Durg, offer stunning Sahyadri views and memorable treks.

Adventures on the Kundalika River

Discover Maharashtra’s hidden gem with Kundalika River adventures. It stretches around 120 kilometers (75 miles) from its origin. This river is a haven for those seeking thrills and nature lovers.

The river flows well, thanks to water from the Bhira Dam. This makes it perfect for whitewater rafting. It has Grade II and III rapids. So, it’s great for both new and skilled rafters. The river’s flow offers exciting adventures.

The Kundalika River is not far from Mumbai, about 160km away. It’s easy to visit for a day or weekend trip. People from big cities like Mumbai and Pune love to come here. It’s known as Maharashtra’s top rafting spot, with rapids for all abilities.

The whitewater rafting isn’t just thrilling. It also shows off the river’s beauty. You’ll see forests, cliffs, and waterfalls. Plus, conservation work helps to keep the river clean and beautiful.

Exploring Vijaydurg Sea Fort

Vijaydurg Fort is among hidden treasures Maharashtra is proud of. It shows Maharashtra’s rich past and amazing architecture. Built by King Bhoja II in 1195 and made stronger by Shivaji Maharaja, it showcases maritime defense skills.

Historical Significance of Vijaydurg Fort

The story of Vijaydurg Fort is filled with courage and smart planning. Its design with 20 bastions and triple-layered walls made it hard to conquer. The shallow waters around it stopped big ships. This fort was key in times of sea battles.

How to Reach Vijaydurg Fort

Getting to this Maharashtra secret getaways place is quite the trip. It’s about 370 km from Pune. Visitors can enjoy lovely views via Tamhini Ghat, Varandha Ghat, or Kumbharli Ghat. Here are the costs for a trip:

In town, there’s nice places to stay. For example, two nights at Hotel Vijaydurg Palace (with AC) costs 3600/- INR. And it’s just 10/- INR for two to enter the fort.

Top Attractions in Vijaydurg Fort

At Vijaydurg, many sights show its great past. The walls, bastions, and 300 guns added by Shivaji tell of its strength. There’s also a 50 km bike route to Devgad. Then, the quiet beaches of Pural and Padavane are perfect for peace.

Don’t miss the Vimleshwar Shiva Temple, a real hidden treasure. Visitors often leave with fond memories. They remember the kind locals who shared tea and coffee.

Learning all about Vijaydurg Fort and enjoying this Maharashtra secret getaways place is truly special. It’s a deep dive into Maharashtra’s past.

The Untouched Beauty of Murud and Janjira Forts

One of the great lesser known places Maharashtra has to offer is the majestic Murud Janjira Fort. This fort sits on a rocky island off Murud’s coast. It shows off amazing historical architecture and sea strength. The design combines Konkani and Arabian styles, showing off Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

A local fisherman first built the Murud-Janjira Fort. Then, the Siddi rulers made it stronger. It stood strong against attacks, including from Portuguese and Maratha. The fort’s smart design and natural rocks helped protect it.

History of Murud-Janjira Fort

The fort began in the late 15th century by the Ahmednagar Sultanate. The Siddis took over and made it even stronger. Despite big attacks by Portuguese, Marathas, and British, the Murud Janjira Fort never fell. It’s one of the forts in India that has never been beaten.

Best Routes to Murud-Janjira Fort

To get to Murud-Janjira, you can take a lovely ferry ride from Mumbai to Rewas. Then, enjoy a drive through beautiful coastal scenery. You can also drive straight from Mumbai, about 150 kilometers away.

Things to See in Murud-Janjira Fort

• Fascinating 26 bastions, each telling tales of valor and endurance.
• The Palace of the Nawabs, showcasing remarkable Maharashtra cultural heritage.
• Underground passages and the grand gateways built with impressive security mechanisms.
• Stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, especially during sunset.

Visiting the Murud Janjira Fort lets you see Maharashtra’s rich past. It also lets you discover one of the lesser known places Maharashtra has. The beautiful, untouched fort and its fascinating history attract those wanting to learn more about the region’s heritage.

Wild Encounters at Tadoba and Andhari Tiger Reserve

Called the ‘Jewel of Central Maharashtra,’ the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve covers 625 sq km. It’s a big spot in Maharashtra for wildlife. Since 1955, it’s been a home to many tigers.

It’s near Nagpur, about 150 km or a 2.5-hour drive away. The best time to visit is from October to March. The park closes from June to October because of the monsoon.

The reserve has core and buffer zones. Moharli and Agarzari are popular entry points. More than 195 bird types live here. It’s a dream for bird lovers.

The Svasara Jungle Lodge offers eco-friendly stays. Safari costs include INR 2000 for the vehicle, INR 600 for entry, and INR 350 for a guide.

The Tadoba Lake gives beautiful sunset views. You can see rare four-horned antelopes and majestic tigers. There are leopards and other animals too.

Spring and autumn have great weather for safaris. Even in summer’s heat, it’s worth it for tiger spotting. You can book safaris online.

Visitors should follow responsible tourism rules. Book safaris early, bring ID, say no to plastic, and wear comfy clothes. Be patient for a great experience.

Secret spots in Maharashtra: Lonar Crater Lake

Lonar Crater Lake is a must-see in Maharashtra. It was made by a space rock about 50,000 years ago. It’s a beautiful natural spot sitting on hard, black rock. You can see many old temples and enjoy the lake’s beauty and science stories.

Geological Importance

This lake is the only one in India made by a meteor. It’s big, about 5 miles round at the top, and deep, going down 137 meters. A 2019 study found its minerals are like those from the moon brought back by Apollo missions. It’s one of four such special craters in the world. Also, its recent pink color change got scientists very excited.

Cultural Significance

This place isn’t just about cool rocks; it’s full of history. Around it are old temples from 9 or 10 centuries ago, all in a jungle setting. They show India’s past and beliefs. People come here looking for peace and beautiful views.

Trekking Around Lonar Crater Lake

For those who love adventure, walking around Lonar Crater Lake is wonderful. There are paths that go from the edge down to the water. You’ll see amazing views and lots of nature. There are places to look out from, where you can see far and wide. These walks make you feel close to the lake’s calm and history.

The Charm of Bhandardara’s Umbrella Falls

In the heart of Maharashtra scenic spots, Bhandardara is a unique natural escape. Here, the Umbrella Falls come alive when Wilson Dam overflows. This dam was built in 1910, and it’s very tall at 150 meters. It’s also among Asia’s oldest dams.

Bhandardara is not just about beautiful waterfalls. It is a quiet place for those who love nature. From Mumbai, it’s about 165 kilometers away on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH 160). Pune folks will travel around 175 kilometers via NH 60.

But there’s more than just the Umbrella Falls in Bhandardara. You can see Randha Falls drop 170 feet into a green gorge here. And there’s Kalsubai Peak, the “Everest of Maharashtra,” standing tall at 1,646 meters.

Adventure lovers can trek in Sandhan Valley, a canyon made by water. Adding excitement, one can rappel down its rock faces. This adds thrill to the calm beauty of the valley.

For a full experience, a waterfall tour in Bhandardara is great. Prices range from 1999/- for 2N-2D to 1400/- for 1N-1D. The tour includes various waterfalls like Neckless Fall and Nane Fall. Each spot offers its own special beauty.

Nature’s beauty continues with Ratangad Fort in Bhandardara. It sits high on a 4,255-foot peak. You can get there from Nashik via NH 50 and state highways, only 70 kilometers away. Bhandardara is a top spot for peaceful breaks with a touch of history.

Blending waterfalls, treks, and high peaks makes Bhandardara special. It lets you enjoy peaceful views or go on exciting treks. This place has something for every kind of traveler.

Explore Chikhaldara: Maharashtra’s Coffee Estate

Chikhaldara offers a visit you can’t forget with its green lands, old sites, and rare plants and animals. It is the only hill place in Maharashtra with coffee farms started by the British in the 1800s.

Wildlife of Chikhaldara

The Chikhaldara wildlife home is where many plants and animals live. You can see tigers, leopards, wild pigs, and bears in the thick woods. This place is part of the Melghat Tiger space and has great safari trips. You can do this around the beautiful Semadoh lake and Sipna river.

Scenic Views and Points

Chikhaldara is known for its amazing view spots and nature spots. Places like Wairat Sunset Point give a beautiful sunset view. Mahadev Temple Sunrise Point is great for those who wake up early and want a peaceful morning. Panchbol Point shows you views of five hills.

Important spots include the old Gavilgad Fort and Shakkar Lake, where you can boat. Adventure seekers can check out the Jatradoh gorge for its beauty and trails. Shinjo Waterfall is another peaceful spot. The windmills show Chikhaldara’s move towards green energy and care for the earth.

Best Time to Visit Chikhaldara

The top time for a visit is from October to June. The weather is nice for looking around. You’ll see coffee farms, big strawberry fields, and a large Government Botanical Garden. These places, with the history and views, make Chikhaldara great any time of the year.

The Scenic Ride through Tamhini Ghat

Going through Tamhini Ghat offers a memorable trip for riders and travelers. It’s famous during Maharashtra scenic drives. This beautiful pass in the Sahyadri mountains connects Pune and the Konkan coast. It gives an exciting experience.

In the monsoon, Tamhini Ghat becomes a green paradise, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C. The heavy rain covers the area in lush greenery. It makes a perfect setting for road trips. Though the roads can be slippery, the waterfalls and fog add to the ghat’s mystery.

Driving through Tamhini Ghat is great in all seasons, each offering different weather. In winter, the cool weather is nice for drives. Summer has mild humidity and some rain. This makes the scenery bright and lively.

Tamhini Ghat is also known for adventure activities. People come here for trekking, hiking, and checking out rugged places. You can find easy to moderately hard trails. Andharban and the Devkund Waterfall are popular among trekkers. Nearby, Mulshi Lake is great for picnics and watching birds. Kune Falls in Lonavala-Khandala valley has a stunning 200-meter drop.

The ghat is close to big cities, making it an easy spot to visit. The drive from Pune to Tamhini Ghat is about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s roughly 52.8 kilometers. From Mumbai, it’s about 153 kilometers and takes 3 to 3.5 hours by car. Tamhini Ghat is perfect for quick road trips. It has lots of scenic views and fun activities.

Revel in the Flora at Kaas Plateau

The Kaas Plateau is a beautiful place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It shows off nature’s beauty after the rainy season. About 135 km from Pune, it’s a great spot for a weekend trip, reachable in 2.5 to 3 hours.

It has over 850 kinds of flowers, with many endemic species. This makes it a plant lover’s dream, best seen from late August to early October.

Floral Diversity at Kaas Plateau

The rare plants at Kaas Plateau make it look like a colorful carpet. Some top flowers to see are:

• Sonkadi
• Mickey Mouse Plant
• Balsam
• Smithia Hirsuta
• Drosera Indica

This place isn’t just pretty. It’s also home to bugs, frogs, and lizards. This means it’s full of life.

Best Visiting Time for Kaas Plateau

Visit from late August to early October to see the flowers at their best. Plan ahead and book online. Visitor numbers are limited to protect nature.

Before you go, know that bathrooms might not be what you’re used to. It’s best to use the restroom in Satara before you head out.

Nearby Attractions of Kaas Plateau

There are cool places nearby to check out. These include:

1. Vajrai Waterfall
2. Thoseghar Waterfall
3. Kas Lake
4. Sahatara Fort

Remember to respect nature. Don’t pick flowers, stay on paths, and take your trash. This keeps the Kaas Plateau beautiful for everyone.

Explore the Mysteries of Amboli Forest

Amboli Forest sits in the lovely Sindhudurg district. It’s famous for its wide range of plants and animals. This hidden gem in Maharashtra is a door to Goa with a rich ecosystem.

The Amboli Ghat is often hidden in mist. It has beautiful trails and small streams. It’s perfect for those who love nature. Here, animals and birds that live only in this area can be seen. It’s a peaceful place that shows the beauty of forests.

“The breathtaking Amboli Waterfall cascades down from a height of 108 feet, adding to the allure of this pristine location.”

There’s a very rare Bush Frog in Amboli, showing how special it is. A unique gecko was also found here. Both highlight the forest’s important role in nature.

Adventurers come to Amboli for trekking. They enjoy misty trails and thick forests. Places like Amboli Falls, Shirgaonkar Point, and Nangarta Falls give unforgettable moments.

Amboli has the ancient Hiranyakeshi Temple, made around the 12th century. Its history adds to the natural wonders here. Amboli is a great place for eco-tourism.

In 2021, they found a new type of semi slug in Amboli. This shows it’s a place full of life. Travelers can see many amazing creatures. Visiting here means seeing nature’s incredible diversity up close.

For those looking to find hidden places in Maharashtra, Amboli Forest is unique. It offers a special chance to learn and connect with nature.

Conclusion

Discovering Maharashtra’s hidden gems takes you to peaceful places. Each spot shows something special about the state’s history and natural wonders. Places like Kalavantin Durg and Kundalika River bring adventure. Others, like Vijaydurg Sea Fort and Murud and Janjira Forts, offer a peek into the past.

Visiting Tadoba and Andhari Tiger Reserve shows the wild side of Maharashtra. Lonar Crater Lake is a natural wonder. Umbrella Falls in Bhandardara and the coffee farms in Chikhaldara are beautiful. A drive through Tamhini Ghat is perfect for nature fans. Kaas Plateau’s flowers and Amboli Forest’s secrets show Maharashtra’s untouched beauty.

Sindhudurg district is full of amazing places. It has temples, forts, forests, backwaters, and beaches. Spots like Nivati Fort and Karli River Backwaters are peaceful. The Sun Temple of Parule village is interesting too. The area is known for tasty foods like Solkadhi and bombil fry. Local arts add to Maharashtra’s culture. These hidden treasures invite all to explore Maharashtra’s lesser-known sides.