Western Ghats run parallel to the coast of Maharashtra, gradually increasing in height. The hills play a game of hide and seek with the beaches and the Arabian Sea, sometimes running to it as a rugged cliff, sometimes gradually slopping to a plain tantalizing the sea to seek out its dense forests. Some of the peaks in the Western Ghats are 2000 kms above sea level. It is here that the hill stations of Maharashtra have blossomed. You can explore the hill stations, some of which double as pilgrimage destinations, with Tourism of Central India's specialized tour packages for hill stations in Maharashtra. In this article I will focus on the top hill stations of this beautiful state. For travel information, contact via.com - India’s leading travel portal.

Hill Stations in Maharashtra that you ought to visit on your tour:

Amboli in Hill Station in Maharashtra

Located on the southern ranges of the Sahyadri Hills, Amboli is a hill station that revels in quiet scenic spots and views of the coastal plains that just begin to roll towards the south, escaping the playful grip of the hill slopes. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in Amboli hill station. Of the many viewpoints is the Sea-view Point that unfolds a view of the Konkan coast merging with the Arabian Sea. Other activities that you can indulge in apart from relaxing amidst breathtaking sunsets and sunrises include angling at Hiranya Keshi, picnics at Nagatta Falls. You can also visit Mahadevgad/ Narayangad on your tour of the hill stations in Maharashtra.

Bhandardhara Hill Station in Maharashtra

Located on the shores of Arthur Lake, this placid holiday resort of Bhandardhara in Maharashtra offers opportunities to explore the adventurous side of a hill station vacation. Besides the recreational facilities such as picnics, boating and scenic beauty afforded by the lake, the waterfall cascade - Randha Falls - provides a good opportunity for rafting. You can go sightseeing at the Wilson Dam and Mt. Kalsubai. Though the highest peak in the state, the preferred destination for trekking at Bhandardhara Hill Station is the Shivaji's Ratangad Fort.

Chikhaldara Hill Station in Maharashtra

Besides its mythological background, Chikhaldara Hill Station in Maharashtra has many claims to fame. There is plenty to do here. You can drive through the coffee plantations; visit the nearby Melghat Tiger Project where you spot a tiger along with Panthers, Sloth Bears etc. There are many scenic points at Hurricane, Prospect and Devi that you must visit on your tour of Chikhaldara Hill Station in Maharashtra. You can also visit the Gaavilgad fort, Narnala Fort, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Semadoh Lake and the Tribal Museum.

Jawhar Hill Station in Maharashtra

Located in the Thane district, Jawhar Hill Station in Maharashtra is worth a visit on your tour to hill stations in Maharashtra for its picturesque setting and rich cultural heritage. You can visit the grand Dadara Kopra Falls, the tribal king's Jai Vilas Palace, Hanuman Point and Sunset Point, and the historical site of Shirpamal. By no means should you miss the chance to see the Warli paintings that is a tourist destination in itself and a reminder of Jawhar Hill Station's

importance as a major tribal kingdom.

Khandala, Lonavala, Karla Hill Stations in Maharashtra

Khandala and Lonavala are two hill stations en route the Mumbai-Pune highway that are popular getaways from the fast-pasted lives of the cities and are also famous as health resorts. Marked with numerous waterfalls, Khandala and Lonavala are great vacation destinations at any time of the year though October to May is considered the best time to visit. On your tour of Khandala and Lonavala Hill Stations in Maharashtra, you should also visit the Buddhist caves at Karla.

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station in Maharashtra

Set atop the tabletop plateau, Mahabaleshwar revolves around Venna Lake and the Pratapgad Fort where the historic battle between Maratha King Shivaji and Aurangzeb's army was fought. There many other sites for you to see on your tour to Mahabaleshwar Hill Station in Maharashtra including the various panoramic viewpoints such as Elphinstone, Babbington, Mumbai and Kate's; spectacular waterfalls such as Dhobi, Lingamala and Chinaman's.

Matheran Hill Station in Maharashtra

If a vacation could be half as fun as the journey to Matheran Hill Station, then it's worth the effort. For Matheran can be reached by a toy train journey, car drives on the whirling roads and a trek through the dense forests to the hilltop where Matheran is located. There are many picturesque panoramic points that you can visit on your tour to Matheran Hill Station in Maharashtra such as the Hart Point that overlooks the Bombay city lights. You can also visit the Porcupine Point, Louise Point, Charlotte Lake, Panther Caves and Paymaster Park.

Panchgani Hill Station in Maharashtra

En route to Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is surrounded by five hills from which it has derived its name. The colonial era buildings are worth seeing, so are the Parsi Bungalows and boarding schools. The walks around the thickly wooded walkways will surely remind you of your school days. River Krishna flows by creating picturesque ravines where forts such as the Kamalgad Fort stand tall. When in Panchgani Hill Station, be sure to experience the thrill of horseback riding.

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