The western state of Maharashtra houses a plenty of tourist destinations to cater for everyone’s travel needs. Here are a few hidden gems in the state near Mumbai city for you to plan your next trip and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Read on to find out.
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Kundalika River – alluring white waters
Kundalika River is a small, relatively unknown yet an enticing river in the state of Maharashtra. Originating from the peak of Sahyadris, Kundalika River cascades down the hills and finally drains into the Arabian Sea. White water river rafting in the gushing waters of Kundalika is something you certainly should not miss. Due to its involvement in various hydro-electric projects, Kundalika is full of water for the most time of year making it an ideal place for riverside experience.
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Kalavantin Durg – for the next level of thrill
Widely acclaimed as one of the most dangerous fortresses in the world, Kalavantin Durg is a thrilling getaway for adventure lovers to get some adrenaline rush. Get exploring this lovely Fort which lies between Panvel and Matheran, the trek to which will challenge you and push you to your limits. Once you reach atop the fort, the city of Mumbai is visible along with some magnificent views of nature’s trail. Kalavatin fort is quite fascinating sighting its history and is an unexplored destination making it a hidden gem of Maharashtra.
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Morachi Chincholi – peacocks, oh beauty!
Morachi Chincholi is another gem in Maharashtra which is about 182 km from Mumbai. In Marathi, mor means ‘peacock’ and chincholi means ‘tamarind trees’, both of which are present here in large numbers and thus the name. You can hear the cry of the birds perched on the tamarind trees and crawling on the ground. The natural flair of our national bird is strikingly visible here, a sight which will leave a lasting impression in your mind. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this quaint little village soaked in peacock’s colors will definitely make your stay here worthwhile and memorable.
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Nighoj – explore something new
Situated 206 km from Mumbai, Nighoj village is famous for its naturally created potholes on the riverbed of passing by Kukadi River. These potholes have been formed by the explosive action or rocks and water carried by the river over a long time. The depressions in here have a beautiful texture and make up for an exciting terrain to explore, a significant shift from the ones seen on the Indian roads. Visit Nighoj in summers to get a better experience of the undulating ‘Kund’, as the villagers call it. You will surely enjoy this gem of a place.
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Kaas Plateau – the valley of flowers
Kaas Plateau is better known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of Maharashtra state. It is such an adorable destination you will fall in love with this place at the first sight itself. Home to various exotic species of flowers, herbs, orchids, and shrubs, numerous other organisms like butterflies, birds, reptiles, and mammals add to the charm of this place. Even though the flowers look extraordinarily ravishing, kindly do not pluck them. Just leave your footprints and take home fond memories with you. No wonder Kaas is one of the finest hidden gems of the state.
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Thoseghar – enriching waterfalls
Thoseghar is an incredibly photogenic waterfall in the Konkan region of the state. Being 140 km away from Mumbai, you can easily reach these falls by road using any means of transport. The clean and green surroundings here are astonishing and turn even more attractive during the monsoons. Several waterfalls come alive as well as the main fall is in full swing during the rainy season. You will have a calm and peaceful time in nature’s lap. Gear up to enrich yourselves with the falling waters of Thoseghar.
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Purushwadi – lighted by the fireflies
Purushwadi is home to millions of fireflies which showcases a unique spectacle during their mating season. This village is at a distance of 200 km from Mumbai which has been adopted by an organization called ‘Grassroutes’. This organization has been taking care of the village’s tourism for the past five years and organizes official fireflies festival that takes place annually. Come to Purushwadi to witness the fireflies hover over like magic and cast an enchanting spell on you.
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Tapola – the mini Kashmir
A little-known village near Mahabaleshwar, Tapola is a flawless destination to experience nature in its pristine form. You can venture deep into the dense forests or explore the historical forts. A great deal of sightseeing can be done here. Further, you should undertake boat rides in the immaculate lakes present here and extend your trip by camping alongside the water bodies. For all these elements residing in its core, Tapola has a nickname ‘Mini Kashmir’. Anytime soon there will be a site for paragliding here in co-ordination with Panchgani to make it a perfect package for the tourists. Here’s another gemstone added in your Maharashtra Travel Diaries.
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Pali – a sacred whereabout
Located at the foothills of Sahyadri Ranges, Pali is a small village in the Konkan Region and 98 km away from Mumbai. The Ballaleshwar Temple in here is an important pilgrimage center as one of the eight ‘Ashtavinayakas’ in the state. The temple is an architectural marvel with a green and fragrant neighborhood. Due to its aesthetic value, pilgrims throng the temples almost all round the year. Pali also presents you with some trekking opportunities to facilitate your instincts for adventure.
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Tamhini Ghats – enthralling
Tamhini Ghat is the gateway to a different world of lush green land, brimming streams and the occasional waterfalls during monsoons. These waterfalls trickling down the hills have been attracting a number of tourists from far and wide. The monsoons turn the parched land into a carpet of green with plants and flowers in full bloom. Tamhini Ghat is simply marvelous with sweeping views on offer to enthrall you. Every turn in the landscape holds a surprise which will keep you engaged and provides for a great traveling experience.
Woah! Now that’s some decent collection of hidden gems dig up for you to bank upon. Get cracking!