|
The forested, mystical and silent Sahyadris are a repository
of Maharashtra's rugged history, religious thought,
cultural resilience and spiritual energy. Within these
hills are nestled many hill stations. One such hill
station is Malshej Ghat, a hilltop town, standing 700
metres high in the mountains. The beauty of this hill
station lies in its forested environs and monsoon lakes.
No wonder then that the most exotic migratory birds,
the orange and white flamingoes choose it as their monsoon
abode.
Malshej Ghat is the only hill station where tourists
can see the wonder of all the seasons of the year within
the span of a single day. The hill station is a wonderworld
of fauna and flora. It offers tourists a quick getaway
from the stress of city life. The wind velocity in the
peaceful valleys here is an unforgettable experience.
The far stretching flamingo lakeview is unique and the
treescape is an outstanding example of mountain scenery.
Majshej Ghat boasts of a number of tourist spots,
not only for hikers, trekkers and nature lovers, but
for others as well. Some of these are as follows.
Shivenri Fort:
Those interested in history, find climbing up to the
Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Raja Shivaji, which
is just 40 km away, a great emotional journey into the
valiant past of the state.
Lenyadri Vinayak:
This temple is perched atop a hill filled with Buddhist
caves. It is one of the eight designated Ganapati shrines
in the Ashtavinayak list.
Harishchandragad Peak:
The Harishchandragad peak (1424 mts), is a favourite
with trekkers. It is also unique because here the semi-circular
rock wall of the Konkan Kada has an atmospheric pressure
that causes a coin to defy gravity and be blown upwards
from the basin.
Pimpalgaon-Joga Dam:
This dam is a long bund blocking Pushpavati River,
which springs out of Malshej Ghat and creates a lake
that swells in the monsoon. Flamingoes breed in the
water collected by this dam. Ornithologists have sighted
several species of birds including the alpine swift,
purple moorhen, pitta, quail, whistling thrush, green
pigeon and pied crested cuckoo in and around the dam.
Nature at its Best
Year after year, the thickly forested hills and valleys
of Malshej Ghat respond to the call of the monsoons
by displaying lakes and dancing waterfalls, mist-circling
peaks and craffy precipices. Verdant shades of green
become interspersed with numerous silvery streaks cascading
down the cliff face into the ravines below forming gurgling
streams and countless rivulets.
The post monsoon months, leading into the festive
season and then the mellow, misty winter in the hills,
are a delight for visitors who can enjoy under-the-sky
camps with fireflies and crackling wood fires, picnic
by the lakeside, walks into the forest glades and the
refreshing company of thousands of splendid birds.
For adventure lovers, these jungles provide the excitement
of adventure along with economy. The well preserved
forest forms the jungle wealth of India and helps a
variety of birds and animals to flourish in peace and
security. There are many peaks to scale and intricate
jungle paths to explore. One can meander along the serpentine
paths that lead into the forests and see what it has
to offer. Or clamber atop one of the many lofty hills
here and watch the green blanket of the flora coming
into focus when the clouds part momentarily.
Seasons to visit:
Malshej Ghat is pleasant throughout the year. But
monsoons are the best season to experience nature in
its element in Malshej Ghat.
Getting There:
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 154 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalyan.
Road: Malshej Ghat is well connected by road with Mumbai
(154 kms) and Pune (164 kms).
| 
