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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).
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