Amboli Ghat

Amboli Ghat is a mountain pass and hill station located in the Sahyadri range of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of approximately 690 meters, it serves as a key transit point connecting Kolhapur to Sawantwadi. The area receives heavy rainfall and is characterized by dense forests, seasonal waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Historically developed as a hill station by Colonel Westrop in the 1880s, it was also a summer retreat for the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty.

Visitors can expect a scenic mountain environment with numerous viewpoints such as Mahadevgad Point, Kavlesad Point, and Shirgaonkar Point offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats valleys. During the monsoon season, multiple waterfalls including Amboli Waterfall and Nangarta Falls are active and accessible via short treks. The area features the Hiranyakeshi Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and remnants of Madhavgad Fort. Roads wind through thick forests, and visitors may encounter mist-covered hills and diverse flora and fauna.

Amboli served as a key transit point for the Vengurla-Belgaum trade route during the British era. British officer Colonel Westrop transformed it into a hill station in the 1880s. It also functioned as a summer retreat for the rulers of the Sawant Bhonsle dynasty.

The Hiranyakeshi Temple, located about 5 kilometers from Amboli, is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva featuring a self-manifested Shivling inside a cave. The region is also known for traditional handmade wooden toys, spices, and honey.