In your pursuit of peace and solitude, perhaps you will come across Amboli, a tranquil hill station on the Western Ghats, surrounded by thick forests and tree canopied hills. On the coastal side, Amboli peers over the tree lined sandy ribbon of the Konkan coast; on the other three sides, you are rewarded by a magnificent panorama of the sweeping valley.

The hill station is very charming in winter when the rains have stopped and there are a thousand waterfalls gushing down the hills. This is an idyllic place to relax, unwind and go for long walks. Spend your days meandering through scenic hillscapes and misty forests, pack a picnic and wander up un-trodden paths. Go fishing at Hiranya Keshi, picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad, sightseeing at the Bauxite Mines, Sea View and Shirgaonkar.

So when you just want to get away from it all, come to Amboli. The chances are that you will lose track of time in this quiet retreat with its rejuvenating climate and charming mountain scenery.

Getting there: Amboli is 549 km from Mumbai and 390 km from Pune. The nearest railhead is at Sawantwadi, 30 km away. You can get here on State Transport buses from Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum. Taxis and rickshaws are available, or you can hire cycles and move around on horseback.

Best time: Amboli's bracing climate makes it a year round destination. The hill station is at its rain-washed best just after the monsoons when waterfalls cascade down the mountains. Carry light woollens and rain protection no matter what the weather. T

Accommodation: There are hotels, motels, tourist guesthouses and an MTDC resort.

For country information, see India.
For state and visitor information, see Maharashtra.