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MALSHEJ GHAT |
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NEW, EXCITING MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY ADENTURE |
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The verdant Sahyadri mountains run down the west coast of Maharashtra like
a velvety green ribbon. Forested, mystical and silent, these hill ranges are called
Western Ghats. They are not only the climatic barometer of the state, but also the
repository of the state's rugged history, religious thought, cultural resilience and
spiritual energy. Great warriors and saints who have had a tremendous impact on the psyche
of the people here, have touched on these mountains with the magic of their valour and
love. |
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| They have made these brooding mountains a natural, hallowed heritage of
the people. Apart from the characteristic beauty of the wooded countryside and its superb
animal and bird life, these craggy mountains hold historic forts, high-plateaued forest
houses, resorts and sanctuaries and the most venerated rivers which bring vitality to this
land. |
| The Magic of Malshej Ghat |
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such sanctuary is the Flamingo Hill Resort on Malshej Ghat, a hilltop town which lies 150
km from the frenetic city of Mumbai. A journey of only three and a half hours along a
first class highway brings holiday-makers to this resort, standing 700 metres high in the
mountains. |
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The beauty of the resort lies in its forested environs and monsoon lakes
where orange and white flamingos make their rain-weather home each year. The Flamingo Hill
Resort is surrounded by misty hills, placid monsoon lakes and cool, fragrant forests.
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Nestling in the
Western Ghats, the Flamingo Hill Resort and sanctuary attracts trekkers and mini-adventure
tourists like magnet. Nature and wild-life lovers watching the exotic migratory flamingos
in the monsoon find it a memorable experience. Year after year, these thickly forested
hills and valleys respond to the call of the monsoons by displaying lakes and dancing
waterfalls, mist-circling peaks and craffy precipices. |
| Those interested in history, find climbing up to the Shivenri Fort, the
birthplace of Raja Shivaji, which is just 40 km away, a great emotional journey into the
valiant past of the state. In addition, there are caves of Buddhist origin in these
far-flung hills to attract enthusiastic mountain wanderers. Those interested in religious
journey can travel to Ozar and Lenyadri, two Ganesh temples honoured by all devotees. They
can also go to Bhimashankar; a centuries old shrine of Shiva, set at the origin of the
river Bhima. All these temples are at a close distance. |
A SAHYADRI WONDERLAND
From June to September, Malshej Ghat 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. 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. Many cool weather excursions are
possible from Malshej Ghat. Between October and February, Harishchandragarh, a dream peak
for trekkers, beckons them because of its nearness - just 7 km. The 1424 metre peak is
unique because from here, the semicircular massif of the Konkan Kada offers the
fascinating sight of a coin defying the law of gravity by swirling upward when flung into
the air, because of high wind velocity. From Puzzle Point, a trekker can lose his way
along the jungle paths and wander back at leisure to his safe resort abode. |
MALSHEJ
GHAT ENVIRONMENT
For an environmentalist, 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. |
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Visitors can experience nature in its full glory even though the resort is
very close to highly industrialised cities. The resort gives them an ambience that is just
right. They can wake up to the song of birds to watch the first rays of the Sun pierce the
thick mists which cover the hills and forests. They can sit by campfires in the night
watching the stars twinkle in the firmament. At an altitude of 700 metres, they can
experience the beautiful clement weather within three hours' drive from city life and take
back memories of fun, adventure, beauty, peace and freedom among the limitless spaces of
the mountains.
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. |
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Daman,Lonaval/Khandala,Kuteeram-Bangalore,Mahableshwar,,Raichok |
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