Monsoon Road Trip : As soon as the monsoons begin, the feet of the vagabonds begin to sew to get out of their homes. Weekend traffic jams and rush of tourists at famous tourist spots like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar or Matheran often spoil the mood of travel. If you want to get lost in peace, in the lap of nature and in the valley of mist this monsoon, there are some hidden places in Maharashtra that are still away from the hustle and bustle. So, let’s check out these 5 amazing places in Maharashtra for a monsoon road trip this year…
‘Chalkewadi plateau’ resting in the lap of windmills
Chalkewadi Plateau, about 30 kilometers west of Satara, is a beautiful blend of nature and modern technology. Known as one of the largest wind power plants in Asia, this plateau has a different magic during monsoons. Between June and September, the entire plateau is covered with a green carpet and white clouds from the sky seem to descend directly to the ground. The dense blanket of mist, the gusting wind and the hundreds of giant windmills slowly spinning through the mist make the atmosphere very romantic and thrilling. This plateau is easily accessible from Satara city via the road leading to the famous Toseghar Falls. Away from the weekend crowds, this place is becoming the first choice for tourists to enjoy nature and monsoon road trips in peace. Monsoon Road Trip
Natural splendor of Sahyadri ‘Gaganbawda’
Gaganbawda in Kolhapur district is an amazing monsoon destination situated on the main ridge of the Western Ghats. Being one of the rainiest regions in Maharashtra, the beauty of the white waterfalls and valleys flowing down the hills is magnified during monsoons. The historic Gagangad fort, the panoramic view of two different ghats (Karul and Bhuibawda) and the dense paddy here attract tourists. Just 55 km from Kolhapur city, the road leading to this place is winding and traveling through the misty valleys makes for an unforgettable and thrilling monsoon road trip experience. Away from the commercial hustle and bustle, this place is a great option to enjoy the rain in peace. Monsoon Road Trip
‘Dabhosa Waterfall’, a white wonder in the forest
Hidden in the lap of nature in Jawhar taluk of Palghar district, Dabhosa Falls is an amazing and white wonder for the tourists. During heavy rains, the water falling directly into the valley from a height of about 300 feet from the Surya River bed and the spray of water that blows from it amazes the tourists. The vast valley and dense forest surrounding Dabhosa, one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra, turns dark green and picturesque during monsoons. Close to Mumbai, Thane and Nashik, one has to reach Jawar via Kasara or Wada. The roads leading to Jhawar are winding, foggy and very scenic, making this route and Dabhosa Falls a perfect weekend destination for monsoon road trippers. Monsoon Road Trip
‘Ratanwadi’ in the shadow of Harishchandragad
Ratanwadi, a tiny village adjacent to the vast backwaters of Bhandardara Dam in Ahmednagar district, is a living paradise for nature lovers and history buffs. Nestled in the vast shadow of the historic Harishchandragad and Ratangad fort, the village turns completely green during the monsoons. The main attraction here is the ancient ‘Amriteshwar Temple’ of the Hemadpanti style dating back to the 11th century Shilahar kings. During the rainy season, a white sheet of mist spreads over the stone carvings of this temple and the surrounding hills, making the atmosphere very peaceful and spiritual. The panoramic view of the surrounding high mountains, cascading waterfalls and the dam while traveling through the winding roads that bypass the Bhandardara Dam from Igatpuri or Ghoti is a sight to behold. Ratanwadi is one of the best options to enjoy a monsoon road trip in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Monsoon Road Trip
The mysterious and lush ‘Adrai Jungle’
Situated at the very edge of Malshej Ghat in Junnar taluka of Pune district, ‘Adrai’ forest is a mysterious paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. Once the monsoons begin, this dense forest turns into a lush green. Ancient trees, rare plants and the aroma of damp earth wafting through the air are mind-blowing as you travel along this centuries-old trade route. While trekking through this forest during heavy rains, the gurgling streams and the famous Kalu waterfall falling from a height attract the tourists. The foothills of this forest can be reached from the Kalyan-Ahmadnagar highway via Khireshwar or Kolwadi. Being far away from the main cities, the tranquility and rugged yet beautiful nature of nature make monsoon road trips a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Monsoon Road Trip
As scenic as all these routes are, they can also be challenging during monsoons. Take a break from the hectic life this monsoon, and experience an unforgettable road trip through these peaceful, green and fog-shrouded roads of Maharashtra for sure…. Monsoon Road Trip
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