MTDC eyes monsoon magic, all set to provide exciting packages

Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, offering a diverse range of experiences from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colourful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments.

Satish Soni, the Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation said “Monsoon tourism is catching up with people from Mumbai and Pune. If you look at the trend, over the past three years, the number of visitors is growing. We are struggling to meet the demand against the number of rooms available. In 2013-14, over 2.02 lakh visited Malshej, Bhandardara, Chikaldara, Ajanta and Matheran and now by the end of last fiscal, the number touched 2.6 lakh.”

Maharashtra Tourism has witnessed of 10% growth in tourists- domestic as well as foreign in the past years and the number is still rising.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) brings to you the top destinations to visit this monsoon and enjoy the scenic beauty along with monsoon adventures.

Lonavala & Khandala

The twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala are known for their salubrious climate and the beautiful green cover they flourish during the monsoon. Treat yourself with cool water, warm sunshine and the vibes of nature at Mulshi Dam and Bhushi Dam and magnificence of the caves of Karla, Bhedse and Bhaja will leave you awestruck.

Chikhaldhara

The hill station in Amravati district is the only hill station of its kind in the Vidarbha region. Chikhaldhara comes alive in monsoon with lush green backdrop, mist and waterfall that getaway arrive for. The archaeological and architectural insights of Gavilgad and Narnala are likely to boggle your mind. Beautiful reservoirs such as the Bir Dam, Kalapani Dam and the Shakkar Lake are a must watch for nature lovers.

Bhandardara

Bhandardara, considered as a trekker’s paradise and lies amidst lush greenery, high hills and water. It is the perfect monsoon getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and is also visited by tourists throughout the year. Bhandardara is renowned for its Lake Arthur Hill and the trek to highest peak of Maharashtra Mount Kalsubai. Bhandardara is at its best in monsoon when mist and spontaneous waterfalls are all around the area.

Amboli

Located on the ridge of the Western Ghats, the beautiful hill-station of Amboli is rightly called the ‘queen’ of Maharashtra; such is its natural splendor. It is famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora and fauna can bestow upon it. Tourists can experience Amboli Waterfall is at its best during monsoon. Amboli Ghat offers stunning views of the thickly forested valleys and sunset point is a must to converge in the evening.

Malshej Ghat

Referred to as a rain traveller’s abode, Malshej Ghat is a very popular monsoon destination, located in Pune district of Maharashtra. Photography enthusiasts can freeze some amazing moments at Naneghat pass with the towering peak of Kalsubai to the north and Bhimashankar to the south. Shivneri Fort which is the birthplace of the renowned Shivaji Maharaj is a must visit for history lovers. Pimpalgaon Joga dam is a bird watchers delight. Several species of birds including the alpine swift, purple moorhen, pitta, quail, whistling thrush, green pigeon, pied crested cuckoo have been spotted around the dam.

Panshet

Panshet is an idyllic hill station to visit during the monsoon season famous for its lush greenery, picturesque scenery and cool pleasant climate. Along with the stunning landscape views the place also boasts of numerous water-sport activities like boating and surfing. A visit to Panshet dam (also known as Tanajisagar Dam) and Varasgaon dam is a must for tourists.

MTDC also provides holiday resorts for friends and families in Karla, Chikhaldhara, Bhandardara, Amboli, Savarni Village, Panshet and in many other places with affordable prices for bagpackers.

Source: financialexpress.com

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