Amboli is Western Ghats’ best-kept secret; here’s why

Amboli is definitely not a place that’s usually on our Maharashtra itinerary but that needs to change, and we are here to tell you why. Located in the Sahyadri Hills, Amboli is one of the incredible gems of the Western Ghats.

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The stunning and dense rainforest of Amboli is mostly visited by herp enthusiasts. Yes, that’s creepy crawlies for you. The forest of Amboli is a pure haven for those who find joy in looking for reptiles and amphibians, definitely not your usual wildlife trips!



Amboli is the last hill station before you reach Goa, and it is one of the most rain-soaked places you will ever visit. But because of this, Amboli is also one of the world’s best eco hotspots where there is no dearth of endemic species of plants and animals, mostly amphibians.


More often than not we get news about discovery of new species of amphibians and reptiles, and not surprisingly, quite a lot of it is usually from this very rain-soaked region. In July last year (2021), a new species of semi slug was discovered and was named Varadia amboliensis, after the well-known scientist and herpetologist Dr. Varad Giri whose extensive works in the field of herpetology has put Amboli on the world map. Hemidactylus Varadgirii is another excellent discovery from Amboli. This one’s a gecko!



It’s a common sight to see herp enthusiasts being extra careful where they tread in and around Amboli’s forest because of the next special resident – the Amboli Bush Frog, critically endangered and endemic to the region.



Don’t think that Amboli is only about reptiles and amphibians. Amboli is also a great destination for all nature and adventure lovers. Amboli Falls, Shirgaonkar Point (for the panoramic views of the valley), Nangarta Falls, Kavalshet Point Amboli (famous for great view and the reverse waterfall) are some of the unmissable attractions.