Panchgani

Panchgani is in Satara district of Maharashtra. One can see the Krishna River on one side and the coastal plain on the other. This hill station lies at an altitude of 1334m above the sea level. Panchgani is far from the noise and hustle-bustle of cities. One can reach the hill station from Mahabaleshwar on Pune road.

Tourists can plan for nature walks through jungle, thickly covered with lush trees and vegetation. Krishna River flows through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines. Table Land is an important site at Panchgani, which is a flat mountain peak giving a miniature view of the coastal plains.

There is also an enjoyable water sports centre called Tapola. Sydney Point, Rajapuri Caves, Kartikswamin Temple, Parsi Point, Pandav-Ghat, Mandharodeo Kanga point and Kachhabavdi point are other attractions at Panchgani.

Nearest airport is Pune at 160 km from Panchagani, while Pune is the most convenient railway station. Panchgani is only 18 km from Mahabaleshwar. It can also be easily reach by road from Mumbai and Pune.

Matheran

Matheran is an important hill station of Maharashtra as it is the closest one to Mumbai and Pune. This 800m high hill station is located in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is appealing to have a view of the valley from this green and calm hill station. One can also see Mumbai from Hart point.
The exhausted tourist from nearby Mumbai and Pune cities take a break here to breathe fresh air. Vehicles are banned in Matheran hence, the journey turns out to be adventurous. It also makes the place so quiet, serene and peaceful. The journey includes an adventurous two hour joyride in a toy train.

Place to visit:-
1) Louisa point
2) Panorama point - Good place for adventure trekkers
3) Little Chouk point
4) Charlotte Lake
5) Parsi and Hindu cemeteries
6) Byron Garbutt point - Good place for adventure trekkers

Nearest airport is Mumbai (100 km) and nearest railway station is Neral (21 km).

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is known as the Queen of all hill stations. This hill station is situated at an altitude of 1372 m in the heart of Sahyadri hills in Satara district. Its name is derived from a Lord Mahadev temple and three Sanskrit words, Maha (great), Bal (power), Ishwar (God). Some people also relate the name with mythological past as the Mahabaleshwar means mighty god.
British developed this place as their pastime destination to beat the heat. Looking down from Mahabaleshwar is regarded to be the best holiday spot in Maharashtra in terms of climate, excursions, sports, and other activities.

Places of Attraction:-
1) Lingmala waterfall - is one of the most enthralling sight in Mahabaleshwar.
2) Wilson point - is the highest point and the beautiful place to watch morning sunrise.
3) Bombay point - Here one can see the best sunset of Mahabaleshwar.
4) Dhobi waterfall point
5) Hunter point
6) Venna Lake
7) Savitri points
8) Arthur point
9) Arthur's seat
10) Krishna temple
11) Pratapgad fort
12) Tapola fort
13) Elephant point

Lonavala And Khandala

Locating at an altitude of 625 m, Lonavala and Khandala are famous for its beautiful hills, deep green valleys, huge lakes, historic forts and waterfalls etc. These two hill stations are at the Sahyadris Mountains of Maharashtra. Lonavala and Khandala have magnificent waterfalls that gives a heart catching view during monsoon. Tourists can plan their trip together with Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves, which are near from Lonavala. These hill station are also called as 'Jewel of Sahyadri' because of it's nature's gifted valley, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds.
Kandala is smaller than Lonavala and relatively calmer. These station are also known to be pride of Sahyadri mountains. Beautiful waterfalls and amidst green environment is really splendid to see.

Place to visit:-
1) Karla caves
2) Bhaja caves
3) Bedsa caves
4) Bhushi dam and lake
5) Tiger point
6) Valva lake

Nearest airport is Pune (64 km). Lonavala itself is a railway station. 104 km from Mumbai and 64 km from Pune by road.

Chikhaldhara

Chikhaldara is in Amravati district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. It is believed that its name is derived from Keechaka. This hill station is the only hill station, which offers the tourists lots of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls in the Vidarbha region.
Chikhaldara is situated at an altitude of 1118 m. This place is the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees. Abundance of natural scenery, exciting wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls and placid lake make the hill station a perfect site for summer retreat.

Place to visit:-
1) Dhakana Kolkaz National park
2) Hurricane point
3) Prospect point
4) Devi point
5) Gawilgad fort
6) Narnala fort
7) Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens
8) Tribal Museum
9) Semadoh Lake

Nearest airport is Akola (150 km), nearest railway station is Badnera (110 km) and nearest bus depot is Amravathi (100 km)

Bhandardara

Looking for a small and quiet gateway spot? Nestling amidst the hills, Bhandardara is easily among the most beautiful holiday resorts. A perfect stopover on the way to or from Shirdi, it is a charming little picnic spot. Amidst the dense green forest, lies the most splendid lake of the country - Arthur lake. It is formed by the dammed water of the Pravara river. Legend has it that Shri Agasti Rishi meditated for a years, living only on water and air. Pleased with his tremendous devotion the Lord came to Earth, blessed him and left leaving behind a stream of Ganga - now known as Pravara river.

Place of Interest:-
1) Wilson dam
2) Radha falls
3) Arthur lake
4) Mount Kalsubai - The highest peak in the Sahyadri range (1646 meters)
5) Ratangadh Fort
5) Amriteshwar temple - Built around 1100 AD.

Where to stay:-
The MTDC holiday resort. the rooms have spectacular views of valleys and Wilson dam.

Nearest airport is Mumbai. Nearest railway station is Igatpuri.  By road from Mumbai 185 km and from Pune 191 km.

Kovalam : The Paradise Of South India

Parallel to Arabian sea and, in the city of Thiruvananthpuram there lies a beautiful beach town of Kovalam, which means a grove of coconut tree. Also known as Paradise of South India. Kovalam is 16 km from Thiruvananthpuram and Internationally renowned for its three adjacent crescent beaches, divided by huge outcropping rock:
1) The light house beach is famous and largest among those three because of its clear and shallow water. The beam of light emitted from old Vizhinjam is a 35 meter long lighthouse built over a rocky promontory, gives an marvelous view at night.

2) The first topless beach of Indian and major attraction for surfer is Hawah beach. When the dark sky with white patches is printed on the calm water, it carries the viewer into heaven.

3)The Samudra beach is preserved for trading purpose hence it has lowest tourist attraction.

Adventure loving people can enjoy on Lighthouse and Hawah beach with various water sports, like Surfing, wooden boat ride and water boat ride. Even topless bathing is available at Hawah beach only on some private area.

All the beaches of Kovalam are safe and guarded by coast guard 24x7. Even the water sports are handled with care. The town also comprise of Mosque, few Temples and Church. This place is known for its sea food with coconut touch, also known as the essence of Kovalam. There are many Ayurvedic salon which provides Ayurvedic treatment to tourist.

Don't miss out to drink pure coconut water from local coconut wallah (seller), it may cast around 25 to 30 rupee each.

So visit this beautiful and natural blue beach town of Kerala, Indian.