A picturesque Hamlet in Sahyadri Hills-Tapola India
Tapola Maharashtra
Tapola is a beautiful mountain destination which boasts of beautiful lakeside, lush greenery and seasonal waterfalls. The rustic hamlet has located about 25 km from Mahabaleshwar. Tapola hill station is labelled as the ‘Mini Kashmir’ of Maharashtra. The village is popular amongst nature lovers and is the best vacation point. Tapola offers mesmerizing views of the Sahyadri Hills with The pleasant weather and calm surroundings. The whole path to the village is scenic and panoramic on both sides. It is the base camp for adventurous trekkers for the challenging jungle treks it offers. Tapola river camps are famous among tourists that providing accommodations in non-air-conditioned tents and that makes Tapola the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Geography
Tapola Mahabaleshwar is located on the mountainous Sahyadri range of the Western ghats. Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau bound by valleys on all sides. It reaches a height of 1,439 m at its highest peak, known as Wilson or Sunrise Point. The area around the Tapola is directly exposed to Basaltic rock. The basaltic flow is covered by a thin cover of soil formed due to erosion and has accumulated as a layer. Mahabaleshwar region is the source of the Krishna River that flows across the region. its tributaries are Venna, Koyna and Gayatri. The Savitri river flows Westward via Mahad to the Arabian Sea.
Places Of Attractions near Tapola
Panchgani and Wai
Panchgani is a popular hill station known for several beautiful attractions like Sydney point, Rajpuri caves, devil’s kitchen, Mapro gardens and Dhom dam. It was discovered by the British and is dotted with beautiful British-style Bungalows.
Pratapgad fort
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this mountain fort which is at a distance of 24 km from Mahabaleshwar. The Pratapgarh fort offers mesmerizing views of the Konkan region. The fort is built on a Ladder shape hill valley and is a mix of history, adventure and nature. The hill fort standing tall amidst greenery is a beautiful pick for a day’s trip.
Thoseghar waterfalls
Thoseghar waterfalls are a series of cascades that range in height from 500 meters. The waterfall is located near Thoseghar village in Satara and about 100 km from Tapola Mahabaleshwar. The falls are spectacular during monsoons from July to October. The calm and serene natural surroundings are a wonderful place to enjoy.
Also, read- Tirthan Valley-The Best Kept Secret of Himachal Pradesh
Kas pathar
Kaas Plateau or Kas Pathar has located at a distance of 37 km from Mahabaleshwar and 50 km from Tapola. It is popularly called the valley of flowers. It is a biodiversity hotspot known for various types of seasonal wildflower blooms and numerous species of endemic butterflies. Kas Pathar became a part of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2012. Kas Pathar is situated at a height of 1200 m and spread over an area of 1,000 hectares. The flora and fauna are unique in the region because the place receives high rainfall throughout the year. The place is breathtaking during the monsoon season. Hiking in the midst of the expansive bed of wildflowers is a dazzling experience.
Elephant’s head point
Elephant head point is a popular vantage point in the region. This is nearby Kate’s point. The place got its name because of an overhanging cliff that looks similar to the elephant’s head and trunk. This natural rock formation has a hole in between, hence the place is also known as a needle hole point.
Tapola Lake
Shiv Sagar Lake or Tapola lake is the main attraction of the area, is about 90 km long and serves as a reservoir for the Koyana dam. Koyana is one of the biggest dams in the state. The lake offers various sports activities like kayaking, scooter rides, boating and swimming. During monsoon, the peaks around Tapola are covered in a blanket of lush greenery dotted with pretty wildflowers that give this hill town the best place around the area. The seasonal waterfalls are a perfect natural attraction for those with an appetite for adventure who can enjoy the picturesque landscapes around them. Tapola Lake area is also known for its Gerbera farms and strawberries. One can visit the farms and try some fresh strawberries and savour the sights of beautiful Gerbera flowers on the farm. Tapola Lake is the base for a jungle trekking trail. The Vasota trek is one of the best treks in Maharashtra.
Things to do in Tapola
Visit the famous Tapola Lake to enjoy the natural setting and Sunset views is the best thing to do in Tapola. It’s a popular picnic spot for families vacation and is frequently visited by adventure seekers, who like the activities like swimming, kayaking, paragliding, and boating.
Geotouristic can also see some history buffs. The village boasts many ancient monuments like Jaygad and Vasota that draws a large number of visitors every year. Visitors can choose to trek through the forest to reach the forts in an effortless way quaint islands near Tapola are ideal for couples to stroll around during the twilight hours and create a few unforgettable memories for their entire lifetime.
Visitors can enjoy camping at the location of a river or an island situated near Tapola village is also the best thing to do in Tapola. Camping in Tapola will surely refresh your mind as you engage yourself in many fun-packed things like Cricket, Volleyball, Carrom, Chess, and many more.
Tourists can interact with locals through Tapola Eco Agro Tourism and learn more about their lifestyle. One can also head towards the strawberry fields and help people there in picking out the fruit. This tourism also allows people to get a first-hand experience of the villagers’ life by involving in things like feeding, bathing, and taking care of the cows.
Tapola Resort
Nisarga Agro Eco Tourism Resort
Nisarga Agro Eco-tourism resort is located at the base of the valley and near Tapola Lake. Nisarga Agro Eco Tourism Resort is the best destination away from the busy city life. Visitors can take a breath of fresh air and feel rejuvenated in the lap of nature with their families. One can explore the charm of the village and enjoy multi-cuisine dishes prepared with absolutely organic materials. Apart from this, the Lakewood Resort Tapola is one of the best resorts in the village that is famous for sightseeing around strawberry farms, water sports and temple boat rides. Lakewood Resort Tapola is also famous for its multi-cuisine dishes.
Tapola Maharashtra weather
November to April is the best season to visit Tapola hill station. It is Warm and pleasant daytime temperatures, coupled with the right amount of dampness in the air making this, the best time to visit Tapola. The days are sunny, and the average temperature is 77℉ which is just perfect to put on those sneakers and go exploring Tapola Mahabaleshwar. This time period sees an average precipitation of 4.33 mm. The month of November is the peak season to visit Tapola when the temperatures range between 63℉ and 86℉.
How To Reach Tapola Hill Station
The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Lohegaon Airport, Pune about 120 km away and the nearest international airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, Mumbai which is 115 km away from Tapola. The nearest railway head to Mahabaleshwar is Wathar about 60 km. Pune to Tapola-The most accessible station would be Pune, which is well-connected to all major cities in India. One can reach Mahabaleshwar From Pune, From Mahabaleshwar take a bus or taxi to Tapola.
Tapola Mahabaleshwar is about 245 km from Mumbai and 145 km from Pune. Volvo buses are available to Mahabaleshwar from major cities. Coming to the timings, the Tapola village can be visited at any time as it remains open all day long. Please note that there are specific opening and closing timings for the boat club. Mahabaleshwar to Tapola– Tapola is 35 Km from Mahabaleshwar and easily accessible by Taxi or bus.
