Amboli, perched atop the Western Ghat is the last hill-station of Maharashtra before the range plunges into the coastal highlands of Goa. The lush evergreen forests sprawling across hills and valleys surrounding Amboli are home to some of the rare plants and animals. Monsoon is the perfect time to visit Amboli,located at 2,000 feet above sea level. Explore the nooks and crannies in search of various frogs and toads in colourful and loud display, singing in beautiful synchronisation to attract their lady love.Amboli is part of a Biodiversity Hotspot and there are chances of catching glimpses of amphibians and reptiles such as Fungoid Frog, Bi-coloured Frog, Amboli Bush-frog, Amboli Toad, Beddomes Cat Snake, Ceylon Cat Snake, Green Vine Snake, Malabar Pit Viper, and various caecilians.

Amboli can be easily approached through Sawantwadi (on the Konkan Railway route), about 30km away by road. It is a little less than 500km from Mumbai by road. Most buses plying between Mumbai and Goa stop at Sawantwadi. There are hotels and resorts to stay in and around Amboli.

But if you are interested in the wildlife, you can opt for the nature trips organised by Mumbai-based BNHS India. Their naturalists have deep knowledge about the area and the natural world. BNHS has two camps scheduled in June-July. The first one is from June 30-July 2 and the second (on demand) one is from July 7-9, 2017.

For more details and booking Email tobnhs.programmes@gmail.com.

www.bnhs.org