Written by: Atreyee Chowdhury
Tapola
One must have surely heard of Mahabaleshwar, a famous hill station (picnic spot, trekking haven too) of Maharashtra. Just around 30 KM away from Mahabaleshwar is Tapola. Tapola is fondly referred to as ‘The Mini Kashmir’ all thanks to its virgin beauty with rivers, dams, forests and hills which is reminiscent of Kashmir-Heaven on Earth. It’s a riverside area, an ideal picnic spot and a perfect abode for nature lovers. One of the biggest dams of Maharashtra- the Shivsagar dam is housed in this place. It’s the place where two rivers Koyna and Solshi meet. Nature blossoms in Tapola and is perhaps will give anyone the much-needed change from a busy city life.
Orientation
Mahabaleshwar, the nearest recognized place is at a high altitude of 4100 meters. Tapola is at a much lower altitude in comparison. The forest views, along with the two rivers Koyna and Solshi on the either side is a visual treat.
Weather
The weather in Tapola is mild throughout the year except summers being a bit sunny. With a hill station ambience winters are cold and the rain gods display their prowess redundantly during the rainy season. The summer season is during March-April and the winters last from October to February.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tapola would be during the winter season. However, it has a lovely atmosphere throughout the year.
Getting there / Route information
Routes from major cities
- Pune –(120 KM)–> Mahabaleshwar –(30 KM)–> Tapola.
- Mumbai –(220KM)–> (via Mahad) — Mahabaleshwar –(30 KM)–> Tapola.
Connectivity
| By Bus: | Several state transport buses and private buses are available from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. Buses from Mahabaleshwar to Tapola are frequent too. There are several bus tours to Tapola from Mumbai and Pune. Buses from Satara are available too. |
| By Train: | Wathar is the nearest railway station. Pune is the nearest major railway station that has a good access to different corners of India. |
| Road Quality: | The road from Mumbai via Mahad takes around 6 hours. It makes for a smooth ride along the highway and then through the ghat curves surpassing few lovely landscapes. The route from Pune takes around 2 hours and is a pleasure again. |
Pictures of Tapola
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Major attractions
Shivsagar Dam
It’s the biggest dam in Maharashtra. One should try out boating here. Motorboats, scooter rides and speedboats are available for reasonable charges in the lake here. The splendid Sahyadri hill range, the surrounding forest area and the view of the distant forts makes the boating here prominent in the ‘must do’ list.
Forts (Vasota and Jaygad)
It’s quite difficult to reach to the fort. It can be avoided. But the view from the distance is worth capturing a photograph.
Forest
This can be avoided unless you are a pro forest explorer or has a companion of that caliber. The forest in Tapola looks beautiful and like all beauties of nature can prove to be quite dangerous if you are not a long-time friend of those wild bears, wild foxes and few other animals.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Not necessarily required, but having a first aid kit, water and food of personal choice can be helpful.
Local taxi availability
From Mahabaleshwar you can several taxis are available for hire.
Nearest city: Mahabaleshwar.
Hotel / Resorts Availability
Mahabaleshwar has a wide range of options for accommodation right from the luxury class to the budget ones.
Few resorts can be found in and nearby Tapola.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospitals | Health officer. Tel: (02162) 260247. M.G rural hospital. Tel: (02162) 260220/260247 |
| Police | Mahabaleshwar police station. Tel: (02162) 260333/260217 |
| Miscellaneous | Tourist Bureau (Mahabaleshwar). Tel: (02162) 260271 Tahshildar and Taluka magistrate. Tel: (02162) 260229 Taxi booking in Mahabaleshwar. Tel: (02162) 260931 |
Please send me the list of hotels in Tapola
I stayed in Tapole River camp …Good one but overhyped. Check Bharat hotel on the way to Tapola from Mahabaleshwar.. Tel: 02168 260233. Little far but can check it out!
It will be very useful, if the site owner puts a list of hotels for each picnic spot.. alongwith a good descriptions.
Hi,
Please send me the list of lodges at Tapola and minimum charges for couples.
Hello,
Very nicely designed website with accurate information.
Please let me know if you would be interested in adding info about Homestay’s & places of interest for tourists/ weekend travelers in Wayanad, Kerala.
Regds
Deepak
Yes Deepak, We are interested!
I belive some developers are selling land here, is it advisable with respect to appreciation.
quiet informative- some more info regarding stay n contact details will be quiet useful————
Please correct the altitude of Mahabaleshwar on your site. It is 4100ft and not 4100m.
Nicely presented. I am going to Tapola tomorow..so i will share my experience with u all.