JAWHAR TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO JAWHAR
Hill Station
About Jawhar
Country: India | State: Maharashtra
#100 of 25 Places to visit in Maharashtra
Ideal Trip Duration: Not Available
Nearest City to Jawhar: Nashik (78 Kms), Mumbai (146 Kms)
Best Time to Visit Jawhar: October to February
Peak Season: October to December
At a distance of 52 km from Trimbakeshwar, 68 km from Igatpuri, 78 km from Nashik, 146 km from Mumbai, 246 km from Pune, and 277 km from Aurangabad, Jawhar is a small hill station located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. Situated in Konkan region, it is one of the lesser known hill stations of Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Mumbai.
Situated on a plateau of Sahyadris between rift valleys in Maharashtra, Jawhar is fondly called as the 'Mahabaleshwar of Palghar District'. Jawhar is known for its picturesque setting and a vibrant cultural heritage. It is one of the few tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra that offers a unique opportunity to expose and enlighten with the tribal way of life as part of Maharashtra tour packages. Jawhar is one of the oldest municipal councils in the state of Maharashtra.
Founded by Raja Jayaba Mukne in 1343, Jawhar was a capital city of the erstwhile Koli princely state of Jawhar. During the British Raj, as a princely state, it was a part of Bombay Presidency and had a 9-gun salute status. Although a capital city, Jawhar's development was largely neglected by successive rulers, due to a low revenue generation and haphazard organisation. However, Jawhar witnessed a significant development in the reign of Raja Patang Shah IV and subsequent rulers. Raja Patang Shah V (Yashswant Rao) Mukne was the last ruler of Jawhar before its formal integration in the Union of Indian in 1947. While the town has experienced considerable development in recent times, it has still preserved its ethnicity and rustic charm, which is a must-see as part of Jawhar tour packages.
A perfect retreat for couples and vacationers, this pristine hill town is blessed with exotic valleys, dense forests, and a delightful climate. The Rocky Mountains against the backdrop with cascading waterfalls and lush green woods are truly enchanting. Jai Vilas Palace, Shirpamal, Khad-Khad dam, Narlidhara valley's ropeway, Sunset Point, Hanuman Point, Bhupatgad Fort, Hiradpada Waterfall, Dabhosa Waterfall, Kalmandvi Waterfall, Pawarpada Waterfall, and Jaisagar Dam are among the top places to visit in Jawhar.
Furthermore, Jawahar is famous for its tribal communities like Warli, Kolcha, and Kukana, who are dedicated to preserving their art and culture by offering their homes as homestays, as well as selling their handicrafts such as Warli paintings and wooden items as souvenirs. Warli paintings exclusively use white color mixed with rice paste and water. These intricate designs symbolize activities like hunting, dancing, or harvesting against a red background. The fundamental structure always remains the same, featuring a circle, square, or triangle. Traditionally, a bamboo stick is used instead of a paintbrush. Initially, these paintings were confined to walls during special occasions and celebrations. However, as they gained popularity, people began creating them on canvas for sale and to earn a living.
About 104 km from Nashik, Nashik Airport is the nearest airport which has direct flights from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Goa, and Hyderabad. The closest international airport is the Mumbai International Airport which is located at a distance of around 128 km from Jawhar. Igatpuri Railway Station & Nashik Railway Stations are the two major nearest railway stations which are about 68 km and 78 km from Jawhar. Both stations are well-connected to many cities via regular trains. Jawhar is well connected by bus with Igatpuri, Nashik, Mumbai, and Pune.
Tourists avoid visiting the place during the summer months due to the scorching and uncomfortable weather. In contrast, during the monsoon season from July to September, Jawhar transforms into a stunning landscape with gushing waterfalls and vibrant green mountains. However, the relentless downpours limit outdoor activities. Therefore, the optimal time to explore the area is during the winter season from October to February when the climate is pleasantly cool and less humid.
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