Amboli ( Marathi - Amboli )is a hill station in south Maharashtra, India. At an altitude of 690 meters it is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa and a relatively unexplored one. Amboli lies in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India, one of the world's "Eco Hot-Spots" and it therefore abounds in a variety of fairly unique flora and fauna.

However, as in the other parts of the Sahaydri Hills, denudation of the forest cover and unregulated government assisted "development" (read "hotels, resorts & highways") are gradually ruining a once pristine environment. Historically, Amboli village came into being as one of the staging posts along the road from Vengurla port to the city of Belgaum, which was extensively used by the British to supply their garrisons in south and central India. The hills of Amboli village provide one of the sources of the Krishna river (The "Ganges" of south India) and an ancient Shiva temple (called Hiranyakeshi) exists at the cave where the water emerges.

The main attraction for tourists is the incredibly high rainfall (7 meters average per year!)and the numerous waterfalls and mist during the monsoons. Legend has it that there are 108 Shiva temples in and around Amboli of which only a dozen have been uncovered, one as recently as 2005. There aren't too many places to see or things to do but its quiet, unpolluted and the local residents are good natured and helpful.

This majestic fort was built in the year 1664 by the great Maratha warrior leader, Shivaji. He devised very strategically, the location of the fort, keeping in mind all the possible dangers he would have to face like foreign attacks from sea-side, keeping a check on Sindhis of Murud-Janjira, etc. What is even more surprising is the fact that Shivaji was himself one of the constructors, among the 6000 skilled workers, who strived day and night to complete the construction of this sea-side splendor.

There was no compromise on the construction and the equipments. More than 4000 mounds of iron were used for casting. The foundation stones were laid firmly on a base of lead. The construction of this colossal fort began on November 25th, 1664 and was built over a period of three years. The fort occupies an area of more than 48 acres and its outer parapet is around 2 mile long. The mighty walls have braved the strongest tempests and have provided protection to its inhabitants from external attackers in the bygone era. The fort is a classic example of illusionary architecture and shows the brilliance of Shivaji. The entrance door of the fort is built in such a way that it merges among the walls. No one can really make out where the entrance until observed closely.