Feel The Thrill Of “Machal” Trek With Kolhapur Hikers

Situated almost 4000 feet high from the average sea level, this hill is separated from Vishalgad fort and the main Sahyadri range by a narrow gorge. Crowned with a level plateau three and a half miles long and one and a half broad, and freely supplied with water this 1500 Ares table land is well suited for a tourist destination. Clear and clean airy atmosphere, availability of sufficient potable water round the year at Machal, fascinates the visitors and gives them immense satisfaction. The place can be directly compared with Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, very famous hill stations in Maharashtra. 

The place is situated on tableland in the lanes of haughty Sahyadri Mountains few miles south of the Rantnagiri-Kolhapure road. According to mythology in a narrow mounted cave on the western side of the hill, there lived the famous saint Muchkund blessed by Lord Krishna. And the origin of river Muchakundi can be observed at this place. Kajali and Muchkundi are the two rivers flowing through Lanja taluka .These rivers are originating from Sahtadri lanes and flow towards west to meet the Arabin sea .Due to the heavy rainfall in the region these rivers are flooded with water in rainy season. But due the natural slope the water has way to reach the sea hence there is no danger of flood in region Zapade, Berdewadi, Vhel. Panhale are few dams which supply the water to the place. There is an abundance of potable water even during summer season the dams are having adequate stock of water and hence there is no question of scarcity of potable water. 

Machal can be accessed through the Amba Ghat. Machal is located at a distance of 32 kms from Lanja. The nearest railway station- Talavde is 15 kms from Machal and Kolhapur railway station is 80 kms to the south-east.