Toranmal, A Perfect Place to Spend Your Summer Holidays in Maharashtra

Toranmal is a hill station located in the Nandubar district of Maharashtra. The hill station is placed at a height of about 1,461 m above sea level and is abounded by the seven ranges of Satpura
hills. Toranmal hill station is located at a distance of about 55 km from Shahada, 305 km from Nashik and about 200 km from Surat. Spread over an area of about 42 sq km, the place is regarded as the second coolest hill station in the state. The place is also popular for its diverse variety of flora and fauna. In the early periods, the hill station was a tribal area and thus, it derived its name from the tribal Goddess Torna. 

Attractions

Lotus Lake- The Lake is popularly known as the Kamal Talao, as it is covered with lotus flowers. The water of this lake flows down and forms a captivating waterfall, which eventually flows into the Sita Khai.

Sita Khai- It is located at a distance of about 1.5 km from the main town of Toranmal. Sita Khai is a scenic valley, which derives its name from Seedha Khai. There is a waterfall at this valley, which is the prime attraction of this place. It is also known for its echo point.

Yashavant Lake- It is a natural lake which is spread over an area of about 1.59 sq km. The lake has been named after Yashwant Rao Chavan, who was the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Tourists can enjoy activities like boating and fishing in the waters of this lake. Another major attraction of this site is the Protestant Church, which is located at a close distance from the lake.

Torna Devi Temple- The main attraction of this temple is the black stone idol of the tribal Goddess Torna Devi. The natives of this place believe that the idol of the deity enshrined in the temple, is over 600 years old. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the place is during the months of October to March.

Accommodations

As for the options available for accommodation in Toranmal, there are 13 holiday homes and two rest houses, which are located on the banks of the Yashwant Lake. The Holiday homes of this place can take in 48 people at a time and are equipped with the basic amenities. The rest houses located on the banks of the Yashwant Lake are much better option for staying at this place, as they offer breathtaking views of the lake. 

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest major airport to the place is in Aurangabad, located at a distance of about 290 km. The airport is well linked with various major parts in the country. Tourists will get regular bus and taxi services from the airport to get to the place.

By Train: The nearest railway stations to the place are Nandurbar and Dhule, which are located at a distance of about 76 km and 128 km respectively. The stations are well linked with several parts in Maharashtra as well as other parts in India. Regular bus and taxi services are available from these stations to the place. 

By Road: The place has a good network of roads that connects the place with places like Surat (200 km), Shahada (55 km) and Nashik (305 km). The hill station receives regular state bus and taxi services from these places along with the places in the neighboring states.