Amboli Waterfalls is among Maharashtra’s most famous monsoon escapes. Located in Sindhudurg district in the Western Ghats, the hill station turns green during the rains attracting tourists from all over. However, the place is also a natural habitat for wildlife and reptiles alike. A video shared on social media platforms shows the scary side of natural beauty.What happened at Amboli Waterfall?The video shows a man carrying a small child when a big snake falls from above, landing around his shoulder and then on the rocks. The situation quickly turns chaotic and people can be heard screaming in the background. The video was reportedly filmed at Amboli Waterfall and has gone viral.Some tourists are shouting, “Run, it’s a big cobra.” No harm to anyone has been reported yet.Why Amboli becomes a monsoon hotspot
amboli (Canva)
As per Maharashtra Tourism, Amboli receives extremely heavy rainfall making it a perfect monsoon destination. It also warns that roads can become slippery during the rainy months. The main waterfall is only around 3 km from Amboli bus stand, making it relatively accessible compared with more remote forest attractions. This accessibility is one reason Amboli can become busy during the rains. Visitors often come for photographs and waterfalls.Should tourists be worried about snakes and cobras?
Indian Cobra (Canva)
The Western Ghats support a wide variety of snakes, including both venomous and non-venomous species. Reptiles are part of the ecosystem, and their presence around vegetation, rocks and damp areas is only natural.For travellers, it is important to know that they should not put hands into rock crevices, thick vegetation or spaces that cannot be seen clearly.If a snake is spotted, the safest response is to give it space and slowly move away. Trying to kill or capture can only increase the risk of snake bite.What if a tourist is bitten by a snake?
snake (Canva)
The World Health Organization advises:Keeping the affected person as still as possibleTake them to a nearby healthcare facility as soon as possibleRemove tight items such as rings, watches or ankletsDo not cut the wound, try suck out venom or apply a tight tourniquetHow to reach AmboliAmboli is well connected by road. The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi Road, about 37 km away.The nearest airports include Goa’s Dabolim and Mopa airports.The recent snake at Amboli Waterfall video is startling precisely because visitors usually arrive expecting scenery, rain and a refreshing monsoon outing. But Amboli’s biggest attraction is its lush Western Ghats landscape.The best way to experience the waterfall in any forest area is by being careful and responsible first. An outdoor waterfall should not be treated like a controlled amusement park. It is suggested to stay on suggested paths and keep children close. Always watch where you step, and avoid climbing unstable rocks.Amboli Waterfall in Maharashtra may be the star attraction of the trip, but the forest here is very much part of the experience. And with that comes the exotic wildlife in and around the region.