Mahabaleshwar

Overview:

The picturesque hill station of Mahabaleshwar; located in the Western Ghat’s range, is situated at an average elevation close to 4,400 feet above sea level.  Thus, it is never too hot owing to its height, and never too cold owing to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. Bound by valleys on all sides Mahabaleshwar is a massive plateau. Homing one of the few evergreen forests of India during the Brititsh Raj, Mahabaleshwar effectuated as the summer capital the province of Bombay. Presently a galore of commercial trees and medicinal herbs, are sourced from this dense forest. The city of Mahabaleshwar is chiefly comprised of three villages (Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ and the Shindola village). It is a municipal council in Satara district, belonging to the Indian state of Maharashtra. The scores of splendid scenic "points", waterfalls, the perennial springs, streams, and lush greenery of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year round pleasant climate have transformed contemporary Mahabaleshwar into a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The strawberry capital, Mahabaleshwar is known for the strawberries and honey that are produced here. The climate of Mahabaleshwar is the ideal and optimum climate for the cultivation of strawberry and various other berry plants. Strawberry farms invite guests to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit and even shop for fresh honey or canned jams made from strawberries, mulberries and raspberries which are freshly grown. The climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for the plantation of Strawberries and Mulberries. Mahabaleshwar is around two hundred and eighty-five kilometers from Mumbai via NH4 and Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Being, fifty five kilometers away, Satara is the nearest major city, and Pune is hundred and twenty kilometers from Mahabaleshwar AH47 and Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Cabs from Pune to Mahabaleshwar are readily available, and so is the case from Mumbai. These cabs from Pune to Mahabaleshwar or alternatively Mahabaleshwar to Mumbai taxi rentals can easily be hired via mobile smart phone devices or by simply placing a call to the respective cab rental services, and save a lot of time. Since taxis make it easy to travel in and around the city, more often than not people book cabs through online portals for visiting the various tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar. Travelling further the city of Nashik and the town of Shirdi promises ample opportunities for the transient traveler.

Places to Visit:

Among the touristiest spots in Mahabaleshwar, is Wilson Point. Named after the Governor of Bombay Sir Leslie Wilson. It is located atop the highest peak of Mahabaleshwar and is considred to be a sunrise point. One can bear witness to the astounding views of the rising and setting sun, from the masonry platforms of the three watch towers which are strategically located at three different places.

Subaltern to the Wilson Point the Venna Lake is another tourist favourite. The lake was meliorated by the king of Satara, Shri Appa Saheb Maharaja, in 1842. Surrounded by trees on all sides, it is a perfect place for evening activities such as horse riding and boating. The banks of the lake is lined by a number of small eateries. Venna lake is featured in the itinerary of almost all tour operators.  Rental car hire services will stop at the Venna Lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.Initially known as Mount Olympia, Connaught Peak, was renamed after the Duke of Connaught. Being situated at an altitude of 1400 metres, it is the second highest peak in Mahabaleshwar. Offering panoramic views of the Krishna Valley and the Vienna Lake, it also plies as a vantage point for observing Kamalgarh, Torana, Ajinkyatara, and Rajgarh. From here, tourists can see Pratapgarh on the west, and Pasarani Ghat and Panchagani on the east.

With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai.

Kate's point is located to the east of Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its view of two reservoirs, Balakwadi and Dhom. The point is around 1280 mts high. The point got its name from Sir James Malcom's daughter Kate, who developed a liking for the place.

Named after Arthur Malet, the first to build a house here. It is the only place that allows people to see the geographical distinction between the Deccan and Kokan territories. One must visit Lingmala, Dhobi and Chinamas waterfalls while in Mahabaleshwar. The waterfalls are in their roaring beauty especially during the rainy season.

Things To Do:

The strawberry capital, Mahabaleshwar is known for the strawberries and honey that are produced here. Strawberry farms invite guests to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit and even shop for fresh honey or canned jams made from strawberries, mulberries and raspberries which are freshly grown. The climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for the plantation of Strawberries and Mulberries.

For a leisurely vacation, one should go down to the market and sit drinking coffee or fresh fruit juices at the roadside cafes, admire the seasonal flowers in the park, amble off on gentle mountain ponies or opt for some peaceful boating or fishing experience on Venna Lake.

Mahabaleshwar offers many outdoor activities for leisure seeking travellers and adventure enthusiasts both. The more adventurous may undertake trekking and horse riding, adversely a nine hole golf course is also available at Mahabaleshwar.

Flowing across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh the river ‘Krishna’ originates at Mahabaleshwar. Hindu mythology states that as a result of a curse on the three chief divine powers of the world, the river was formed. A spout gushing from the mouth of a cow statue in an ancient temple of ‘Lord Mahadev’ located in the Old Kshetra is believed to be the legendary source of the river Krishna. Interestingly there are in fact four other rivers (Kovana, Venna or Veni, Savitri and Gayatri) coming out from the cow’s mouth, though they merge with Krishna after travelling some distance. The temple and water tank built at the source of the river was initiated by the King Singhan of Deogiri in 1215. Devotees and guests alike should travel to the temple.

To imbibe a part of the local history, a visit to Pratapgad fort located 27 kms from Mahabaleshwar, is must.