A place of scenic beauty and majestic peaks, Mahabaleshwar is known for being the tranquil hill station of Maharashtra. Producing India’s 85 percent of the strawberries, the fields of strawberries stand witness to a different sense of beauty. With some unforgettable vistas, breathtaking beauty and sights which feel unworldly let’s dive into the serene sight of Mahabaleshwar.
Know more about Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, also known as Queen of Hill Stations in Maharashtra, is nestled between five hills of the Sahyadri Mountain Range. The views are absolutely stunning from the elevation of 1372m. Also notable is the history of this place overtime of the continuous past.
The town is divided into three parts being Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and part of Shindola Village. Satara district of Maharashtra houses this beautiful town and hill station. Most popular among Mumbaikers and Puneites as the place is geographically located quite close to these two major cities for a weekend getaway.
History
The place is named after Lord Shiva and three Sanskrit words Maha (Great), Bal (Power) and Ishwar (God). The place also has a sense of history during British Raj. During the British Era, the hill station was discovered and made into a summer capital for Britishers to have a relaxing time at. Sir Charles Malet was known as the first Britisher to step foot on this destination while, Sir John Malcolm built a sanitarium here. Therefore the place was founded by Sir John Malcolm.
It is also believed that in the 13th-century a Yadava Ruler built a small temple and water tank at the source of the Krishna River. The area around Mahabaleshwar was ruled by More Clan. In 1656, the Maratha Empire killed the ruler Chandra Rao More, who had built the temple and water tank, and seized the area.
Things to Do when you are at Mahabaleshwar Hill Station
• Visiting View Points
Visit more than 30 viewpoints which provide a panoramic bird’s eye view of the vistas at this place. Named after British officers of the time, the viewpoints provide a lot of capturable moments.
• Boating
The Venna Lake offers boat rides in the beautiful valley of the place. Surrounded by trees and bird calls, an early morning or a late evening boat ride is the perfect calm and serene ride.
• Trekking
The most common adventure sport here, it provides a good change in the calm ambience of the hill station. Trekking is seemingly easy with rugged roads, pleasant environment and foliage helps with a prolonged and enjoyable trek.
• Visiting the Wax Museum
A wax museum filled with statues of celebrities and famous people is worth a tour! Life-sized statues seem to come alive for people who visit the museum. More than 30 statues are kept of famous and influential people from all over the world.
Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
• Elephant Point, Mahabaleshwar
This granite rock, which resembles the head of an elephant, is also known as the Elephant's Head Point. It provides some breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Range and is situated at a height of around 4500 feet. One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Mahabaleshwar is this.
• Mahabaleshwar Fort, Pratapgad
This well-known fort in the vicinity of Mahabaleshwar is where the epic conflict between the army of the Maratha monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Adil Shahi General Afzal Khan took place. The small rounded structure, also hoists an orange flag and is a must visit for tourists.
• Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar
One of the greatest sites in Mahabaleshwar to unwind and relax while taking in a breathtaking lakeside sunset is the Venna Lake, also known as the Mahabaleshwar Lake, a man-made lake that spans across an area of 28 acres. Boat rides are a must and the feeling of blanketed in calm energy is all what this lake’s aura is about.
• Mapro Garden
One of the most well-liked tourist destinations close to Mahabaleshwar is the Mapro Garden, which is situated in Panchgani. There is a café, play area, and chocolate factory in the garden. A popular site for families traveling with kids and younger children.
• Waterfalls
you have must seen many famous waterfalls, but visiting these three in Mahabaleshwar is a must.
o Lingmala Waterfalls- In front of the Lingmala forest bungalow, there is a magnificent waterfall. It has an air of calmness. The different strokes which the waterfall displays are unique and special to everyone who visits.
o Dhobi Waterfalls- This is a lesser-known destination in Mahabaleshwar, and it is hidden away in a picturesque valley. The Koyna River is where the waterfall empties into. The people are keen on capturing every moment they can while visiting this place.
o Chinaman’s Falls- This waterfall, which is situated at the apex of the Venna valley, is among the nicest in Mahabaleshwar. Two streams that merge to become one form the source of the waterfall. The view of convergence is worth every minute you spend at this place.
• Parsi Point
The Parsi Point in Mahabaleshwar is the finest vantage point and provides some beautiful views of the Krishna Valley and the backwaters of the Dhom Dam. People usually go to enjoy gentle winds and the serene atmosphere.
• Arthur’s Seat
The Brahma-Narayana valley and the Savitri River may be seen from Arthur's Seat, sometimes referred to as the Suicide Point, which has one of the most interesting vistas. It shares its name with Edinburgh, Scotland ancient volcano of the same name.
• Sunset Point, Mahabaleshwar
Every hill station has a designated sunrise and/or sunset point that provides the greatest view of the sky cape at dawn and night. One such place in Mahabaleshwar that will stick in your memory for a very long time is the Sunset Point or the Bombay Point.
• Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple
A 500-year-old self-originated lingam is kept at this historic temple that is devoted to Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Maratha King Shivaji had his mother Jijabai weighed in gold at this shrine and donated the riches to charity.
Best Time to Visit
The winter months are the finest time to visit if you're thinking of visiting this hill station. The temperature fluctuates from 10 to 32 degrees Celsius from November through February, which are the winter months. With no need to be concerned about the sun, it is now feasible to go outside at any time of day. There are chilly, cozy nights. It is significantly better than the heat in the rest of the state, even though summers (March to June) are only moderately warm with temperatures climbing to 15 to 35 degrees C. It's a wonderful choice for avoiding the summer sun because of this. In Mahabaleshwar, the monsoon is very stunning. Travel only if you are prepared to venture outside in the rain from July to October.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar from Pune
Mahabaleshwar is connected to major cities via a wide network of highways and well-maintained roads. You can choose one of the ways to travel to Mahabaleshwar from famous city Pune:
• By Train
The closest train station from Pune to Mahabaleshwar is Wathar. There are 7 trains, including 2 DEMU trains, which run between Pune and Mahabaleshwar. The Maharashtra Special (PT), which travels from Pune to Wathar in around 2 hours and 20 minutes, is the quickest train. Every day of the week, all trains operate. Around 65 kilometers separate Wathar from Mahabaleshwar. From Wathar to Mahabaleshwar, you may get a taxi and arrive there in two hours.
• By Road
From Pune, Mahabaleshwar is around 120–125 miles away by car. With the NH48, you can get there in three hours. You may travel comfortably by scheduling a cab from Pune to Mahabaleshwar with a driver.
• By Flight
The airport closest to Mahabaleshwar is Pune Airport. Mahabaleshwar and Pune Airport are separated by around 135 kilometers. From the Pune Airport, a cab may take you to Mahabaleshwar in around three hours and twenty minutes.
Conclusion
A trip to Mahabaleshwar will make your day! The place has an ample number of things to offer for you and your family to enjoy, remember and have a good time at. Plan your tip today!