Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, India. It is situated at an elevation of around 1,353 meters (4,439 feet) above sea level and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pleasant weather, and abundant strawberry farms. From admiring the stunning views to immersing yourself in the serenity, book a cab and explore everything Mahabaleshwar offers. Keep scrolling to read the complete travel guide.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
- How to Plan a trip to Mahabaleshwar
- About Mahabaleshwar
- Places to stay in Mahabaleshwar
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
- Visit View Points – Mahabaleshwar gained popularity due to the numerous vantage points that offer some unbelievable views of the surrounding areas. While some of them are listed above, there are many more that the hill station has to offer.
- Boating – Trees surround the Venna Lake and have a relaxing vibe. Go boating with a loved one and enjoy the serenity the place offers.
- Trekking – If you are looking for adventure activities, trekking tops the list. The rugged trails, greenery, and pleasant climate make it an excellent place to push your limits.
- Visit the Wax museum – If you are looking for some relaxing activities to do in Mahabaleshwar, then a visit to the Wax Museum can be a good idea. There are more than 30 life-sized replicas of famous personalities worldwide.
Hire a car rental in Mahabaleshwar to easily travel around the place and experience all these major adventures.
Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is famous for a lot of interesting places that attract tourists around the year. Here are some places to consider for sightseeing:
- Elephant Point – Also known as the Elephant’s Head Point, this is a mountain rock resembling an elephant’s head. Located at around 4500 feet, it offers some mesmerizing views of the Sahyadri Range. This is one of the most popular places to see in Mahabaleshwar.
- Mahabaleshwar Fort, Pratapgad – This popular fort witnessed the famous battle between the armies of Adil Shahi General Afzal Khan and the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Venna Lake – A man-made lake that stretches over an area of 28 acres, the Venna Lake, also known as the Mahabaleshwar Lake, is one of the best places to unwind and relax while witnessing a stunning lakeside sunset.
- Mapro Garden – Located in Panchgani, the Mapro Garden is one of the most popular places to visit nearby. The garden has a chocolate factory, a play area, and a restaurant.
- Waterfalls – There are many waterfalls, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon months:
- Lingmala Waterfall – This breathtaking waterfall is right behind the Lingmala forest bungalow. It is serene and peaceful.
- Dhobi Waterfall – This is a lesser-known attraction perched in seclusion amidst some beautiful valleys. The waterfall cascades into the Koyna River.
- Chinaman’s Falls – This is one of the best waterfalls and is perched at the top of the Venna Valley. The waterfall flows from two streams merging into one.
- Parsi Point – The best vantage point, Parsi Point offers some picturesque views of the Krishna Valley and the backwaters of the Dhom Dam.
- Arthur’s Seat – Also known as the Suicide Point, Arthur’s Seat offers one of the most fascinating views of the Brahma-Narayana Valley and the Savitri River.
- Bombay Point – Every hill station has a designated sunrise and sunset point that offer the best view of the skyscape at dawn/dusk. In Mahabaleshwar, the Sunset Point or the Bombay Point is one such point that will etch itself in your memory for a long time.
- Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple – This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva housing a 500-year-old self-originated lingam. According to legends, Maratha King Shivaji had weighed his mother, Jijabai in gold at this temple and given it away in charity.
Book a cab in Mahabaleshwar to visit these major tourist places and enjoy a great trip with your family and friends.
[Also Read: 10 Incredible Places To Visit This Monsoon]
Places to visit Nearby
Here are some places near Mahabaleshwar that are worth a visit:
- Tapola – Also known as Mini Kashmir, Tapola is at a distance of around 25-30 km. It is famous for its panoramic views and adventure sports.
- Kaas Lake and Plateau – The Kaas Lake is the primary source of water for Satara and the plateau is home to multiple species of plants and herbs.
Places to eat in Mahabaleshwar
- The Grapevine Restaurant – famous for seafood and Parsi cuisine
- Natraj Chikki – for fresh chikki and chocolate fudge
- Rustam’s Strawberry Inn – for Parsi snacks and strawberry deserts
- Plunge Bar, – a relaxed rooftop bar for a drink and a snack
- Mad Smoke House – an open-air restaurant with barbecue, live seafood, grills, and Mediterranean cuisine.
How to plan a trip to Mahabaleshwar
How to reach Mahabaleshwar from Pune
Mahabaleshwar is connected to all important cities via a network of highways and well-maintained roads. Here are some ways to travel to Mahabaleshwar from Pune:
By Train
Wathar is the closes railway station to Mahabaleshwar from Pune. There are seven trains from Pune to Mahabaleshwar including 2 DEMU trains. The fastest train is the Maharashtra Special (PT) which takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Wathar from Pune. All the trains run on all days of the week. The distance between Wathar and Mahabaleshwar is around 65 km. You can book a cab from Wathar and reach there within two hours.
By Road
Mahabaleshwar is around 120-125 km by road from Pune. You can take the NH48 and reach there within three hours. You can book a chauffeur-driven Pune to Mahabaleshwar taxi or rent a car from Pune and travel comfortably.
By Flight
Pune Airport is the closest airport. The distance between Pune Airport and Mahabaleshwar is around 135 km. You can book a cab from Pune Airport to Mahabaleshwar and reach there in around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar
If you plan a trip to this hill station, the best time to visit is winter. From November to February (winter months), the temperature varies between 10 and 32 degrees C. This makes it possible to step out at any time of the day without worrying about the sun. Nights can get cool snuggly. While summers (March to June) are slightly warm, with the temperature rising to 15-35 degrees C, it is much better than the heat in the rest of the state. This makes it a good option for getting away from the summer sun. The monsoon is particularly beautiful here. However, travel from July to October only if you are comfortable getting out in the rain.
About Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is fondly called the Queen of Hill Stations in Maharashtra. It has been a preferred weekend getaway for Mumbaikars and Puneites for decades. Several places of interest can keep all kinds of travellers intrigued and happy. In this guide, we will tell you everything that you need to know about Mahabaleshwar.
Geography
Mahabaleshwar is a small town and hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is a pilgrimage for Hindus since the River Krishna is believed to have its origins here. The town is spread across an area of around 137.15 square kilometres. It is divided into three parts: Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar, and a part of the Shindola village. It contributes to around 85% of the strawberries produced in India.
History
It is believed that a 13th-century Yadava Ruler built a small temple and water tank at the source of the Krishna River. The More clan ruled the area around Mahabaleshwar. In 1656, the Maratha Empire killed the ruler Chandrarao More and seized the area. Apart from this, many mythological, historical, and cultural stories are associated with this beautiful hill station. You can discover them as you explore the land.
Places to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Here is a list of hotels and resorts to help you find the best place to stay:
- Royal Nest Bungalow, Machutar Village
- Lotus Farms, Behind Mapro Gardens
- Hotel Rainforest, Near Parsi Point
- Exotica de Swiss, Near Janani Mata Temple
- Le Méridien Resort & Spa, Medha Road
- Honeywood Holiday Homes, Duchess Road
Download our Savaari car booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey. You can read our elaborate travel guide for more such places to visit near Mumbai.
Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by
