MAHABALESWAR

Mahabaleshwar is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra state. It is situated at an altitude of 1372 m above sea level in the Satara district, about 115 km southwest of Pune.

Due to its high altitude, the town has a cool climate and offers many pleasant walks. There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There is an old Shiva temple in the forest, which is the source of five rivers, including the Krishna river which is the second longest river of peninsular India.

Mahabaleshwar is visited by many thousands of tourists every year. It is well connected by bus with the important towns of the region. There are numerous hotels for every budget. The peak season is March–May; it rains very heavily from June to September.

Among the local delicacies, strawberry shakes and corn patties are well known. Ingredients for these are all grown locally. Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys, Lush flora, cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleswar, Maharashtra’s most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj.

Mahabaleswar means 'God of Great Power' in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the vistor a mix of old–world charm, natural beauty and modernity.

A tour of Mahabaleswar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolam Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir Jhon Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahabaleswar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.

Mahabaleshwar is built on a plateau and getting around is quite easy. Taxis, autorickshaws and buses leave from the center of town near Irani’s petrol pump opposite the Club. The main destinations are the “points”, named after prominent British administrators who found these splendid locations with unbeatable views. The points are located at various edges of the plateau in different directions. Rental cars and taxis can get there quickly. For the more adventurous, horses are available in town and there are lovely shady bridle paths for delightful rides. The best way to get around is by bus which is provided by Govt. You can book ticket prior only.Cost is around 60/- to 70/- per individual. Govt. Bus has two tour one is Pratapgad darshan in morning 9.15AM and Mahabaleshwar darshan in noon 2.15PM. They are best.

Mahabaleswar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting. So one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many building and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm Castle, the one–time residence of Governor Malcolm; Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleswar Club.

Mahabaleswar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or once could visit Old Mahabaleswar and the famous Panchanga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of rivers; Koyan, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. There’s also the Mahabaleswar Mandir, revered for its Swayambhu Lingam.

Getting Around

Air: The nearest airport is Pune, 120 km. away.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Wathar, but Pune is considered to be more convenient.

Road: Mumbai – Mahabaleswar via Malad, 247 km. State Transport buses ply regularly between Pune – Mahabaleswae and Mumbai – Mahabaleswar

City Map of MAHABALESHWAR

ESSINATIAL ATTRACTION POINT

Although there are close to 25 'Points' in Mahabaleshwar, lots of these points would give you the same view (of mountains/valley) from a slightly different angle. The following are a must:

• Arthur's Seat
• Babington Point
• Wilson Point
• Bombay Point (Sunset Point)
• Elephant's head Point
• Lingamala Falls (best viewed from behind Surya Resort

Mount Malcolm:

Built in 1829, this was one the famous buildings of its time.

Holy Cross Church:

The stained glass windows of this old Roman Catholic Church still retain their beauty.

Mahabaleswar Club:

Built in 1881, the mahabaleswar Club offers va peaceful retreat for those wanting to get away from it all. The Club offers many recreational facilities, including a badminton court and a mini golf course. Facilities are available to everyone at a very low fee. For those who prefer the quiet outdoors, there is a jogging track encircling the premises, edged with beautiful rose buses. The Club also offers a clear view of Venna Lake below. Every year. Christmas is celebrated here wioth much fervor and pump by the club members.

Morarji Castle:

Once home to Mahatma Gandhi in 1945, Moraji Castle is worth visiting for its old – world charm

Pratapgad Fort:

About 24 km. away from Mahableswar lies Pratapgard, the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1956, it is a maze of pounds, chambers and long dark walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a 100 meter fall! It was here that Afzal Khan, the mighty general of Bijapur, met his untimely death at the hands of Shivaji. Since Pratapgad lies slightly off the road to Mahabaleswar, a visit to this historic monument is recommended in all travel itineraries.

Mahabaleswar has many points offering great view of flat–topped ghats, dense forest and lush green valleys. Lodwick Point, towering almost 1,240 meters above sea level, is one of the most visited Points and holds a monument in memory of General Lodwick. Arthur’s Seat is well liked too for its great view of the Jor Valley. About a kilometer away lies Tiger’s Spring, and if you venture down you’ll come to a ledge named The Window – a Point that’s' for its mesmerizing view.

There are many location offering pleasant views of the plains below: Wilson Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Babingtion Point, Bombay Point, Falkland Point, and Kate Point are well know.

There are pleasant waterfalls worth visiting, such as Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls, the latter being the most impressive cascading almost 600 ft from a cliff!

Another tourist attraction is the Sangam, or the confluence of the five river that flow over the Deccan Plateau. There are many old temples too, which become the focus of attention during the festive season.