Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide

In old records, Mahabaleshwar is Malcolm Peth and that itself is suggestive of the influence of the foreign hands in the development of this hilly resort. Apart from that its princely past is reflected in the colonial mansions and palatial buildings that reminds the visitor about the richness of artistic caliber of the by gone generation.

As the base of five lovely rivers, the scenic beauty of this hill station presents awesome sceneries, which mesmerizes the spectators. Its unparallel beauty with the meandering cascades, marvelous streams, and charming peaks along with a rejuvenating climate enthralls any visitor. Literally the term Mahabaleswar means great power and indeed it is so. In Mahabaleswar one can have the respite of a tranquil holiday spot as well as the serenity of a great devout centre.

Places to See in Mahabaleshwar :

Venna Lake grasps the attention of people with its picturesque locale, encircled by trees on all sides. A boat ride in the late evenings of winters makes one just awestruck by nature's splendor. You can also go for horse riding on the path along the lake. And traverse the most-beautiful milieu that you have ever imagined through the roads, apt for nice walks and treks. Morarji Castle is an old structure, where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed in 1945.

Other interesting site to be visited is Mount Malcolm, which is an old building famous for its amazing architecture. A dilapidated Catholic church is yet another popular place, celebrated for its striking stained-glass windows. If you want to play Golf in the arresting beauty of nature, Mahabaleshwar Club is the place to head for. Pratapgad Fort, which dates back to the 17th century, is an imposing structure that still has its hoary charm alive. Indeed, this hill station offers no less than 30 valley viewpoints that present lovely vistas of the vales.

Lodwick Point, sited at the edge of a hill, presents a scenic vista of the surrounding hills and the valley. Dhobi Waterfall is a stunning cascade flanked by Lodwick and Elphinstone Point. At an altitude of 1348 meters, Arthur's Seat is a lovely place that offers an impressive view of the Jor Valley. As you move about a kilometer from here, you will reach 'Tiger's spring' - another great site to spend some time in solitude. Mahabaleshwar Temple, a must-visiting place, is a shrine immersed in divine mysticism.

The point of the five rivers (Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Veena and Gayatri) that gush over the Deccan Plateau presents a remarkable sight, should not to be missed. At the top of Venna Valley, Lingmala Waterfall is an uninterrupted fall that offers a nice place to hang on and enjoy the clear waters. Wilson Point, sited at 1,435 meters, is the highest point of this quiet hill station. Helen's Point, Badington Point, Falkland Point and Carnac Point are some other points that too, offer commanding vista of the region around.

How to Reach :

By Air : The nearest airport is at Pune at about 120kms from Mahabalehswar. Pune airport has tourist services for those willing to visit Mahabaleshwar.

By Rail : Pune is the convenient railhead to Mahabaleshwar. However the nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is at Wathar, at a distance of 62kms.

By Road : There is excellent road network accessibility to almost all parts of Maharashtra. Regular buses of the state transport link Mumbai and Pune ply to Mahabaleshwar. Further from Mahabaleshwar buses are available for excursions and sightseeing trips to places like the Pratapgad Fort. For intra-city ride, Mahabaleshwar has taxis, rickshaws, bicycles and horses.