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Town in Maharashtra, India
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mahabaleshwar is located in the Satara district and is a popular weekend gateway for the residence of Pune (120 km) and Mumbai (215 km). Located at a height of 1372 m above sea level, it is the largest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra state. 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.
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One of the most popular spots. This is at the end of the road, that is a dead end. There is no parking available, and during peak season it may be impossible to get a spot on the sides of the road. You can park at Savitri point, just 300 m away, and walk to Arthur's seat point, with several other points along the way. Castle Rock point is also nearby. There are lot of eateries at the entrance. There is also a Sulabh toilet but don't expect cleanliness, lights and doors inside. There are no toilets available at other points on the way and you may be hours away from the next one.
Just ahead (before) of the Arthur's Seat. After the renovation, it has good stairways that give beautiful views of the valley below. There is a small parking area.
On the way to Arthur's Seat. This point also provides beautiful views of the valleys. There is a big parking area at this point.
Sunset Point
Needle’s Point
From the viewpoint an overhanging cliff in the shape of an elephant trunk is visible. Apart from the strange rock formation there are great views of the surrounding cliffs
Named after Kate, daughter of John Malcolm, Governor of Bombay (1 November 1827 – 1 December 1830). Located at an altitude of 1473 meters, Kate Point offers a birds-eye view of the Dhoom Lake and the meandering Krishna River
Named after Peter Lodwick, a British officer who first climbed the hill in April 1824. To mark his accomplishment, his son erected a 25 feet column, which stands to this day. Here also the views are great with unobstructed views of the nearby Pratapgad Fort.
Standing at 1439 m, it is Mahabaleshwar's highest point. It is named after Leslie Wilson, the governor of Bombay Presidency (10 Dec 1923 - 8 Dec 1928). There are a couple of bastion-shaped viewpoints. It is a popular viewpoint offering great views, especially during sunrise.
The temple complex in old Mahabaleshwar houses three temples. They are Mahabaleshwar Temple, Atibaleshwar Temple and Panchaganga Temple. The temples date back centuries before the colonial period and are topped with pyramidal spires. The entire complex is heavily encroached with makeshift stalls selling items of worship. Photography is restricted in the interiors of the first three temples.
The Krishna Temple is located a few yards away from the temple complex. It is also an active temple but there are no encroachment. It marks the source of the Krishna River. Sadly, the temple is in ruins, but it does have a commendable appearance. The temple complex offers a grand view of the valley below, complete with the adjoining towering cliffs.
The falls consists of two parts - the upper longer part and the shorter lower part. A half an hour trek is required to reach the view point of the falls.
The fort was the site of the Battle of Pratapgad fought between the Marathas and the Sultanate of Bijapur in 1659. The fort stands on a hill top and offers great views. The fort has two gates, complete with towering walls and bastions. The fort is divided into two parts - lower and upper. The lower fort houses the main entrance, while the upper fort contains temples, a statue of Shivaji (installed in 1957) and several buildings.( UNESCO, part of Maratha Military Landscape)
One of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees and offers opportunities for the visitor such as boating or horse back riding. Many local eateries and hotels can be found in the area.
Visit lake Venna for a ride on paddle or rowing boat. You may ride boat on your own or, alternatively, you can hire one. It is a beautiful and scenic lake. The paddle boats are stopped during the monsoon season (June to September), so you have to do with the rowing boat.
Horse rides are available in the Veena Lake region
About 50 km from Mahabaleshwar. Tourists can enjoy boating. There are many scenic view points and strawberry farms on the way.
There are many many trekking trails around the hills of Mahabaleshwar. Ask your hotel for the nearest trekking trail
Go to Wilson Point or Kate's Point to watch beautiful sunrises, and to Bombay Point or Elphinstone Point to see glowing sunsets.
India's first ecotel hotel.
Located in main market. Though prices are on slightly higher end, provides food with good taste.
Mapro garden restaurant offers a decent menu. Most of the tourist vehicles stop here, on their way to Mahabaleshwar. This place has clean restrooms and large dining area. Refresh yourself here because all of the other Mahabaleshwar public points hardly have any restrooms, let alone clean ones. The self service counters are prompt in serving your orders. Pizza, soups, sandwich, ice creams are some of the good offerings. They also have a retail outlet for Mapro products offering a large variety of crush, jams and candies.
Buy the 'sweet charlie' variety of strawberries from the main Mahabaleshwar Market. Alternatively, you can also venture out into interior parts to handpick your berries from the strawberry farms.
Generally restaurants here do not serve liquor, except beer, but a few places close to the State Bus Stand, like Hotel Shreyas have it on menu. You can buy all the liquor you want from Imperial Stores.
The most popular drink, available at most restaurants, is strawberry milk shake. You can add a blob of strawberry ice-cream for some added flavour
Strawberry Wine is another sought-after souvenir of the region. A 750 ml bottle of Strawberry Wine costs about ₹600. Also available are mulberry, raspberry, chocolate, mango (alphanso), kiwi, peach, pineapple and plum wine.
Nice views
A family-run heritage hotel with well-furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms & TV. Enjoy views of the lake on the balcony as you sip your tea. Veg & non-veg dining.
Cottage, clean and comfortable.
Quiet, with a wonderful valley view, spacious rooms, and good food.
Serves good Maharashtrian food. Clean and comfortable place to stay. Friendly staff.
Centrally located pure vegetarian hotel with 70 centrally air conditioned rooms and 20 non-air-conditioned rooms. Parking, pool with waterfall, gym, children's play park with mini train.
Surrounded by the jungle, gives a true feeling of wilderness. Rooms are just about okay. Food is fine. Some parts of resort building are about 125 years old. The cottages have three large rooms and a large bathroom & dressing area with respect to the price paid. The food and service are good.
Nice 3-star place.
It has a scenic swimming pool, a spa, and rooms boasting river views.
The only 3-star hotel in Panchgani.
Excellent hotel - superb location and Parsi food right in the middle of the jungle - best views in the hill station, but high end tariff.
Rooms pointing to valley, great view, open swimming pool.
Includes gym, indoor swimming pool, garden with view of valley, and good 3-star service.
There are a variety of local brands of honey available in the bazaar.
One can buy the famous Kolhapuri slippers, shoes and sandals in the bazaar.
These products are made from natural friuts and herbs and are not available outside Maharashtra.
By train
By bus
By car
It is a popular driving and biking destination for the residents of Pune (120 km) and Mumbai (215 km).
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