A Journey to Mahabaleshwar – Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide

Mahabaleshwar is situated in Maharashtra District; it is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri range, about 220 KM from Mumbai and over 180 KM from Pune. Above 1,372 M higher than sea level, this place is highest hill station in Western India, known for pleasant weather, unique natural beauty & historical significance.

According to legends, this place is named after Lord Shiva, who is also known in the name of Mahabali, enshrined at the Gokarna temple in Mahabaleshwar in the form of Shivlingam, which is considered as the most sacred Jyotirlingam among the existing twelve of them. Primary construction was done by King Singham of Deogiri, as far as past history has information. Later on, the British developed this place as a Health Resort in 1928-29’ for its pleasant weather and natural beauty. From year 1834 up to 1864 the British set up a Jail here, of which the prisoners use to do farming and gardening in this place, and became inhabitant of Mahabaleshwar after they were released.

Reaching Mahabaleshwar has many routes, via road from Mumbai, from Pune or by Train to Satara. From Mumbai, daily Volvo AC Bus leaves in some hour’s interval, picking stoppages are Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. From Pune, Private as well as Government Express Bus leaves from Swargate in regular interval since morning. From Mumbai Mahabaleshwar is also accessible by car via Mahad & Poladpur, the journey takes approximately 6 hours of time. Satara railway station, which is connected to Mumbai, Bangalore & other stations, is 47 KM away from Mahabaleshwar and the journey takes approximately one hour from Satara.

There are over 25 viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar, excluding Temples, Dam & famous Venna Lake. The various places to see around are

Venna Lake

Natural Lake wit beautiful water and trees all around it. Boat ride is a pleasant experience in this lake, one of the major Tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar.

Tapola :

Also called “Mini Kashmir’ for its beauty. Boat ride is also available there with an extra attraction of Strawberry Farms on the way to Tapola.

Panchganga Temple :

It is on the meeting points of five rivers – Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri & Gayatri that flows in five stone conduits. Five goddess are worshiped in this temple, sacred place for Hindu Religion.

Shri Shankar Temple :

Sacred Shivlingam in the shape of a Rudraksha is worshiped here, along with Brahma & Vishnu, making this the most sacred among twelve Jyotirlingam, according to mythology.

Arthur’s Seat :

Also called the “Grand Canyon of India” for its beautiful rock formation and scenic view from the point. Kokan & Desh, two parts of Mahabaleshwar are clearly visible from this point only. Below this point is Tiger Spring which is believed as the source of River Savitri.

Wilson Point :

This is the highest point of Mahabaleshwar, approximately 4700 Feet above sea level. This point gives best view for watching Sunrise & Sunset, rightly named as “Sunrise Point”.

Pratapgarh :

Former Fort of King Shivajiraje Bhosle, who came here to worship in Bhavani Mata Temple. Well designed fort over the hilltop is a tourist attraction including tomb of Afzalkhan at the toe of the fort and Statue of Shivaji Maharaj called Balle Killa. The fort is 25 KM away from Mahabaleshwar, accessible by Bus or Autorickshaws; journey takes approx half an hour.

There are many more places and viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar, namely Connaught peak, Elphiston point, Marjorie Point, Castle Rock, Baghdad Point, Babington Point, Northcote Point, Falkland Point, Carnac Point, Fitzgerald Point, Bombay Point, Gaolani Point, Panchgani Point, Helen’s Point etc that gives a very pleasurable experience. There is also Table Land, three waterfalls named Chinamans, Lingmala & Dhobi, polo ground, bee keeping centre, the list is quite big.

Mahabaleshwar, being mainly a Tourist Spot, has good transportation facility in the city. Private & Government Buses, Taxi & Autorickshaws are available to go to any destination from the center of town near Irani’s petrol pump opposite the Club. There are also pre conducted tours like Pratap Gadh Darshan & Mahabaleshwar Darshan both from Private & Government Tourism for Rs. 70/- to Rs. 150/- approximately.

This is a very pleasant place for spending honeymoon or just travelling alongside. Apart from beautiful nature, boating, horse riding & trekking is also done in the surrounding hills of Mahabaleshwar. There are number of beautiful & sacred temples, churches etc for religious travelers. People in this city are very user friendly and co-operative as the main business here is tourism. Seasons are Summer time & September – October but hotels are open all around the year even in the time of monsoons as many people come in the rainy season to take a tour of the waterfalls that get new life in monsoon. There are jungles in and around the city which helps in making the weather very pleasant for tourists, neither too hot nor too cold; a gentle breeze flows all day.

There are many Hotels & Resorts available in Mahabaleshwar, general checking in time is 9 AM and 24 hour stay. Some hotel information is:

• Hotel Rajesh : Five Star Pure Vegetarian Hotel, Double Bed Deluxe Rom Tariff starts from Rs. 2400/-, Contact Number : (091) 02168 – 260006
• Hotel Templeview : Well Furnished Hotel in Old Mahabaleshwar, Tariff starts from Rs. 850/- for Dorm, Contact Number : (091) 02168 – 260025
• Hotel Dina : Nice landscape oriented hotel, Tariff starts from Rs. 1110/- in Off Season & Rs. 1800/- in On Season, Contact Number : (091) 2168 260246
• MTDC Resort : Situated in New Mahabaleshwar, Big & Old hotel, Tariff Starts from Rs. 700/- for Economy Class. Contact Number : (091) 02168-260318

There are many other resting places like Ramsukh, Hotel Girivihar, Valley View, Surya Retreat, Hotel Saket Plaza, Sherwood Hotel Pride etc.

Mahabaleshwar is very good place for spending a couple of days in a pleasant valley.

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