Mahabaleshwar – Discovering Serenity

Travel not to escape life, But to not let life escape you. True That!. One feels more lively after traveling. It provides rejuvenation like nothing else can. What if you have a short weekend to spend?, what if you have a limited travel budget?, what if you can’t drive that much?. Still get up.. Drive.. and Reach Mahabaleshwar.

How to Reach Mahabaleshwar

Traveling to Mahabaleshwar is best by road. There are trains that go till the nearest railway station ‘Satara’, then you can take a public transport to Mahabaleshwar. But it will spoil your whole day and it will be hectic. Better hit the road and reach early

A: By Car/Bike – Mahabaleshwar is around 270 Kms drive from Mumbai. And around 120kms from Pune. The roads are so fine and well in shape you will not feel as if you have driven too much. To top it up, the scenery around the way is mesmerizing and photogenic. I bet you will stop a hundred times on the way to Mahabaleshwar.

B:  By Bus – There are Buses that run every 30 minutes from Mumbai and Pune. If you want more comfort, even sleeper buses are available. The Fares are quite cheap and service is good. They drop you off right at Mahabaleshwar town. We suggest you to catch an early morning bus and reach here by afternoon.

There are so many points to visit in Mahabaleshwar that you will be left just traveling from point to point. If you are on a leisure trip, just select a few and leave the rest for the next trip. Here are few of the best points,

1.  Kate's Point

When we think of Mahabaleshwar, this is the first point that comes to our mind. Kate's Point area has 3 points in total,  Kate's Point, Echo Point and Needle Hole Point or Elephant's Head Point. Kate's Point is named after the then British governor Sir John Malcolm's daughter. The original name of the point is Nake Khind and is situated at an altitude of 1290 m. Dhom dam as well as peaks of Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh and Mandardeo can be seen from Kate's Point.

2.  Lingmala Waterfall

This most famous waterfall of Maharashtra is situated at an altitude of 1278 m, Lingmala Waterfall is formed by Venna River. There are two waterfalls, one mini waterfall and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet. The mini waterfall is safe & suitable for swimming and playing in the water. One has to walk for 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint of main waterfall from the mini falls.

3.  Arthur Seat Point

At a distance of 13 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand and 7 km from Old Mahabaleshwar, Arthur Seat Point is the most popular viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar and among the top places to see in Mahabaleshwar.  See various strawberry plantation on the way to Arthur point and eat strawberry cream for sure.

4.  Mapro Garden
Mapro Garden is very popular tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar and is known for their strawberry produce. The name Mapro is short form of ‘Mahabaleshwar Products’.  Mapro was founded in 1959 by Mr. Kishore Vora and it is very popular in Maharashtra state for its processed fruit products like fruit crushes, squash, etc. Mapro has also diversified into products like chocolates, honey, gulkand and many more. The major highlight of Mapro Garden is the chocolate factory within the premises. Visitors can also see a small nursery full of beautiful flowers and plants. There are various counters selling different Mapro products. Tourists can buy them at good discounted prices

5.  Venna Lake

Surrounded by lush greenery, Venna Lake has area of about 28 acres having periphery around 7-8 km and is fed by repeated springs. It is very popular spot among honeymooners as well as families. Pratap Singh Garden is situated on the banks of Venna Lake.

Tourists can enjoy a boat ride in the lake or a horse ride next to the lake.  Apart from boating and horse riding, fun fair games like toy train, merry-go-round are popular with children. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake.

6.  Pratapgad Fort

The fort lies at an altitude of 1080 m and is built on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. It is among most scenic places in Mahabaleshwar and one of the best forts of Maharashtra.

7.  Mahabaleshwar Temple

This hill station got its name from this temple. This is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Old Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple was built by Chandarao More in 16th century and is a model of the Hemadant architectural style of South India. The temple is enclosed by a 5 feet wall and is divided into two areas, inner room and outer room. The sanctum sanctorum has Shiva linga made of black stone, which is 500 years old swayambhu lingam. This self-originated lingam is in the shape of Rudraksha and is called Mahalingam. Your soul gets refreshed when you visit this temple.

8.  Panch Ganga temple

You may miss any attraction in Mahabaleshwar but make sure you visit this place. The Panch Ganga Temple is constructed at the confluence of five rivers, Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. All the rivers come out from the mouth of a statue of a cow in this temple, thus the place being called Panchganga Mandir.  The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful idol of him. The legend behind the temple is closely linked to Savitri's curse on the Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who flow here as Koyna, Krishna and Venna rivers. Your trip is incomplete without this temple visit.

9.  Kaas Plateau

The Kaas Plateau, also known as the Kas Pathar, is a vast volcanic lateritic plateau situated in Satara district of Maharashtra. It falls under the Sahyadri Sub Cluster and is among the top places to visit near Satara.  The second name of this place is ‘Plateau of Flowers’, Kaas Plateau is one of the famous tourist attractions in Maharashtra and also a popular picnic spot among nature lovers during late monsoons..

Kaas Plateau was formed by volcanic activities and is covered by a thin soil cover as a result of which, no vegetation thrives in the region. This area comes under very high rainfall zone. Due to this, the flora and fauna of the region is quite unique. These unique ecological features make Kaas one of the hotspots of biodiversity.

10.  Panchgani

Panchgani comes before Mahabaleshwar when driving. Panchgani  also called Paachgani is a famous hill station and municipal council in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top hill resorts near Pune & among the best place to visit from Mumbai. Panchgani is famous for Paragliding, Nature trails activities, Amusement Park, Resorts and Restaurants. To be true, a separate article on panchgani can only justify its beauty. 

11.  Elphinstone Point

The viewpoint got its name from Mount Stuart Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency. Elphinstone Point is one of the highest points in Mahabaleshwar overlooking the two valleys, with rivers Koyna on the left and Savitri on the right. The lofty cliff commands a panoramic view of the Pratapgarh Fort, Koyna Valley and nearby plains. One can also admire the ravine, which lies between Elphinstone Point and Arthur Seat Point.

12.  Lodwick Point

Lodwick Point area has 2 points; Lodwick Point and Elephant's Head Point. The Lodwick point was rechristened in the honor of General Lodwick, who was the first British officer to climb the hill in April 1824. To honor General Lodwick's achievement, his son erected a memorial pole of about 25 ft. At the base of this monument, the head of the General is sculptured in marble. This point offers unmatched views of the Pratapgad Fort and Elphinstone Point at a distance. Elephant's Head Point is the extreme end of the mountain range and lies beyond the Lodwick Point. The extended front part of hill looks like Elephant Head. Hence, this point is known as Elephant's Head.

13.  Bombay Point

The Bombay Point is the oldest point of Mahabaleshwar and the point is named so owing to its location on the old Bombay road. The place has a large open space with a bandstand. It is an ideal place for late afternoon picnic. Sunset point is the most crowded point because of the fact that one cannot view anything at other viewpoints at that time of the day. Many activities like Horse riding, Choupati games are popular with the tourists at this point. There is  also a lovers point to the left of the Mumbai point.

14.  Chinaman's Waterfall

Chinaman's Waterfall lies towards the south of the Koyna Valley in Mahabaleshwar.  It is one of best waterfalls in Maharashtra and among prime place to visit on a Trip. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 500 feet in to a deep valley. The waterfall flows from two different points and merges in to a single stream. Positioned at the top of the Venna Valley, the calm surroundings and the exotic waterfalls renders a perfect holiday spot.

15.  Wilson Point

Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Situated at an altitude of 1439 m, Wilson Point is also known as Sunrise Point and one can experience the beautiful sunrise from this point.  This point is named after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Bombay province from 1923 to 1926. Wilson Point is a vast plateau with three watching towers, each at different spot. These towers provide mesmerizing vista of Mahabaleshwar and surrounding area. However, Wilson point is the only point in Mahabaleshwar where both sunrise and sunset can be seen.

Interesting Facts about Mahabaleshwar –

 

1.     Old Mahabaleshwar was initially found by King Singhan who built the acclaimed Mahabaleshwar Temple.

2.     The fauna comprises of the Bulbul, Foxes, Deers and Bisons.

3.     In 1800 for three decades Mahabaleshwar served as a jail for Chinese and Malay criminals.

4.     The word Mahabaleshwar has been gotten from Sanskrit word signifying God of Great Power (Lord Shiva).

5.     There is a little path behing the Panchganga temple, This goes to Krishnabali temple. It is from where this stream starts. Most tourist don’t know about this temple.

What Not to Miss when in Mahabaleshwar

1.     Strawberry Cream!. You can not miss this. Try it everywhere. It is the best there.

2.     Try Amazing salad at the Kates point. They make it with fresh fruit and vegetables. Something you cant miss.

3.     Do not miss to taste Marathi cuisine in Mahabaleshwar. You get amazing traditional Gauran Chicken curry and Bhakri.

4.     Feed Monkeys and squirrels healthy stuff. Like Chana, Corn Flakes, Peanuts.  Just open your palm with peanuts and wait for then to come and pick it. They are cute, not dangerous.

5.     Eat a lot of fresh strawberries, Red radish, baby carrots and yes – Mulberries.

6.     Did I not mention Parsi food. Do try Parsi cuisine at selected places. They will stay in your memory lifetime.

Special Tip for Materan Trip

·      Most of the points get very dark after sunset. If you are walking around remember to get to tourist places with lights.

·      Strawberries have a small shelf life. Do not take more than you can consume.

·      Strawberry wine is nice. Carry few bottles back.

·      Beware of monkeys when you are at some view points. They take away your sunglasses.

Travel as much as you can, As far as you can, As long as you can. Life is not meant to be lived at one single place. So when is your next date with nature?