Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Mahabaleshwar Arrival – Sightseeing Begins Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar tour package gets started with your arrival at the scenic hill station.
You would be received at the bus stand or the nearby railway station by our tour representative and escorted to the booked hotel.
Feel relaxed as the soothing weather of the place starts to pamper your senses. Take some rest before the sightseeing tour begins.
The first destination of the day would be Arthur’s Seat (open from 09:00 a.m.-08:00 p.m.; no entry fee), the most prominent vantage point offering stunning views of deep valleys. Named so because the English soldier named Arthur would sit here for hours and gaze at River Savitri, where his family died in a ferry mishap.
It is a geographical wonder as it clearly showcases the distinction between Konkan and Deccan regions of India.
From there, visit the Elephant’s Head Point (also known as Elphinstone Point, opens 09:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; no entry fee), where the natural rock formations portray the head and trunk of an elephant. Greenery here is overwhelming and you can watch cottony clouds parading over the hills. The views of Koyna and Savitri Rivers are breathtaking, while one can also get a glimpse of the Pratapgad Fort.
Don’t miss sweet corns, buttermilk and kachi kairi (raw mango) sold here. It is also a popular spot for clicking some great pictures.
The Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar holiday package turns exciting as you visit the next destination, Connaught Peak (open from 10:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; no entry fee). Mount Olympia completely mesmerized the Duke of Connaught and hence was renamed after him. The hill station’s second highest point, this peak is popular for a short trek with rewarding views of lakes, evergreen forests and River Krishna.
After spending some time at the peak, head to Panchganga Temple (open from 05:00 a.m.-12 noon and 04:00 p.m.-09:00 p.m.), the holy Hindu shrine where five divine rivers, Krishna, Savitri, Gayatri, Koyna and Venna merge their waters. Though, many believe that it is the starting point of all the five rivers. The main highlight is the stone-made Gomukh (cow’s mouth) from which the merged holy water flows out. The coolness at the place would leave you enthralled.
If time permits, visit the Shri Shankar Temple nearby. The swayambhoo (self-manifested) lingam of Lord Shiva is the main feature of the temple. You may also visit another temple Shri Krishnabai Temple in the close proximity. It promises exquisite views of River Krishna.
Next, visit the picturesque Chinaman Falls (open throughout the day; no entry fee), which gets its name after the Chinese convicts who used to cultivate red potatoes and strawberries in the gardens around the fall. The waterfall throwing its waters in Koyna Valley presents a visual treat to the eyes. The surrounding greenery is simply enchanting.
Finally, conclude the first day of Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar tour package with a breathtaking sunset at Bombay Point (also called Sunset Point; open till 06:00 p.m.; no entry fee). Watch in awe as the sun gets ready to descend behind the hills and the sky bathes in the golden hue. It is a popular place among romantic couples and promises cool and fresh evening breeze.
Don’t miss the street snacks like vada pav and bhelpuri or riding a horse. Return to the hotel for the night stay.
Get up early in the morning to visit the Wilson Point (open from 06:00 a.m.-08:00 p.m., no entry fee) for a spectacular sunrise. Named after Bombay’s Governor Sir Leslie Wilson, it is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Get fascinated as the sunrays lit the valleys.
There are three observatory towers to savour these moments. Don’t miss a cup of hot tea to subdue the early morning cold. Return to the hotel and get ready for a small excursion to Panchgani.
On the way, stop at Kate’s Point (open from 06:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; no entry fee), named after the daughter of Sir John Malcolm. Some dramatic views of Dhom and Balakwadi reservoirs and River Krishna from here would make it irresistible to leave the place.
Camel and horse rides are the fun-filled activities for kids. The nearby Echo Point and Needle Hole Point are also worth visiting.
Continue the journey and make another short halt at Mapro Garden (open from 08:00 a.m.-08:00 p.m.; no entry fee). Named after Mahabaleshwar Products, it is a famous tourist attraction as it accommodates flower gardens and nursery, strawberry farms, a chocolate factory and an outlet selling jams, squashes, syrups and other products made of fresh fruits. Don’t miss the mouth-watering wood-fire pizza, ice-creams, strawberry shakes and other items at the Garden’s restaurant. Watch chocolate production in the factory.
Reach Panchgani, a small hill station named after the surrounding five hills and home to India’s reputed residential education campuses and sprawling strawberry farms.
Any Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar tour package is incomplete without exploring the pollution-free and healthy environment of Panchgani which is also famous as a health resort for tuberculosis patients.
Start the sightseeing tour with a visit to Table Land (open throughout the day; no entry fee), Asia’s second longest mountain plateau and Panchgani's highest point. A popular movie shooting point, it has many interesting attractions like Pandavas’s footprints and Pandavas’ Kitchen (also called Devil’s Kitchen). Get bowled-over by the scenic valley views and enjoy horse rides. Paragliding is a popular adventure here and you may enjoy it if available during the tour.
From there, drive to Rajpuri Caves (open till 06:00 p.m.; no entry fee) only if the time permits. Dating back to the time of Pandavas, these mysterious caves accommodate stone tablets with beautiful carvings, a statue of Nandi Bull and a temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. It is firmly believed that bathing in one of the three sacred pools over here washes away the sins and sorrows.
Please note that women are not allowed inside the cave and photography too is prohibited.
Drive back and make small stops at Sydney Point and Parsi Point, each offering remarkable valley views. It’s time to go back to Mahabaleshwar.
Depending on the time available, visit some other popular spots in Mahabaleshwar, or you may postpone the visits to the next day.
One of the top attractions of the region is Venna Lake (open from 07:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m.; no entry fee) with verdant greenery all around. Boating (costs between INR 250-500) on the lake is a must-do activity, especially for the romantic couples who choose Mahabaleshwar honeymoon package from Mumbai. Horse riding, mini trains and street snacks are other highlights.
Lodwick Point (opens till 07:00 p.m.; no entry fee) is also a notable vantage point, named after General Peter Lodwick. A captivating forest trail of about 500 m. leads to this point which offers great views of hills and valleys. You may pay INR 10 to enjoy the views from a telescope.
Another well-known spot is Dhobi Waterfall (opens till 07:00 p.m.; no entry fee) which is relatively less-crowded. You get to enjoy surreal natural beauty amidst heart-warming calmness. Lingmala Waterfall (open from 08:00 a.m.-05:30 p.m.; entry fee INR 20; camera fee INR 10) is the year-round cascade. You may get close to the fall using stairs. A nice place to be at!
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Start the day with breakfast and leave for another small excursion to Pratapgad Fort (open from 10:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; no entry fee) included in the Mahabaleshwar package from Mumbai.
Perched on a small hill, the fort was built at the orders of the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji in the mid-17th century. It served as the ground for the Battle of Pratapgad in which Shivaji defeated and killed Afzal Khan.
Also known as Balle Killa or Valour Fort, it consists of two sections, the Upper Fort and the Lower Fort.
It is possible to drive up to the fort or the interested visitors may enjoy a short trek of more than 400 stairs from the parking. Explore the top attractions like bastions, Shivaji’s statues, Afzal Burj, temples of Lord Mahadev and Goddess Bhavani and a number of lakes or tanks. Some breathtaking views from the watchtowers are not to be missed.
After the exploration, drive back to Mahabaleshwar and you may visit the leftover tourist attractions. Another good idea is to indulge in shopping at Mahabaleshwar. You would love to buy fresh fruits, fruit products as well as items like leather footwear, cane products, woodwork and more.
Retire to your hotel for the night stay.
Have breakfast and leave for Mumbai.
Our tour representative would help you transfer to the bus stand or the nearby railway station/airport.
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar tour package ends here.