Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar takes credit of being the largest hill station in the Sahyadri range in Maharashtra State. A summer capital of repute since the days of British Rule, Mahabaleshwar has everything you could ask for. From impressive points that offer panoramic views of the valleys and hills to ancient temples and walking trails, there is something for everyone in this hill station.

Mahabaleshwar, which has earned the nickname of the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra, is not just a pleasant hill station for all seasons but also a popular pilgrimage centre. Located at the base of five rivers, Mahabaleshwar takes pride in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the forms of lakes, waterfalls, valleys and forests, which give it a beauty sans parallel.

October to May

There are many interesting possibilities for sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar and some of the must visit tourist places include the following:

Mahabaleshwar is well known for its corn dishes which are eaten either in roasted or boiled form. Treat yourself with a lavish serving of vada pav the staple food of Maharashtra and available even in small wayside vendors in the main market. Make sure to shop for some luscious locally grown Strawberries, Mulberries, tomatoes and carrots, which are the specialty of Mahabaleshwar. Most hotels serve vegetarian and buffet meals in a platter. Check out the dining options at Hotel Panaroma, which serves good food at good rates. Hotel Temple view is another vegetarian restaurant at old Mahabaleshwar that is well known for its parathas (spicy and stuffed Indian bread) and Rajasthani dishes. Well known for serving Chinese, Mughai and Gujarati dishes, Meghdoot Restaurant is located on Dr. Sabane road.

The Bazaar is right at the city centre and has a pedestrian-only street, which makes it easy for the shoppers. Here you can shop for a range of interesting knick knacks like homemade snacks, art and crafts, and roasted chick pea nuts etc. Make sure to pick up pure honey that is available in plenty. Mahabaleshwar is also famous for its ornate Kolhapuri slippers and shoes.

Mahabaleshwar can be reached in 4-5 hours by road from Mumbai. The Mumbai-Pune expressway has made the transit faster and smoother. The nearest rail head is Satara (60 km.), which is connected by regular train services to Mumbai and Bangalore. Local buses and taxis are good options to travel locally and for sightseeing. Pune (129 km.) is the nearest airport from Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar has a well sorted list of tourist attractions around. A tourist guide would be able to offer all the relevant tourist information that you may need to plan a hassle free holiday covering different points in and around Mahabaleshwar. Tapola: Situated at a distance of 27 km. from Mahabaleshwar, Tapola offers boating options and many scenic view points. There are many strawberry farms on the way where you can shop for farm fresh berries. Lake Venna: It is a stunning lake that offers rowing and paddle boat facilities, which makes it a popular tourist spot. Rajpuri Caves: Situated in Panchgani, these ancient caves have religious significance as well. The caves are surrounded by many ponds and it is believed that a dip in these holy waters gives relief from all kinds of diseases and evils. Lord Karthikeya temple made from the sand is the main attraction in these caves. Pratapgad Fort : Perched at a height of over 900 m. above sea level, the circular shaped Pratapgad fort is located 24 km. west of Mahabaleshwar. Built in 1656, it has many chambers and intriguing dark pathways and trap doors.

There are many Hotels in Mahabaleshwar especially around the new bus-stand that offer decent accommodation while those who wish to have a quiet stay, may find the hotels in the old city a better option. The Dina Hotel overlooking the Lake is a good option. It is a family run heritage hotel that ensures a homely stay and offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining options. Hotel Temple view set in the woodlands is a great place to check out, in case you are looking for a laid back and quiet accommodation option.