|
Mahabaleshwar, the most developed and largest of
all hill stations in Maharashtra is truly a tourists' paradise.
The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar
retains its quintessential charm, despite the increasing crowds
that visit the town.
Mahabaleshwar is a gift of the British and General
Lodwick was the first European who took appreciable efforts for
its development as a hill station. Numerous majestic mansions built
here are evidence enough of the British rule.
The history of Mahabaleshwar tells mythological
tales of its birth written in Skandapuran, a holy Hindu epic. Mahabaleshwar
could be called the "land of five rivers", as the holy
streams of Krushna, Koyna, Venna, Gayatri and Savitri emerge from
here. Picturesque viewpoints, serpentine paths, cascading waterfalls
and a beautiful expanse of calm water combined with modern amenities
make Mahabaleshwar the most sought after hill station in the Sahyadris
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
The climate of Mahabaleshwar is dry and pleasant
and best in all the seasons. Nestled in the curvaceous mountain
ranges of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra at 4501 ft above sea
level is the cool, misty resort of Mahabaleshwar. It shows some
of the most striking vistas of the Western Ghats. Away from the
crowds and noise of the city, it is an ideal holiday destination.
It seems to belong to the colonial era when people travelled up
to the resort to escape the heat of the plateau. It still retains
some of its old charm and is hence, very popular. Tucked away in
the Satara district, it is best approached from Pune & Mumbai.
| District :: |
Satara |
| |
|
| Best Season :: |
All |
| |
|
| Type :: |
Hill Station |
| |
|
| Airport :: |
Pune (116 km) |
| |
|
| Monsoon :: |
350 inches(approx) |
| |
|
| Railway St. :: |
Pune (116 km) |
| |
|
| Climate :: |
Dry & pleasant |
| |
|
| From Mumbai :: |
247 km |
Travel Information
By Air : The airport
at Pune is the nearest to the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar. At a
distance of 120 km the Pune airport caters to the needs of the tourists
to Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail : In case
you settle for rail transport to Mahabaleshwar Pune makes a convenient
railhead, 120 km away. Though the railhead nearest to Mahabaleshwar
is that of Wathar at a distance of 62 km.
By Road
Maharashtra State Road Transport (opp Bombay central station) plies
Buses to all important places in Maharashtra . They have Ordinary
buses; Asiad Buses (Semi Lux.) and Luxury Coaches to Bombay - Pune
- Satara - Nasik - Nagar - Sangli - Kolhapur - Goa and Surat etc.
Private Transport
: A.C.buses and Video Coach Services to - Bombay & Pune, Goa.
Taxis & Tourist Taxis are available.
|
| |
|
| |
-
Lodwick Point
- One of the great locations in Mahabaleshwar located at 1,240
meters above the sea level. Protruding towards pratapgardh from
Mahabaleshwar plateau you will see the surrounding scenery with
awe. Formerly known as Sydney Point, it was renamed after a
monument in honour of General Lodwick . He was the first European
to visit Mahabaleshwar.
-
Lingmala, Chinaman
& Dhobi Waterfalls - These falls, though insignificant
are situated in a lovely sequestered hook looking straight at
the south side of the Elphinston Point ravine. Lingmala and
Chinaman's waterfalls are 6km and 4km respectively from the
town and are at the top of Venna Valley.
-
Elphinstone Point
- Elphinstone Point is a small scenic spot overlooking the two
valleys, koyna on the left & savitri on the right. Elphinstone
Point is named after a former Governor of Mumbai.
-
Arther's seat
- Queen of all points. Some compare the stractification of rocks
on southern side to the world famous stratification of rocks
of the Grand Canyon of Colarado. USA. It is facinating to see
the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green
valley on the right. It is more facinating to know that Arthur's
seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan
& Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear
& so near.
-
Tiger's spring
- If you go by the steps you come across a spring known as Tiger's
spring which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri.
It gives a great view of the surroinding valley.
- Kate's Point - This is Mahabaleshwar's
'echo point' which also offers great views of the surrounding
countryside. You can see the ribbon-like Krishna river as it winds
its way through green fields.The height of the point is 1473 mtrs.
and 13 kms away from main market. Said to be the Queen of all
points.
-
Wilson Point (Sunrise
Point) - The highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 4710
ft above sea level. It is a bare rock with three strategically
positioned observation towers. It is also called as Sunrise
Point.
-
Bombay Point
- It is called Sunset Point, since the expansive view of the
sunset is one of the most beautiful sights in Mahabaleshwar.
It Shows the sahyadri range koyana valley & pratap garh.
One of the most popular and oldest point in Mahabaleshwar. It
got it's name since it was on the old road to Bombay. Pratapgadh
can be seen at north. Lovers point is left to Bombay Point.
-
Venna Lake
- The 2.4km Venna Lake is the favourite hangout of most tourists.
It offers both boating and fishing facilities with the added
attraction of wayside stalls and horse riding. It is also known
for its luscious strawberries The lake is spread around 25 acres.The
main purpose of this lake is to supply water to Mahabaleshwar.
It was built by the King of Satara.
-
Pratapgad Fort
- Pratapgad is 900 mts. above sea level. It was built in 1656
AD by Moropant Trimbak Pingale at the command of Shivaji Maharaja
to dominate the road system of the empire. Pratapgad holds an
ancient statue of Shivaji called Bale killa as well as Mahadev
and Hanuman temples and a garden. There is a splendid view of
the lush green valley and the forts Raigad and Makarandgad can
also be viewed. On the east and the south the hills have steep
slopes covered with dense forest in contrast with rocky west
and the north. The hills gradually descend to the valleys separating
Mahabaleshwar and Kineshwar range on the east and the Konkan
valley on the west.
-
Panchgani Tableland
- Sometimes described as the Switzerland of India or the Kashmir
of Maharashtra, Panchgani is about 18 km from Mahabaleshwar
on Wai road. Situated at an altitude of 1334 mts, it lies just
38 m below Mahabaleshwar. It is the first hill town one reaches
from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road. It gets name from the five
hills around it. The climate of Panchgani is salubrious, cool,
exhilarating and comparatively dry. Annual rainfall hardly exceeds
70 inches or 1800 mm. It makes Panchgani almost unrivalled as
a sanatorium.It is famous today for its berry farms and orchards.The
water of Dhom Dam keeps farms and rice fields irrigated all
the year round.
Table land offers the panoramic view of Panchgani itself. It's
largest in Asia, a small plane can land here.It is situated
60 meters high on the eastern side of the town. It protects
Panchgani from strong winds, heavy rainfall and makes this hill
station enjoyable all year round. It is a favourite playground
for school children.
|
|