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.

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.