For Puneites and Mumbaites Mahableshwar is the only closest hill station.It is about a 3 hrs drive from Pune.It is my favourite place in India and I love to be there even if I get a day off.I have been visiting Mhabi as it is fondly known since I was a kid.I have normally visited it during summers when the tourism is at its peak.I happened to go once during the rains and it was the most beautiful experience.Since its off season, its less crowded and the famous leather shoes you ve been craving for are at half the price.Its just a heavenly experience to get wet in the rains and then stop at some closeby tapri for adrak chai and makai pattice.My favorite place to stay in Mhabi would be Dina.It is a 100 yr old heritage hotel located midway between the market and the lake so its easy to walk down to both the places.It is a typical Parsi hotel owned by the Mahableshwarwalas serving awesome breakfast and meals.The rooms have an old world English charm and the rooms on the first floor overlook the Venna lake.Mhabi is most famous for the strawberry with cream which tastes the best at the Chowpatty near the lake and also its various Makai dishes.Horseriding and boating are 2 other attractions.There is a temple in Old Mahableshwar which sees the confluence of 5 rivers.There are innumerable points in Mhabi like the echo point and tiger point which are explained best by the guides.Also the table land of Panchgani is half an hours drive from Mhabi.All in all Mahableshwar is the best place for youngsters as well as elders to spend a couple of days and enjoy what this lovely Hill station has to offer..Im sure there are lots of unexplored areas..so keep writing....Have fun!!!!