India is the land of natural beauties and Mahabaleshwar is one of the outstanding hill-station of India! Words cannot describe the beauty of this hill-station. Nestling in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Western India, and also one of the most popular. Mahabaleshwar’s religious and historical associations are not inconsiderable. It has two ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar from which the town takes its name and Atibaleshwar. Pratapgad Fort, a stronghold of the Maratha leader Shivaji, is only a short drive away.
Transport and Communication Air: The nearest airport is Pune 120 Km, which is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with Delhi, Mumbai and other cities /towns.
Fare: Mumbai – Pune, J Class: Rs.2570/- Y Class: Rs.1780/-
Rail: The nearest railhead is Satara 53 Km, but the convenient railhead is Pune 120 Km, on the Central Railway line connected with important cities/ towns.
Fare: Mumbai - Pune Ist class : Rs.337/- ; IInd class : Rs.73/-.
Road: Mahabaleshwar is connected by motorable roads with Aurangabad 348 Km.
Places of Interest
Arthur Seat (12 Km) -- Named after Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar’s most famous point overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief, tossed down, sailing attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!
Babington Point (3 Km) -- Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman’s waterfall.
Bombay Point (3 Km) -- Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best.
Connaught Peak -- Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak.
Chinaman’s Waterfalls (4 Km) -- It can be reached by the Carviali Road.
Dhobi Water Fall -- Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road.
Hunter Point (4 Km) -- Hunter’s point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.
Kate’s Point (7 Km) -- Kate’s point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road, gives a commanding view of the Krishna Valley. Near Kate’s point is the Echo Point, which, true to its name, echoes the words of the speaker.
Lingmala Waterfalls (6 Km) -- Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors.
Lodwick Point (5 Km) Lodwick Point is named after a General who reached this point in 1824. He was the first European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the top of the promontory has been erected in his memory.
Marjorie Point (10 Km) -- On the way to Arthur’s Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan Valley, which are some 500 meters below the level of the Koyna Valley.
Old Mahabaleshwar (5 Km) with the ancient temples of Krishnabai
Venna Lake -- A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation.
Wheat Rust Research Station (4 Km)
Wilson Point -- Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.
Shri Ram and Hanuman and the Mahabaleshwar temple after which the town is named
Elphinston Point (10 Km) -- A favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point, named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830.
Helen’s Point -- Helen’s point is about a kilometer’s ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Venna Lake -- A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters
In this way I can say going to this beautiful hill station will be the remarkable experience throughout your life and don’t forget to take the camera for the memorable memories.