Mahabaleshwar Tour

State:Maharashtra

Area:145.04 sq.kms

Altitude:1,372 metres above sea level

Rainfall:7640 mm

Temperature:13 to 29 Degree C

Language(s):Marathi,Hindi and English

Best time to Visit:

STD Code:02168

Overview of Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is also known as 'Queen of all the Hill Staions'.It is a very popular hill station because of its placid lakes,verdant hills and Cascading.It is also famous for its various temples, spectacular viewpoints and historically significant places.Mahabaleshwar lies on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.Its name is derived from a Lord Mahadev temple and three Sanskrit words, Maha (great), Bal (power) and Ishwar (God). Some people also relate the name with mythological past as the name 'Mahabaleshwar' means mighty God.

History of Mahabaleshwar

The history of Mahabaleshwar dates back to the year 1215,when the King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar. He built a small temple and water tank at the source of the river Krishna.In the year 1350 Mahabaleshwar was ruled by Brahmin dynasty.In 14th century it was ruled by the Moguls.In the 15th Century Mahabaleshwar was won by Muslim Kings of Bijapur and Ahmednagar. In 16th century it was took under the control of Maratha family of Chandarao.Finally, in the 17th century Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to show his resistance to foreign rule and for this he trained a large army and captured it. After him the Peshwas ruled till the year 1819, after which Mahabaleshwar came to be included in the territory of the Raja of Satara.

Sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar

Arthur's Seat

Authur's Seat is 1470 meters high. The queen of all points, Authur's point got its name after Arthur Mallet as he was the first man to come here and build a house. The desolate deep valley Savitri on the left side and the not so deep green valley on the right side is a captivating sight. The Arthur's seat is the only point from where one can see clearly the geographical differentiation of Kokan and Deccan. Just below the point is the window point.

Lodwick Point

It is one of the greatest locations in Mahabaleshwar.This point is also known as Sydney point. It was renamed after a monument in honour of General Lodwick . He was the first European to visit Mahabaleshwar.

Lingamala,Chinaman and Dhobi Waterfalls

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.

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. This point is also called as Queen of all points.

Wilson 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.

Pratapgadh 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.

How to reach Mahabaleshwar

By Air

Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km) and Panchgani (98 km).

By Rail

For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km), but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.

By Road

The excellent road network links Mahabaleshwar with the other important places in Maharashtra. Regular buses of the state transport link Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. Further from Mahabaleshwar buses are available for excursions and sightseeing trips to places like the Pratapgad Fort.