Incredible India | Tourist Places in India: Mahabaleshwar Tourism | Mahabaleshwar Hill Station

Mahabaleshwar Tourism | Mahabaleshwar Hill Station | Mahabaleshwar Tourist Places

Mahabaleshwar is a city and a municipal council in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station located in the Western Ghats range. With one of the few evergreen forests of the world, it served as the summer capital of Bombay province during the British Raj.

Fact Sheet of Mahabaleshwar Tourism:

Coordinates:

17°55′18″N 73°39′20″E

Location:

Mahabaleshwar is situated 1,372 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats, in Satara District of Maharashtra State, in India.

Language:

Marathi, Hindi and English

Population:

12,780 (2001)

Density:

85 /km2 (220 /sq mi)

Area:

150 square kilometres (58 sq mi)

Elevation:

1,438 metres (4,718 ft)

Mahabaleshwar Climate:

The climate is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between October and June. Temperatures range from 16°C to 20°C in summer and can fall as low as 5°C in winter. Cottons and light woolens are recommended attire.

Sept - Jan - Best Lush green Beauty
Feb - May - Good Rush
Jun - Aug - Full Rain off Season

Forest ( Typical Trees):

Jambhool, Pisa, Tupa, Anjan, Gela, Dingala. etc.

Best time to Visit in Mahabaleshwar:

October to June

Distance from Major cities of Mahabaleshwar:

Mahabaleshwar - Pune - Mumbai : 267 kms
Ahmedabad to Mahabaleshwar : 620 kms
Mahabaleshwar - Mahad - Mumbai : 247 kms
Mahabaleshwar - Pune : 120 kms
Mahabaleshwar - Goa : 440 kms
Bangalore to Mahabaleshwar : 1000 kms.

Mahabaleshwar Map:

How to Reach at Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is about 285 km from Mumbai and the only way to get there is by road. You can go by a private vehicle or grab a cab or bus.

By Air:

Nearest Airport:
Pune - 120 km
Mumbai - 260 km

By Railway:

Satara - 58 km
Veer (Konkan Railway) - 70 km
Pune - 120 km
Miraj railway junction - 169 km
Sangli - 165 km

You can reach Mahabaleshwar by taking cabs or private cars from the above railway stations.

By Road:

Mumbai - 252 km via Pune and 225 km via Panvel-Pen-Mahad-Poladpur (approx 6 hours)
Wai - 32 km (1 hours)
Pune - 120 km (3 hours)
Sangli - 165 km (3.5 hours)
Satara - 55 km (1.5 hours)
Bangalore - 782 km (12 hours)

You can reach Mahabaleshwar by taking MSRTC or Private Luxury Buses from Mumbai, Pune, Sangli and Satara. National Highway NH4 is the nearest National Highway to reach Mahabaleshwar.

Demographics of Mahabaleshwar:

As of 2001 India census, Mahabaleshwar had a population of 12,736. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Mahabaleshwar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 65%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 71%. In Mahabaleshwar, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Mahabaleshwar Tourism:

Mount Malcolm:

Built in 1829, this was one of the famous buildings of its time.

Holy Cross Church:

The stained glass windows of this old Roman Catholic Church still retain their beauty.

Mahabaleshwar Club:

Built in 1881, the Mahabaleshwar Club offers a peaceful retreat for those wanting to get away from it all. The Club offers many recreational facilities, including a badminton court and a mini golf course. Facilities are available to everyone at a very low fee. For those who prefer the quiet outdoors, there is a jogging track encircling the premises, edged with beautiful rose bushes. The Club also offers a clear view of Venna Lake below. Every year, Christmas is celebrated here with much fervour and pomp by the club members.

Arthur's Seat:

It is said to be the queen of all points within Mahabaleshwar. This is the only place which shows the geographical distinction between Kokan and Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar.

Arthur Seat collapsed in November 1973 but the adjoining rear portion which can offer almost the same view now bears the same name.

This Point is named after Mr. Arthur Malet.It is said that while climbing the hill his wife and two month old child drowned in the river below.

Dense Clouds At Arthur's Seat:

North west over a right about 125 mtrs below is seen the 'Jor' Valley dense with forest.In October and November these hills form masses or rocks, are rugged beyond description and apparently are unscalable.While going to Arthur Seat there is a little stream called Tiger Spring.People living here believe that Tigers and Panthers frequently come here to drink water. Relax only at night !

Sunrise from Wilson Point :

Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point i.e. 4710 ft. (1435 mtrs.) above sea level in Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. Tourists rush here in the early morning to see the colorful and bright sunrise. Wilson point is also called 'Sunrise Point'.

Elphinston Point:

Elphinston Point is named after the Governor of Mumbai Sir Elphinston, this point was discovered by Dr. Murray in 1880. It was a hot picnic spot during the former British days, crowded with ayas pushing baby carts and strolling lovely vivacious British couples in a delightful romantic mood.

Kate's Point:

On Mahabaleshwar - Poona road about 3 kms. from the Venna Lake there is a road on the left leading to Kate's Point. It is a drive of about 2 kms. This point is unique as it gives a commanding view of the Decccan side and the Krishna valley. The river Krishna winds its way beautifully through green fields.

At extremity of the Kate's Point, is a huge rock (100 ft. high) which appears to be detached from the men scrap, a few smaller boulders wedged between this rock and cliff from a narrow arch. The arch is known as Needle hole.

Panchganga Mandir:

Panchganga Mandir is one of the holy places of Mahabaleshwar. Water from five different rivers (Koyna, Krishna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri) get together in this place and it comes out from the Gomukh (a cows mouth) carved in stone. So this place is called as Panchganga Mandir. This famous temple was first built by Raja Singhandeo, King of the Yadav of Devgiri in 13th Century. Finally it was improved and enlarged by Maratha Emperor Shivaji in 16th Century.

Venna Lake:

Venna Lake is the first and major attraction of Mahabaleshwar. It is very famous for boating. Boating in the Venna lake is full of pleasure for all, old as well as youngsters. This Lake was constructed by Maharaja Shahaji of Satara and was completed in the year 1842.

Tapola Dam:

Tapola, 28 kms. from Mahabaleshwar with its virgin beauty is also a very scenic point. Koyna Dam's back water and the picturesque surroundings make this place an ideal picnic and boating spot.

Pratapgad Fort:

About 24 km. away from Mahabaleshwar lies Pratapgad, the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1656, it is a maze of ponds, chambers and long dark walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a 100 meter fall! It was here that Afzal Khan, the mighty general of Bijapur, met his untimely death at the hands of Shivaji. Since Pratapgad lies slightly off the road to Mahabaleshwar, a visit to this historic monument is recommended in all travel itineraries

Mahabaleshwar has many points offering great views of flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys. Lodwick Point, towering almost 1,240 meters above sea level, is one of the most visited Points and holds a monument in memory of General Lodwick Arthur’s Seat is well liked too for its great view of the Jor Valley. About a kilometer away lies Tiger’s Spring, and if you venture further down you’ll come to a ledge named The window – a point that’s famous for its mesmerizing view.

There are many locations offering pleasant views of the plains below: Wilson Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Bombay Point, Falkland Point, and Kate Point are all well known

There are pleasant waterfalls also worth visiting, such as Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls, the latter being the most impressive, cascading amost 600 ft from a cliff!

Today, Mahabaleshwar is a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit. It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for Strawberries and Mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April–May).

The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. A late winter evening boat ride through the slight fog is well appreciated. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake. The Mahabaleshwar city market and the S.T. bus stand is about 2KM from the lake and makes for a nice walk during the day. Most tour operators include the Venna lake in their tours. Most buses, private vehicles will stop at the Venna lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.

With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking.

Geography and climate of Mahabaleshwar:

Mahabaleshwar is located at 17.92°N 73.67°E. It has an average elevation of 1,353 metres (4,439 ft).

Located about 120 km (75 mi) southwest of Pune and 285 km (177 mi) from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 km2 (58 sq mi), bound by valleys on all sides. It reaches a height of 1,438 m (4,718 ft) at its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson/Sunrise Point.

Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar and part of the Shindola village.

Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The legendary source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Old Mahabaleshwar. Legend has it that Krishna is Lord Vishnu himself as a result of a curse on the trimurtis by Savitri. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma themselves. An interesting thing to notice is that 4 other rivers come out from the cow's mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna. These rivers are the Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri, and Gayatri.

History of Mahabaleshwar:

The first historical mention of Mahabaleshwar dates back to 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. Around 1350, a Brahmin dynasty invaded this area. In the middle of the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More defeated the brahmin dynasty and became rulers of Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar, during which period the temple of Old Mahabaleshwar was rebuilt.

In the 17th century Shivaji Maharaj took over Javli and Mahabaleshwar and constructed the Pratapgad fort in 1656.

In 1819, the British included the hills in the territory of the Raja of Satara. Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir ) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point.

Starting with Sir John Malcolm in 1828, a succession of them from Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone, Arthur Malet (for whom the seat at "Point Arthur" is named), Carnac, Frere and many others became regular visitors.

Present day Mahabaleshwar came into existence in the year 1829-30. In old records it is mentioned as Malcolm Peth, but in practise today it is known as Mahabaleshwar.

Added to the scores of magnificent scenic "points", the perennial springs, streams, and waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year round superb climate, drew the English and others to Mahabaleshwar like honey bees to sweet nectar. By the end of the 19th century it had become an attractive popular hill station of world renown.

Raj Bhavan, the Summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra, is also located here.

"Babington House", a magnificent colonial-style bungalow built in the shape of a cross with a deep varanda, elaborate metal work railing and extensive outhouses is considered Mahableshwar's most beautiful country house.

It was formerly one of the principal country seats of the Dubash family, a Parsi ship chandler dynasty from Bombay who sold it to the Rahejas in the early 1970s. It contains a central dining room with a 24-seater table and a lovely library pavilion with 1st edition books collected by the Dubash family, notably Jamsetjee "Jimmy" Kavasjee Dubash, a great bibliophil and art collector.