Mahabaleshwar is among the most popular hill stations situated in the western part of India. It is a city located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Abounding in natural and topographical beauty Mahabaleshwar is said to be one of the most charming hill stations in the mountains of the Western Ghats.
Where is Mahabaleshwar?
Mahabaleshwar is situated at a distance of 120 km from Pune and 285 km from Mumbai. The unique feature about its geographic location is that Mahabaleshwar is a huge plateau which is bound by valleys on all its sides.
Home to some of the most captivating landscapes this hill station is an ideal destination for a week end retreat. Apart from the unending expanses of flora and fauna Maharashtra also offers a host of scenic spots, vantage points, sacred shrines and serene lakes.
Tourist Attractions in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is home to a number of tourist spots especially in the form of high valley and sun set points. It is believed that there are about twenty five points in Mahabaleshwar from where you can see the sun rise. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar are:
Mount Malcolm
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar. It was built in memory of the British General John Malcolm who had fallen in love instantly with the scenic beauty of the place. Mount Malcolm was constructed in the year 1829. Built in true colonial style of architecture this monument in Mahabaleshwar still manages to charm its tourists.
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church is another famous tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar. It is believed to be one of the oldest monuments in the city noted for its architecture and stained-glass windows. Today it is in quite a desolate condition but still it manages to grab the attention of travelers.
Mahabaleshwar Club
This is also an important tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar. It was built in the year 1881. The club is in a very good condition and has one of the finest jogging tracks in the area. It is a lovely place for evening walks and bird watching. The club also houses a wide variety of roses and other flowers.
Pratapgad Fort
This is a legendary fort that forms the subject of interest of millions of tourists. The Pratapgad Fort was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the popular Maratha warrior in the year 1656. The site also served as the venue for the historic battle that was fought between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the ruler of the Bijapur Sultanate.
Lake Venna
This is one of the most important tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar. It is a very prominent sight for shooting movies. The lake offers panoramic views of the nearby forests and valleys. In order to get the best view of the place you should take a boat ride.
Tapola
Tapola is idyllic for nature lovers. Located at a distance of about 50 km from Mahabaleshwar, Tapola offers scenic view points, lakes and numerous strawberry farms. Tapola is also known as mini Kashmir for its resemblance to the place.
Some of the other prominent places of interest in Mahabaleshwar include;
- Lodwick Point
- Elphinstone Point
- Kate's Point
- Wilson Point
- Helen's Point
- Badington Point
- Falkland Point
- Carnac Point
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Krishna Temple.
Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is dotted with some of the finest hotels and holiday resorts. The hotels in Mahabaleshwar range from luxury to budget and offer all the contemporary amenities of comfort and luxury. You can put up in any of the following hotels mentioned below.
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Restaurants in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a perfect place for food lovers. There are many restaurants in the city which are famous for their typical Maharashtrian cuisine. Mahabaleshwar is also home to many pure vegetarian restaurants that serve exquisite south Indian and Indian cuisine. Do not forget to try out the strawberries or the strawberry milk shakes.
- Hotel Panorama Mahabaleshwar
28 MG RD Mahabaleshwar
Tel: 02168-260404/260604 - Hirakani
Opp Saj Resorts,Panchgani
Mahabaleshwar road 412805
Tel: 02168-272008/9422609848 - Daal Bati Churma Out of this world
Old Mahabaleshwar
Tel: 02168260050
How to reach Mahabaleshwar?
- By Air
Pune is the nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar. It is located at a distance of 120 km from the city. Mahabaleshwar can also be reached via the Mumbai airport which is 245 km away. - By Train
The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is at Wathar. It is 60 km away. The Pune railway station is also a convenient option since it is situated at a distance of just 120 km. - By Road
Mahabaleshwar is also connected by a strong network of roads to most of the important cities and towns in India. There are regular buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport that ply from cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Nasik, Satara, Panchgani and Kolhapur to Mahabaleshwar.
Last Updated on 13 September 2011
