PLACES TO SEE IN MAHABALESHWAR

Located on the Western Ghats, this hill station is a favourite spot for travellers from Pune and Mumbai. Easy to reach, cooler in temperature and green all around, it is an ideal spot for families, trekkers, couples and groups to spend time among nature.

We travelled to Mahabaleshwar on tour for a two days visit. Mahableshwar is about 140 kms. from Pune and 270 Kms. from Mumbai.

By Road :

The travel route was Pune->Wai (on NH4)->Panchgani->Mahabaleshwar. At Wai, just before the flyover take a left turn, go under the flyover and take a right turn to Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. Mahableshwar is 21 kms. From Panchgani.

There are regular MSRTC and private buses plying to Mahabaleshwar from Pune, Mumbai and other centres

By Rail :

Nearest station : Satara Railway Station at a distance of about 60kms..

By Air :

Nearest airport is Pune at a distance of about 110 kms.

There are about 130 authorised hotels at Mahabaleshwar both inside and outside the town as per the list published by Mahabaleshwar Hotel Owners' Association. 46 out of the 130 are located outside the town, many of them located on the road to Satara on the one side and road to Pratapgadh Fort on the other.

MTDC has a resort 'MTDC Bread and Butter' on the Pratapgadh road.

While in Mahabaleshwar, there are a number of points or spots to be seen. The well known point among them is the Arthur's Seat. According to history, Sir George Arthur, Governor in 1841 was fond of sitting on the rock at this place. That’s why it is called "Arthur's Seat". It provides a panoramic view of deep valley of Savitri in Konkan and the dense forest called "Bhrahmaaranya". This point has three other smaller points like Echo Point, Hunting Point and Tiger Spring Point around it.

On the way of Arthur's seat you can see Marjorie Point, Castle Rock Point and Monkey Point. Arthur's seat is the furthest point.

The other points are Lodwick Point and Elephant Head point, Mumbai Point (known for sunset), Kates Point, Wilson Point known for seeing sunrise, and other smaller points.

In the rainy season, you can see three waterfalls viz., Dhobi Waterfall, Lingmala Waterfall and Chinaman's waterfall which is located 1200 feet down in the valley from the cliff.

There is Venna Lake about 3 kms from Mahabaleshwar where boating is available.

While in Mahabaleshwar, you can do some shopping for hosiery, hand bags, eatables etc. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries. During summer season, strawberries are sold along the road at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council collects Pollution tax and Road Passenger Tax per head which is valid for 7 days. An additional entry fee Rs.20/- is payable to the Forest Department while visiting Arthur’s seat.