Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit

Overview

"Nature`s Unrehearsed Opera"

Nature’s extraordinary strawberry manufacturing farm, Mahabaleshwar is Maharashtra’s pride nestled at 4500ft from the sea level in the Western Ghats. Made from fabrics of rugged hills, impenetrable forests, and steep gorges, Mahabaleshwar is nature’s unrehearsed opera to which the waterfalls and rivers provide its music. The best definition to this height sums as a refreshing summer capital to the Mumbaikars, for here the lot is those of college-goers, lovelorn honeymooners and families at weekend breaks from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, and Solapur. And its location near the Mumbai ? the film capital of India ? brings in a lot of filmy tales spun around each of its favorite points. Yesteryear’s blockbusters Omkara and Swades were shot here in Mahabaleshwar making it a thrust among the tourists.

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How to Reach

Festivals, Attractions & Activities

The strawberry festival is also celebrated at Mapro gardens with full glitz and glamour at the Mapro gardens in Mahabaleshwar. Different varieties of strawberries are displayed during this festivity. Farmers from all corners of Mahabalswhar and villages of Maharashtra gather at Mapro gardens to display their freshly grown varieties of strawberries. Organized in the first week of April, strawberry items like strawberry pizza, strawberry biscuits and strawberry sandwich are put on sale by the employees working at the Mapro farms.

Besides this, festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and regional festivals are celebrated with full vigor. The travelers visiting Mahableshwar during the festive season can make a visit to the local villages where all the festivals and events are celebrated with complete vivaciousness.

Adventure Activities: Mahabaleshwar is an excellent trekking country (also very engrossing for those interested in medicinal plants and herbs). But there are softer options like a taxi or the conducted bus tour which traverses through the treacherous hills, river and old roof hut villages. If travelers feel intimidated by trekking, they can try also to hire their own vehicle and use the guide to show the travelers the right place to go. To feel the wind, the travelers can hire a bicycle and can pedal way around.

Around Mahableshwar: Thirty kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, a placid Koyna river cuddled by the mountains at the far end looks inviting. Highly recommended is the scooter boat ride---Rs 40 for a two-minute ride. Several longer boat ride options are also available. But charges for some of these can go up to more than Rs 1,000

Nature is sinfully generous in Mahabaleshwar — steep valleys, strawberry farms, 30 points, waterfalls, temples and green mesh of verdure evidence the munificence. The weather at its moderate best is pleasance which means you never sweat out at Mahabaleshwar. One thing for sure, irrespective of the place you visit narratives and tales of suicide incidents or shooting of Hindi movie will be generously peppered on. However, Mahabaleshwar’s thirty sightseeing points keep your senses engaged every moment of your vacation.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

Mahabaleshwar Temple is flanked with a 5 ft high stone wall around it. Devoted to Lord Shiva Shankar, the temple is an edifice of yore that has maintained its sanctity and hallow to the highest. It is believed that Mahabaleshwar Temple lends the name Mahabaleshwar Hills to the place … read on

Mahabaleshwar Waterfalls

Mahabaleshwar is wet with those cascading beauteous waterfalls that languorously make their way out amidst the valleys, gorges, jungle thickets, heights and beyond. Waterfalls, lakes and numerous other water bodies embellish Mahabaleshwar with roaring music and sequestered enchantment … read on

Venna Lake

Venna Lake is tourists’ faddish run-after spot adorned with facilities for boating, fishing, sightseeing and many more to catch. Sprawling astray on 28 acres in the very centre of Mahabaleshwar, Venna Lake is an exact spot to go for boating, fishing and game stalls (new addition) … read on

Mahabaleshwar Points

Mahabaleshwar has almost 30 designated sightseeing points, from Hunter Point to Wilson Point a row of needle-pointed peak crest have some or other story woven around it. Mahabaleshwar’s attractive points are crowded throughout the year for nature’s glimpses of heaven ... read on

Arthur’s Seat and Window Point

Arthur’s seat was a discovery of British actor Arthur Mallet who had built a house for himself in Mahabaleshwar at the point. Views of Savitri River, Jor Valley, and other adjoining valleys are truly exhilarating when seen from the top

Strawberry Farms

Proudly, Mahabaleshwar is India’s sole strawberry estate with 1500 hundred acres of land under its farming, and to complement a trip to the picturesque home is always incomplete without a small trip to strawberry farms

Connaught Peak

The advantageous height of the Peak allows a sneak-peek into abutting valleys and lakes like Krishna Valley and Venna Lake. Sunrise is a temptation and one cannot afford to miss this spectacular beauty of orangish dusk. Down below the Connaught Peak, the obtuse gaze of the impenetrable jungle green uncovers the inquisitiveness

Panchganga Temple

Location: Adjacent to the Mahabaleshwar Temple

In the heart of the Mahabaleshwar stands tall the Panchganga temple blessing people with its sight and holiness. The temple is named so due to its location at the confluence of five rivers those are: Koyna; Venna; Savitri; Gayatri and Krishna. Quite interestingly, these rivers flow out of cow’s figure (Goumukhi Spout) carved out of the stone. The temple was constructed by the then Raja Singhandeo, the Yadava ruler of Devagitri in the 13th century. Later, two centuries after the establishment of the mandir, it was renovated by Maratha Emperor Shivaji.

Marjori Garden

Morarji Castle is worthy to watch this structural spectacle in the very heart of Mahabaleshwar. A senescent enveloped in the charms of British influence, Morarji Castle is a huge draw for the people here. During the freedom struggle movements, Morarji Castle served as the halting-place. Close by, there are other colonial structures near the castle.

Pratap Singh Garden

Next to the Venna Lake, Pratap Singh Garden is a botanical garden running into several acres. The garden is facilitated with children’s park and recreation facilities for young and adult alike. Pratap Singh Garden is appliqued with variegated flora species that light up the park with its beauty. Pratap Singh Garden falls under the aegis of the Forest Department of Maharashtra.

Nearby Places & Excursions

Panchgani: Soothing, balmy atmosphere helps to get Panchgani touristy appraisals every time someone leaves this place smitten. Apart from the hospitable people who help to institute Panchgani’s charm, the greenery overhaul your senses in the strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, mulberry, gooseberries and loads of other English fruit orchards

Pratapgarh Fort: This Fort has had a great role in the Maratha history and it was here the warrior Maratha King Shiva ji slain Muslim King Afzal Khan in cold blood. Pratpagarh Fort rises 900 m above the sea and was architected under the aegis of King Morpantha Pingle in the year 1648. Exteriorly, the behemothic Fort of Pratapgarh is vast beyond the

Tapola: Bestowed with the title of ‘The Mini Kashmir’, Tapola is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar, unsung of its beauty till date. Large dams, teeming valleys draped with Sahyadri hills rightly spins off the Kashmir magic. The weather is not-so-benign as Kashmir’s weather and there is no sight of snowfall. Koyana and Solshi in Tapola give sit due in beauty as both of these valleys are embellished pinnacle

Mapro Garden: A temptation for the passer-by, motorists, and visitors, Mapro Garden is right ahead of the hoardings and billboards overhead advertising Mapro’s scrummy delicacies like jams, jellies, strawberry milkshakes and loads of ice-creams. The garden today has 21 varieties of squashes, syrups, crushes and jellies varieties on display as well as sale

Old Mahabaleshwar: It is an interesting place to trek up above to 1372 m high and seek blessings at its number of temples that are known to sanctify the divine aureole at the height. If new Mahabaleshwar is famed for strawberries

Kiomoi Must-Dos while you are in Mahabaleshwar

1-Mahabaleshwar is full of Points, and each spun with a tale of suicides or romance. There are thirty points to explore.

2-Trek up to the heights to seek blessings of the Gods in Old Mahabaleshwar.

3-Maharashtra is just not famous for Chikoo/Chikus, Chikki is another taste tickler of Mahabaleshwar.

4-Add some sensuality to your trip by visiting strawberry farms that blanket 1500 acres of land in tinges of red.

5-Sunsets and sunrise are aboriginal to Mahabaleshwar. Never miss it from the famous points.

6-A little off road, Mapro Gardens befits the concept of food tourism. Taste jams, jellies and other concoctions in new tastes and mouth-watering flavours.

7-Do visit the lakes and waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar. It is an excellent experience.

8-Get a snap at the places where once your favourite stars andhunks created the magic in movies. Mahabaleshwar has many points that were shot in Bollywood movies. Trust your memory and knack to identify the place.

Weather & Useful Facts

Weather: The weather of Mahabaleshwar is pleasant throughout the year. But it’s magical during the monsoons. During the summer season that is in the March to May, the temperature remains hot and humid.

In the monsoon season, the travelers can get to explore the real India. The entire regions get engulfed in the cover of lush green grasslands. This is the only time when travelers can notice various species of animals and birds coming out of their dens in the forests of Mahabaleshwar. Monsoon months in Mahabaleshwar are from June to September. Being the monsoon destination, the travelers during these months can go for the water boat ride. There are many parched rivers in the region that comes back into life during the monsoons.

In the winter season, the mild cold waves waft through the region. The nights are cold and the days are blissful.

Quick Fact about Mahableshwar:

State: Maharashtra | STD Code: 02168

Location: 4,500ft above the ground in the Western Ghats

Altitude: 400 mt-1200 mt | Area: 150 sq km

Rainfall: 633 cm

Local Languages: Hindi, English, and Marathi

Famous for: Strawberries, Honey, Jams, Crushes, and Chikki

Best time to visit: Mahabaleshwar is chock-full during peak tourist period of summer vacations from April to May. The best time to assay out Mahabaleshwar is during mid-June to mid-September when the hill station retains its charm of quiet. Christmas and Diwali months are also the right time, but with the crowd, to visit Mahabaleshwar.

Closed: Tourists must make a note that Mahabaleshwar is out of bounds for visitors during monsoon mid of June to mid of September.

Climate: Weather conditions are observed moderate in Mahabaleshwar. Winter temperature is moderate sans extreme cold as while summer months experience a cool temp due to its heights.

Clothing: Clothing must be done accordingly at Mahabaleshwar. During winters, one must wear woolens as it quiet cold on the height. Also, summers' clothing must be light. One must note that Mahabaleshwar is located at a good height and maintains some degree of cold throughout the year and warm clothing is a pre-requisite.

Nearest Hospital: Morarji Gokuldas Rural Hospital

Nearest Petrol Pump: BPCL and HPCL Petrol Pumps in Mahabaleshwar

Forest Office: 02618-260281

Post Office: 02618-260231

Police Station: 02618-260333 / 260217

Food, Eat & Dine

Shopping & Market

Mahabaleshwar QnA

YOUR QUERIES AND ANSWERS

Ask a Question

Dear sir,

Thanks for your query, below i would like to suggest you decent Hotels in Mahabaleshwar.

Valley View Resort, Mahabaleshwar

Rajesh Hotel, Mahabaleshwar

Brightland Holiday Village, Mahabaleshwar

These are the very decent hotels in Mahabaleshwar, for hotel booking and confirmation kindly contact Kiomoi Team, you can mail us at customercare@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364 OR 91-120-4666444, our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Good Day!!!!

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-30 12:51

Trip programme for Mahabaleshwar with friends want good hotels for stay for two nights we are around 10 people../ kindly suggest.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-30 11:45

Hii, this is going to be my first visit to mahabaleshwar & i want to know the best way to reach mahabaleshwar from Bombay.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-29 16:47

dear sir mine friend has a budget of 12000/- and is interested to travel to mahabaleshwar for 4 nights and 05 days honey moon package would like to know if it is possible mine no is 9987515166 and mail id is sanatan_madhani@rediffmail.com

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-28 02:31

Dear Sir,

Kindly mail all your details to support@kiomoi.com. Our team will be happy to assit you.

Regards

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-28 02:31

How we can reach Polo ground from giri vihar, Mahabaleshwar.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-27 14:35

How we can reach Polo ground from giri vihar, Mahabaleshwar.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-27 14:34

Dear bhushanmarathe,
regards!

A.
You can easily do this. In fact I have rode my bike several time from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar and back via Pune. But then please understand that this is TOO RISKY. If you could not concentrate and be always alert while riding the bike, please AVOID this. And as traffic is dense on the route, why take risks? You may be very alert and safe driver but you can not vouch for other drivers. Secondly there are few ghat sections on the route. Very steep and blind curves at few points will put pressure on you. If and if only you have ample experience of riding through the ghats and long rides, go with your bike. And you have mentioned this is going to be your first long ride...............

B.
If you decide to drive: ( some day you need to take a long ride .....right?)

1. make sure your bike is in top conditiion. Get it serviced properly from authorised people. And at least a week before you plan to go. Drive carefully after servicing and note if there is any change in settings etc. Get everything in shipshape condition.

2. Make sure you have re-fuelled properly. Start with full tank. And do refuel before it reaches reserve state. Particularly before you leave the Kolhapur highway for Mahabaleshwar. You can refuel at Wai town if you feel like not refuelling on the highway. There are not petrol pumps once you leave Wai town till Mahabaleshwar.

3. Wear a bright jacket / track suit while riding. Helmet is MUST.

4. Ride at reasonable speeds. Never over-speed what ever be the reasons. Remember this is your first long ride. It may take more time but it is very fine if you reach safely late than NEVER. If possible - keep to the left most side of the road always.

5. And please be in touch with your people always. Call them every half an hour or so and let them know where are you and how are doing. It is very important for the family to know this. And useful for you to take a break every 30 minutes or so. Switch off the machine. Get down from the bike and call them. It may take at the most 2 minutes but very important to maintain your alertness and concentration. By the time you will reach Mahabaleshwar, you will be stiff and sore all over your body. So the break is important.

6. Do not eat heavy food stuff. And no fruit juices, too. Fruits are okay. Idlis are nice. A sandwich is okay,too. Munch some nuts or keep munching while riding. And take in as much water as possible. Keep your self hydrated - little bit more hydrated than normal.

7. In ghat sections be very very alert and keep watching for incoming traffic. Give way to the vehicles who wish to overtake you but at proper places. And please use your hands alongwith bike signals to show your intentions - turns / stops etc.

Route : from Pune get on to Kolhapur highway - Katraj ghats sections - Kapurwahal village - Shirwal village ( famous for figs - anjeeers) - Surul phata. At Surul take a right turn for Wai town. From Wai through ghats ( Pasarani ghats) to Panchagani - a few kms further is Mahabaleshwar city. Total travel may be about 125 kms or so.

Wish you a happy and memorable tour - if you decide to go!!

Now kiomoi.com is authorised agent of MTDC.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-24 10:57

I want some info about hotel hillway inn regarding its facilities & rooms

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-23 18:38

Dear Shilpakar,

Thanks for your query in Kiomoi,

Hillway is an decent hotel, this hotel is having hot & cold water, cab, room service.

Good Day !!!

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-23 18:38

this is siddharth i need your advice pls let me know the places which i can see near Pune apart from Mahabaleshwar & LOnavala as i have been thr many time so ths time i am looking for some other place to visit which should be near to Pune.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-21 18:10

Hi Siddharth,

Some of the popular excursions situated near the city include Shivneri Fort, Sinhagad Fort, Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, etc. The following are the places which you can see around pune.

Bhaja Caves:- Bhaja Caves are one of the popular Buddhist caves in India, which are situated in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. The caves, lying 60 km from Pune city, are believed to date back to as far back as the 2nd century, when the Theravadin phase of Buddhism was still in its earliest stages.

Bhimashankar Temple:- Bhimashankar Temple is situated in Maharashtra and claims the distinction of being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Lying at a distance of approximately 128 km from the Pune city, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity of Gods.

Janjira Fort:- Janjira Fort is situated in the Murud town of Maharashtra. Infact, the Island Fort serves as one of the major attractions of the town. Murud served as the erstwhile capital of the Siddi rulers of Janjira in the earlier times. Today, Janjira is counted amongst the few sea forts of India and lies 2 km inside the town.

Karla Caves:- Karla Caves are situated in the Aurangabad quite near to the Bhaja Caves. They fall on the Pune-Mumbai Road and are approximately 40 km from the heart of Pune.

Murud JanjiraBeach:- Murud Janjira Beach, being located around 190 km from the Pune city of India, forms one of its most popular attractions. The beach is situated near the Janjira Fort, an impregnable fortress that refused to surrender before the enemy forces for as many as 350 years. I will advice you to visit this place.

Raigad Fort:- Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city.

Shivneri Fort:- Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 90 km from the Pune city of Maharashtra.

Sinhagad Fort:- Adding to the attraction of the Pune city is the Sinhagad Fort, which lies in the vicinity of the city. The height at which the fort stands has resulted in its being very popular.

Enjoy

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-21 18:10

how abt visiting mahabaleshwar in July??? hwz is ramsukh resort???

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-21 16:32

hi we r plannig to go to mahabaleshwar after 30th may is it right time to visit? and pl sugg.a nice eco.vag hotel which is centerly loceted in towe bcaz my beutiful baby with us.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-20 11:34

Hi, Planning to go to Mahabaleshwar on 25th Nov 08 on our honeymoon. We are contemplating the Maharaja / Ixora suites at Ramsukh. Any idea which is the better one in terms of view, accessability and interiors? In your view, would there be any scope to negotiate the rate? Lastly, what would be a good way to travel within Mahabaleshwar-Panchagani? Can we rent a day-cab from the hotel and what would be a reasonable price to pay? Thanks a ton in advance..

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-19 18:18

Dear Bhushan Marathe

Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance is about 120 KMs. For two wheeler this distance is consider to be long, but not very difficult. One can reach within 3-4 hours with 1-2 places break.
You may start early evening say 3-4 PM. or Early morning say 5-6 AM. Please take all safety precautions like helmet, sun glasses etc. Do not overtake.

Wish you very happy journey.

Now kiomoi.com is authrosed agent of MTDC.

Good Day.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-19 11:31

Mahabaleshwar tourism and travel guide

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