MAHABALESHWAR
Known As: Queen Of All Hill Stations
Significance: A Delightful Hill Station For The adventures trekkers, people Who Love Boating And Horse Riding.
Best Time To Visit: October To May
Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an
altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara
District. The hill station has a legendary past. The name
'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three
Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal" (power) and "Ishwar"
(God). But, some say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which simply means
very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past.
The British in order to escape the summer heat of the plains and in their
search for cooler pleasant climates, were always looking for mountain tops
and plateau for recreation and change. So it happened that Col. Lodwick
(Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) 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. Thus
Mahabaleshwar was "Discovered".
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of
the valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days pony rides
on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar, are quite thrilling.
Several charming hill resorts nestle in these mountains. They seem to
belong to the colonial era when people traveled up to these resorts to
escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of the Old
World charm and make an ideal holiday destination. Mahabaleshwar is by far
the best of any holiday spot in Maharashtra for climate, excursions,
sports and many other activities. It is, after all, the "Queen of all
Hill Stations"
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Mahabaleshwar's 30 exotic viewpoints provide one with a
spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of the
points derive their names from some former British dignitary and are
situated in the 10-km radius of the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar. Some points
can be reached by motorable roads, whereas other can be reached on foot
Waterfalls In Mahabaleshwar
Lingmala Waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it
scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled
by rainbow colors. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular
with picnickers. The former can be reached by the Carviali Road. Dhobi
waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar
Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Venna
entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers of the surroundings add
to the serenity of the landscape.
Wilson Point
Also known as Sunrise point. It is the nearest and the highest point in
Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers
erected at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists as it
offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.
Bombay Point
It is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening
visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From
the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best.
Connaught Peak And Hunter Point
Connaught Peak and Hunter Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar
Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers
a panoramic view of the Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known
as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. The Duke of
Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist
the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount
Olympia became Connaught Peak.
Venna Lake
The lake is spread over 25 acres is a great attraction for tourists. The
lake offers boating and fishing facilities. Boating on the Venna Lake is a
pleasure one cannot easily forget.
Elphinston, Marjorie And Savitri Points
On the way to Arthur's Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and
Savitri Points and also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from
the Konkan Valley, which are some 500m below the level of the Koyna
Valley. The ravine between these points is the rise of Savitri River,
which rushes down 700m straight from here. Elphinston Point is a Favorite
picnic spot discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830 is named after the Governor of
Bombay, Sir Elphinston.
Arthur's Point
Arthur's Point, named after Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar's most famous
point overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this
point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief tossed down, sailing
attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!
Babington Point
This point offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's
waterfall. Helen's point takes one into the midst of the valley and gives
an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Lodwick Point
Named after a General who reached this point in 1824. He was the first
European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the top of
the promontory has been erected in his memory. Beyond Lodwick Point is the
extreme end of the mountain range known as Elephant's Head. It is only 12
feet to the Koyna Valley below. From Lodwick's point, the overhanging
cliff looks like an elephant's head and trunk, and hence the name.
Kate's Point
Kate's Point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road gives a commanding view of
the Krishna Valley. Near Kate's point is the Echo Point, which, true to
its name, echoes the words of the speaker
Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat is known as Queen of all points. It is fascinating to see
the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on
the right. It is more fascinating to know that Arthur's seat is the only
place showing geographical distinction of Kokan & Desh, two
territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If one go by the
steps one will come across a spring known as Tiger's Spring, which is
supposed to be the source of the river Savtri. Immediately below the seat
is window point. One has to go deep by steps to reach the window point.
Krishna Temple
Old Mahabaleshwar nestles around the source of the Holy Krishna River,
with a temple dedicated to Krishna' locally known as "Panchgana"
meaning "Five Rivers" i.e. Krishna, Konya, Yenna, Gayatri and
Savitri. The earliest shrines here date back to pre historic period, but
this Krishna temple in its present form is attributed to Singhan, a Yadav
King ruling from Devagiri in the 13th century. It was later restored first
by Chandra Rao then Jaoli in the late 16th century and later by the Great
Maharatha Shivaji himself in 1635, then by Sahu (1670-1709) and lastly by
the 19th century banker Parashuram Angal.
Hanuman Mandir
Another temple worth visiting is the "Hanuman Mandir" which is
not far from the "Krishna Temple". This temple is said to be the
resting-place of the saint and mystic Rama Dassa in 1635. Then there is
the Sri Rama Temple" and "Mahabal Temple", Lord Shiva is
worshipped here not in the form of a carved Lingam but as a natural rock.
EXCURSIONS
Panchgani
It is like a sister town to Mahabaleshwar, a health resort surrounded by
five hills. There are atlas two spots for every hundred yards that one
would consider taking photographs, and it really seems like a dream
pastoral retreat, especially during tourist free monsoons.
Tapola
Tapola is a great picnic spot and is also called mini Kashmir, holds the
time still and offers a great view of the backwaters of the Koyna dam.
Pratapgad Fort
A formidable fort of Shivaji Maharaj has a serpentine winding charm. This
fort holds a commanding view of the Konkan valley below and one can easily
see Raigad fort in the west.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Like most hill stations, Mahabaleshwar closes up for the monsoon (mid-June to mid-September). Mahabaleshwar is generally crowded during the peak periods of summer vacation - April/May, Christmas - December and Diwali - October and November. The best time to visit this hill station is from October to May.
SHOPPING
The throbbing and vibrant Bazaar of Mahabaleshwar offers everything from clothes to slippers, gift items. Madhu Sagar is famous for its various brands of honey and jams it markets, and it also runs a bee-keeping museum.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is
Pune
at 120-km.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Wathar at 62-km, but Pune is the
convenient railway station at 120-km.
Road: From Bombay
via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290-km and via Mahad it is 247-km. The State
Transport buses ply from Bombay and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates
daily bus services except during the monsoon, between
Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and
Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
WHERE TO STAY
Being a popular hill station, Mahabaleshwar is well equipped with excellent holiday resorts and hotels for accommodation purpose including one MTDC Holiday Resort.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Banks:
State Bank of India
Bank of Maharashtra
Union Bank of India
Satara District Co-op Bank
Mahabaleshwar Co-op Urban Bank
Hospitals:
M. G. Rural Hospital (Government Hospital)
Know more about this Package !!!
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