
The charm of enchanting mountain peaks, awe-inspiring deep valleys, and also the green canopy attracts summer visits to hill stations.
Summer tourists are attracted to hill stations by the beauty of magnificent mountain peaks, awe-inspiring deep valleys, and the ubiquitous green canopy. Getting away from the suffocating heat and dust of cities for a few days becomes more of a need than a luxury for parched souls. City dwellers stung by the virulent summer, hounded by the concrete jungles of cities, looking for an escape to places that are not only cooler, but also peaceful, serene, and endowed with a natural vibe, may find Mahabaleshwar to be an ideal summer getaway.
Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular tourist spots in India. Mahabaleshwar is an enchanting mountain getaway in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghat Range of mountains, perched at a height of 1,353 metres above mean sea level. It is a small town in Maharastra’s Satara district, 54 kilometres from Satara and 123 kilometres from Pune. It is one of India’s most famous tourist destinations, and it is known as Maharashtra’s “Queen of Hill Stations.”
There are various beautiful places in the serene enchanting Mahabaleshwar, which is nestled among the Sahyadri Mountain ranges. The city has British influence, which is seen in its architecture, and was once the summer capital of Bombay during the British Raj. It is a well-known hill station that offers to enthusiastic travellers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts with a variety of tourism activities and attractions. Simply take some time to relax, refresh, and revive your body and mind, and you’ll be ready to return to the hustle and bustle of city life. Top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar will make sure you have a wonderful trip with its pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery.
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Best Time To Visit Mahabaleshwar
- December to February
How To Reach Mahabaleshwar
- By Bus: Travelling to Mahabaleshwar by buses is the cheapest available options. There are many buses plying for Mahabaleshwar from Pune bus stand.
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By Air: Pune airport located at a distance of 120 km is the nearest airport from where tourists can come down from different parts of the country. Its frequent service solves the problem of the visitors how to reach Mahabaleshwar by air.
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By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is located at Wathar which is at a distance of 60 km. Pune railway station is again a convenient way to travel to Mahabaleshwar. Since, the place is well connected by rail
Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
1. Arthur Seat Point
Arthur’s Seat, at a height of 1470 metres, is one of Mahabaleshwar’s most popular tourist attractions. This location, also known as Madhi Mahaal, has an unique and interesting features. Due to the air pressure, if you throw something light down the valley from here, it will come back up. Arthur’s Seat is rightly known as the ‘Queen of the Points,’ as it offers uninterrupted views over the Deccan and Konkan on all sides. The lush green valleys of Brahma-Arayana and the Savitri river will take your breath away. Definitely it is one of the best tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar.
Entry Fee: None
Hours: 9 am – 8 pm
Location: Mahabaleshwar
Popular Attractions: Wilson Point and Mahabaleshwar Point
2. Panchgani
Panchgani is a picturesque scenic hill station in Maharashtra that is so close to Mahabaleshwar that it is considered to be in Mahabaleshwar. The location offers mesmerising beauty, nestled among the five hills of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges. With its peaceful whisperings, the Krishna River flows nearby, contributing to the overall charm of the place. It’s known for its scenic beauty and strawberry farms. Panchgani attracts a large number of tourists each year due to its wonderful weather and unmatched beauty. This is one of the major attractions to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Hours: NA
Entry Fee: None
Location: Mahabaleshwar
Popular Attractions: Sydney point, Parsi point, Mapro Garden and the Strawberry Festival held every summer.
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3. Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple, located in the old city, is a very old Shiva temple. The Chanda Rao More dynasty built it in the 16th century. Due to its huge and magnificent Shivalinga and holy pond, the sanctuary is a great draw for visitors. In the monsoon, this is another spot to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Entry Fee: None
Hours: 6 am to 7 pm, everyday.
Location: Old Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Popular Attractions: The meeting point of five rivers and the adjacent Lakshmibai temple.
4. Lodwick Point
Lodwick Point was renamed to honour General Lodwick, the first British officer to climb the hill, and was originally known as Sydney Point. In his remembrance, a 25-foot-high pole has been built nearby. The wonderful panoramic views and amazing places for looking into the beautiful valley make this a popular tourist destination in Mahabaleshwar. If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar, there are two seasons to consider. You may go during the summer, from March to June. The winter season lasts from December to February.
Hours: 6 am to 8 pm, everyday.
Entry Fee: None
Location: Lodwick Trail, Haroshi, Satara, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Popular Attractions: The epic views of Pratapgad Fort and Elphinstone Point from here are
5. Mapro Garden
Mapro Garden, a garden park near Mahabaleshwar, is one of the top locations to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The heavens are beautiful with strawberry plantations, and the annual Strawberry Festival is enjoyed with enthusiasm. All kinds of strawberry delights are made and sold here, including jams, preserves, marmalade, toppings, syrups, and squashes. You may sample delicious fruit salads, strawberry shakes, and ice creams made with fresh strawberries gathered from the garden, and these attractions make Mahabaleshwar one of the best destinations to visit.
Hours: 8 am to 8 pm, every day.
Entry Fee: The delightful place is open to all for free.
Location: 15/1B, Gureghar, Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Rd, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Popular Attractions: The Strawberry Festival, where the visitors can eat strawberries to their heart’s delight and enjoy the folk performance of Shivkalin Dhol & Lezim. The 9 days-festival usually takes place in the month of May.
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6. Venna Lake
Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar’s most famous tourist spot, is a bustling tourist destination. The lake is surrounded on all side by trees and offers boating opportunities. It’s open until late in the evening so you can enjoy the stunning lush greenery during the day and relax by the lake in the evening. This lake is one of the best places for couples to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Hours: 7 am to 7 pm, every day.
Entry Fee: None. However, be ready to shell out some to rent the boats.
Location: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Popular Attractions: Fishing for adults and mini-train rides for kids.
7. Chinaman’s Falls
Photographers and picnickers come to Mahabaleshwar to see the magnificent waterfall. A Chinese prisoner who was kept captive in the area gave the fall its name. The beauty of the falls, which fall from a great height, is breathtaking. It’s also a good place to go birdwatching. It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Mahabaleshwar and definitely one of the best waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar, so don’t miss it.
Opening Hours: 6 am- 6 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Popular Attractions: The gushing refreshing water
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8. Dhobi Waterfall
Mahabaleshwar’s best feature is its plenty of of waterfalls, which may be visited for Mahabaleshwar sightseeing and picnics. Dhobi Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar. Granite rocks and lush greenery surround it. The view is impossible not to fall in love with. That’s how beautiful it is.
Hours: 6 am-6 pm
Entry Fee: None
Location: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
Popular Attractions: The power of waterfall gushing down
9. Koyna Valley
For those looking less travelled roads, Koyna is one of the best spots to visit in Mahabaleshwar. A serene and clean crystal clear lake adds to the attractiveness of the nature in this valley. Koyna Vekkey is a famous tourist destination. It is an excellent getaway for trekkers and wanderers looking for a weekend getaway in Mahabaleshwar. The lake is nestled among the forest peaks, making the entire scene appear straight out of a storybook. For many, this valley is nothing less of paradise on earth!
Hours: NA
Entry Fee: None
Location: Mahabaleshwar
Popular Attractions: A lake and the largest hydroelectric dam in India
10. Marjorie Point
This is another another must-see destination in Mahabaleshwar. Originally, the British used Marjorie Point as a summer retreat. The best landscapes of the Western Ghats blanketing the Sahyadri Mountain Range and the beautiful Konkan Valley may be seen from this viewpoint. Marjorie Point is extremely magnificent, taking the breath away from those who come to see the scenic views. It’s the wonderful place for thrill seekers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers looking to capture a slice of paradise on Earth.
Hours: 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
Location: Maharashtra 402303
Popular Attractions: The views of the Western Ghats and the beautiful sunsets
Hotels Near Mahabaleshwar
1. Miraya Hotel
Miraya Hotel delights every guest with an unmatched view of the Krishna River valley, well-appointed rooms with private balconies, delicious vegetarian food, and hospitality, which is why it is one of the best hotels near Mahabaleshwar. The structure resembles a mighty cottage, and the lush green garden and manicured lawns add to the charm. There is an activity centre where visitors may spend their nights, and the hotel can offer a bicycle for those who want to enjoy the scenery. The hotel does, however, provide in-room private meals as well as in-room massage and spa services upon request.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 16.5 km
Location: Ganeshpeth, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805
Starting Price INR 5252
2. Hotel Rainforest
Hotel Rainforest, located near Parsi Point in Panchgani, is one of the top budget hotels near Mahabaleshwar. Hotel Rainforest has all you need for an enchanting and memorable vacation, including breathtaking views, luxury rooms with private balconies, and excellent service. Enjoy a relaxed stay, authentic local cuisine, and a sense of being pampered and revived.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 17 km
Location: Panchgani Mahabaleshwar Road, near Parsi Point, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805
Starting Price: INR 2185
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Nearby Places
- Falkland Point
- Wax Museum
- Kamalgad Fort
- Elphinstone Point
- Velocity Entertainment
- Lingmala Falls
- Elephant’s Head Point
Conclusion
Mahabaleshwar is a magical place to be in, with all of these places to visit. This place is rich in natural beauty, with lush green mountains, romantic and secretive avenues, forested areas, winding roads, rivers, and misty and wet weather. If the beauty of this place has left you speechless, plan a trip to Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra and go exploring the history and beauty of this charming town on the Western Ghats.
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