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MAHABALESHWAR, MAHARASHTRA
Mahabaleshwar is a city and a municipal council in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a most popular hill station located in the Western Ghats range. It is a vast plateau rising 1372m above sea-level and was the designated summer capital of the Raj-era Bombay Presidency. Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity. Mahabaleshwar along with Panchgani makes for a wonderful holiday or even just a weekend getaway. Winding roads, a cool breeze at all times, vantage points offering breathtaking views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on and a main street full of shops.
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty,with its magnificent views of the flat-topped ghats and dense evergreen forests Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys, lush flora, cool, crisp mountain air. While numerous trekking trails beckon the adventurous traveller, for the exhausted city-dweller it offers a rejuvenating mix of antiquated charm in its ancient temples and colonial buildings.
About 24 km. away from Mahabaleshwar lies Pratapgad, the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1656 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja.The fort encompasses two ancient forts; the Upper Fort - built on the top of the hill and the Lower Fort. it is a maze of ponds, chambers and long dark walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a 100 meter fall.The fort is the witness of historic Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan. The Pratapgad fort offers exhilarating and excellent views of the Konkan valley. Since Pratapgad lies slightly off the road to Mahabaleshwar, a visit to this historic monument is recommended in all travel itineraries.
The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. It is situated around 2 km from the ST bus stand. The lake is 2.5 km long and is encircled by trees on all sides and a boat ride on this lake is a wonderful experience indeed. Tourists can also enjoy activities like fishing and horse riding. There are a few small eateries and strawberry stalls lined up at the banks of the lake. The local bazzar and bus stand is very near make for a nice walk during the day.
There are three waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar; the first one is the Lingmala Falls which is located about 6 km from Mahabaleshwar.Located at a distance of 6 kms from Mahabaleshwar. The forest bungalow of Lingmala is situated near the falls. The water here launches from a height of approximately 600 feet.The best time to visit Lingmala falls is between July and December.The clear water of Lingmala waterfalls cascades into the Venna Lake during monsoon season.The second one is the Dhobi Falls which is located around 3 km from Mahabaleshwar.The waterfall is a popular picnic spot. The last one is the Chinamons Falls. It is located at around 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar in an exotic place with Chinese cultivated gardens at close proximity.
Panchgani is a picturesque hill station near Mahabaleshwar and is perfect place for adventure lovers. With a year round pleasant climate, Panchgani provide good opportunities for those who love trekking and hiking on several tracks leading through thinning forests. The hill station got its name from the five hills which surround it. There are also a few more attractions in Panchgani for tourists to enjoy.
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. It is situated in the Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, about 6 km north from the main city.It is yet another exquisite example of Maratha heritage of Mahabaleshwar and was built by Chanda Rao More in the 16th century. The architecture of this temple is built in the South Indian Hemadanta style.
The beautiful place of Panchgani, popular in legends as the temporary abode of the “Panch Pandavas” is also well known for housing the sacred Rajpuri Caves. Located at a distance of 7 kms from Panchgani, the Rajpuri Caves hold religious significance. It is believed that the caves were used for penance and religious rituals by Lord Kartikeya. They are surrounded by many water kunds (ponds). It is also said to be the home of Pandavas during their exile. The holy river Ganga flows into these kunds. Worshippers of the river believe that the water flowing in it will cure all kinds of diseases and evils.
Lodwick Point, towering almost 1,240 meters above sea level, is one of the most visited Points and holds a monument in memory of General Lodwick Arthur’s Seat is well liked too for its great view of the Jor Valley.
The nearest airport is at Pune about 120 kms from Mahabaleshwar. Nearest railroad is Satara, around 55 kms away. Nearest major railway junction is at Pune, 120 kms. There are regular state transport buses plying and even private transport is easily available to go to Mahabaleshwar. From Mumbai, it takes about 4 to 5 hours by car taking a route via Panvel through Mahad and Poladpur. There are frequent ST buses from Dadar and Mumbai CST. From Pune, it is a pleasant drive on the NH 4 upto Surur and then take a diversion towards Wai – Panchagani- Mahableshwar. Wai is at 85 kms from Pune and from Wai one has to travel through the picturesque Pasarani Ghat to go to Mahableshwar. The distance between Wai and Mahabaleshwar is about 35 kms.
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