The top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar will surprise you because it is a charming hill town with a healthy environment and beautiful landscapes. This location once served as Bombay’s summer capital under the 19th-century British administration of the nation. And the town’s architecture clearly shows the British influence.
It lies tucked away in the mysterious Western Ghats’ Sahyadri range at an elevation of 1353 meters. It is a gem of a city since it combines history, culture, and environment in an ideal way. Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular tourist sites in Maharashtra because it is close to both Pune and Mumbai (about 160 km and 263 km apart).
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Mahabaleshwar, often known as the “God of Great Power,” is situated in Maharashtra’s Satara district, around 230 kilometers from Mumbai. In Maharashtra, this hill town is a well-liked tourist destination. Since the British Raj era, it has included numerous chalets, lodges, and manors. This highland station is ideal all year long, barring the rainy season, which typically lasts from late June to mid-September. Mahabaleshwar’s Pratapgarh fort is a popular tourist destination. Here, people feast themselves on honey, jams, and chikkis—a ready-to-eat Indian sweet composed mostly of groundnut and jaggery. Pony riding, boating, and fishing are all possible at the picturesque Venna Lake.
Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
1. Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar temple, built by Chandrarao More in the sixteenth century, honours Lord Shiva. The temple exhibits South India’s renowned Hemadpanthi architectural style.
The sanctuary sanctorum contains the old Blackstone Shiva linga, Swayambhu lingam. Inside the temple, Lord Shiva’s Trishul, Damru, Rudraksha, and a bed have all been maintained.
The Mahabaleshwar temple is one of the most significant sites in Mahabaleshwar and has many mythological and historical references attached to it.
Visit Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM
2. Venna Lake
It is a stunning lake that spans 7-8 km and is encircled on all sides by lush flora. Boating, horseback riding around the lake, rides, and toy trains for kids are just a few of the things available here. According to legend, the lake was initially constructed with the intention of meeting the water demands of the inhabitants of this city.
Enjoy the free-flowing birds above your head and the picturesque Western Ghats as you take in nature’s wonderful gifts. In the year 1842, Sri AppaSaheb Maharaja, the then-ruler of Satara, built Venna Lake.
- Visit Timing: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Boating Charges: INR 300 for 15 minutes
3. Kate’s Point
This location in Mahabaleshwar, sometimes referred to as Elephant’s Head Point offers breathtaking views of the Dhom Dam, Kamalgad, Pandavgad, and Mandardeo peaks. The location was given the name of the then-governor Sir John Malcomb’s daughter. Natural stone carved into the shape of an elephant’s head and the expansive, tranquil views of the Sahyadri mountain range go nicely together.
The monsoon season is the ideal time to visit Elephant’s Head Point, also called Needle Hole Point. It is also one of the top destinations in Mahabaleshwar for lovers.
- Visit Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Mapro Garden
You can find this entertaining garden bursting with strawberries in Gureghar, which is located 11 kilometers from the city center. Exploring the chocolate factory will let you unleash your inner child.
In April or May, Mapro Garden also holds a 9-day strawberry festival. You can sample some incredible fusion cuisine at the event, including strawberry pizza, strawberry Bhel-puri, strawberry sandwiches, and strawberry-dipped chocolates.
- Visit Timing: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Lingmala Waterfall
Visit Lingmala Waterfall, another fascinating spot in the Venna Valley, after exploring Venna Lake. Hike up to the waterfall while navigating the enchanted jungle. For those who appreciate nature, this is the ideal location. You can just sit down and listen to the water running in this serene setting.
The post-monsoon season is the ideal time to explore the Lingmala Waterfall. The waterfall appears considerably higher at this time, and the abundant wildlife and flowers enhance its splendour.
- Visit Timing: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 15 each
6. Pratapgarh Fort
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built the Pratapgarh fort. It gives a broad, majestuous view of the Konkan shore and is located 24 kilometers from the hill station. This fort was constructed to commemorate Shivaji Maharaj’s victory over Afzal Khan. This fort has double line fortification as a unique feature, and it is walled on all sides. Additionally, a statue of Shivaji Maharaj has been put inside the fort, which is now simple to access thanks to the development of motorable roads.
Afzal Buruj, where the head of the Afzal Khan is interred, the Mahadev temple, and the Bhavani temple—where Shivaji Maharaj was blessed with a sparkling sword—are all located inside the fort.
Additionally, you can take in the view of Par and Kineswar village, which are guarded by the beautiful Konkan range, at the top of Pratapgarh Fort.
While Pratapgarh Fort is open year-round, the rainy season brings out even more of its magnificence.
7. Panchgani
Panchgani is a little hill town with hypnotic beauty that is positioned at a height of 1334m and connected to religion and mythology. According to legend, the Pandavas have spent some of their exiles here.
The Bavdhan, Nagewadi, and Wai Dams are among the amusing Dams in Panchgani. Gureghar Dam is on the west, Dhom Dam is on the north, Khingar Dam is on the south, and Wai Dam is on the east.
Other varied tourist sites in and near Panchgani include Devil’s Cave, Kamalgad Fort, Panchganga, and Rajpuri Caves.
8. Wilson Point
It is the highest peak in Mahabaleshwar and is commonly referred to as the dawn point. You will be able to sense the happiness that permeates the area as the sun rises and the rays of light fall on the Western Ghat mountain range. There are three locations in all where visitors can take in the magnificent vista of Mahabaleshwar.
The location bears Sir Leslie Wilson’s name, who was the governor of Bombay at the time. The entire year is the ideal time to explore Wilson Point.
Visit Timing: 6 AM to 7:30 PM
9. Elphinstone Point
One of the best sites to visit in Mahabaleshwar is Mount Stuart Elphinstone, which was named for the leader of the Bombay Legislative Assembly. You can see the Koyna valley and Pratapgarh in the distance clearly from this location.
Elephant’s head point is a mountain rock that, as its name implies, looks like an elephant’s head. Due to the way the space between the rocks resembles a needle, it is also known as Needle’s point. One of the most gorgeous overlooks in the area, this location is well-known for the breathtaking vista it provides. Being on top, furthest from commotion, and closest to tranquilly is such a captivating feeling.
The monsoon season is the best time to visit because the rock turns lush green, amplifying its beauty and creating an amazing overall scene.
10. Wax Museum
The Wax Museum in Mahabaleshwar is the ideal destination if you’re seeking something entertaining and intriguing. The Wax museum contained wax statues of famous people, showpieces, and undoubtedly many artistic objects. Bhavesh Bhatia, the creator of Sunrise Candles in Mahabaleshwar, inaugurated it. The fact that the sunrise candles are manufactured by children with special needs is fascinating. At the museum’s gift shop, you can buy them.
- Visit Timing: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Entry Fee: 200 Indian Rupees per person
Popular tourist destination in Maharashtra
- Old Mahabaleshwar
- Bhawani Mandir
- Chinaman’s Waterfall
- Dhobi Waterfall
- Velocity Entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahabaleshwar
Q. What are the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in Monsoon?
Following is a list of places you can visit during the monsoon:
- Kaas Plateau
- Veena Lake
- Arthur’s Seat
- Lingmala Waterfalls
Q. How far is Mahabaelswar from Mumbai?
Mahabaleshwar is located 266 kilometers away from Mumbai.
Q. Is Mahabaleshwar worth visiting?
Yes, it is definitely worthwhile to go. This charming hill station, which is close to Mumbai and Pune, has a lot of interesting attractions to see. The area is surrounded by beautiful valley vistas and a variety of lush vegetation. To get the most out of this location, go during the monsoon season.
Q. Which is the best season to visit Mahabaleshwar?
It is definitely monsoon season. During this time, the lush greenery and captivating waterfalls throughout the area enhance the area’s natural beauty. In addition, from September to February, hotels and homestays are overbooked and cost twice as much.
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