Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Mahabaleshwar

Top 10 Places in Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar the Hill station:

Located about 120 kilometers southwest of Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 kilometers, bound by valleys on all sides. It reaches a height of 1,439 meters at its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson or Sunrise Point. Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ Mahabaleshwar and part of a village called Shindola. The hill station is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The legendary source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Old Mahabaleshwar.

According to a legend, Krishna is Lord Vishnu himself as a result of a curse on the ‘trimurti’ by Savitri. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma themselves. An interesting thing to notice is that four other rivers come out from the cow’s mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna. These are the Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri. Kate’s Point gives visitors a view of the Dhom and Balakwadi dams. Close to it is the Needle Hole point where there is a natural hole in between its rock formation. Wilson Point, which is the highest point of the hill station, gets its name from Sir Leslie Wilson and is a favourite with tourists for splendid views of sunrise and sunset. The second-highest peak in Mahabaleshwar is Connaught Peak and gets its name from the Duke of Connaught. Some of the other points that you must visit are Monkey Point, Carnac Point, Falkland Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Mumbai Point, Marjorie Point and Babbington Point. For boating you must head to the Venna Lake. During the monsoon, waterfalls such as Lingmala Falls and Dhobi Falls come alive, adding to the scenic splendour of the place. You can also spend your evenings loitering in the main bazaar and enjoy strawberry-flavoured ice-cream or fresh strawberries with whipped cream.

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How to reach:

Air : The nearest airport is at Pune about 120 kms from Mahabaleshwar.

Rail : Nearest railroad is Satara, around 55 kms away. Nearest major railway junction is at Pune, 120 kms.

Road:

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 Waione has to travel through the picturesque PasaraniGhat to go to Mahableshwar. The distance between Wai and Mahabaleshwar is about 35 kms.

Attractions in Mahabaleshwar

 1. Panchganga Temple 

 At a distance of 6 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, in the vicinity of the Mahabaleshwar Temple is the Panchganga Temple. Built at the meeting point of five rivers (the Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna, and Gayatri), it is believed that all five rivers come out from the mouth of a statue of a cow in this temple. The Yadava ruler of Devgiri, Raja Singhandeo, built this temple way back in the 13th century. Today, it is a major religious site thronged by devotees all year round.

2. Pratapgarh Fort

 At a distance of 20 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar is a large hill fort located in Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort lies at an altitude of 1080 meters and is built on a spur that overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. This is where the Battle of Pratapgarh was fought, by Shivaji and Afzal Khan in 1659. School children from around the area often visit this historical site. The fort comprises several buildings. At the entrance, you have the tall towers and strongholds from where the soldiers began their defense. As a tourist, therefore, you’ll need to walk around this to get inside. Once you get in, though, you’ll be rewarded, with rest houses and good food.

3. Venna Lake:

 At a distance of 3 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, Venna Lake is a man-made lake constructed in 1842 by Sri AppaSaheb Maharaja, who was the ruler of Satara. Lush greenery everywhere, Venna Lake is fed by perennial springs and is quite large, at around 28 acres, and a periphery of 8 kilometres. On the banks of Venna Lake lies Pratap Singh Garden. Boating rides are also available. Up to seven are allowed on a boat at a time for 15 minutes. A good way to pass the time on a lazy evening.

4. Kate’s Point:

 Kate’s Point comprises three viewing points. Located around 7 kilometres from the main bus stand, the Kate’s Point area, named after British governor Sir John Malcolm’s daughter, consists of Kate’s Point, Echo Point and Needle Hole Point. At an altitude of 1290m, it gives you a view of Dhom dam, Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh and Mandardeo. From Needle Hole Point, you can see a natural rock formation with a hole in between. Echo Point, as the name makes evident, is where you can yell out your name (or whatever else) and hear it right back. What could be more fun!?

5. Lingmala Waterfall: 

Lingmala Waterfall is at an altitude of 1278 meters and is formed by the Venna River. Its large waterfall, active around six months of the year, has a drop of 500 feet. Then there’s also a mini waterfall, around a 30-minute walk away, where you could swim (it’s dangerous to do so at the large

waterfall). The main waterfall is too strong for any swimming, but the views it offers are worth the 2.5-kilometre trek. There is an entry fee of Rs. 15 per person.

6. Wilson Point( Sunrise Point ) : 

At a distance of 2 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of 1439 meters. Wilson Point is the only point where one can experience breathtaking vistas at dawn and dusk, both. The point was originally called Sindola Hill, but renamed after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Bombay province from 1923 to 1926

7. Bombay Point( Sunset Point ) :

 At a distance of 3 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, Sunset Point is popularly also known as Bombay Point. The oldest point of all in Mahabaleshwar, it gets its name from being on the old Bombay Road. An ideal spot for a picnic, with a large open space, gazebos and a bandstand.

8. Lodwick Point:

 At a distance of 4 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, Lodwick Point lies at an elevation of 4087 feet above sea level. It was previously known as Sydney Point, but renamed after General Lodwick, the first British officer to climb the hill in the 1800s. It offers unmatched views of the Pratapgad Fort.

9. Elephant’s Head Point:

 At the extreme end of the mountain range and beyond Lodwick Point lies Elephant’s Head Point. The front portion of the hill, which protrudes out, looks like an elephant’s head. Hence the name. The point offers an all-around view of the area. You would, however, need to walk almost 1.5 kilometres from the car park or take a pony ride from the parking area to get here. In Mahabaleshwar’s fine weather, though, it’s a breeze.

10. Connaught Peak:

 The second-highest peak in Mahabaleshwar, and just 5 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand or 3.5 kilometers from Old Mahabaleshwar, Connaught Peak has an elevation of 1400 meters above sea level. First known as Mount Olympia (at least by the British), they changed the name, to Connaught Peak, after the Duke of Connaught visited in 1880. It offers a beautiful view of the Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. You could also observe the Kamalgadh, Rajgarhand Torana in the north and Ajinkyatara in the south. If you enjoy trekking, the terrain here is fun and easy, a great way to earn

your holiday meals.

11. Sunset Point Dhawali , Mahabaleshwar:

 At a distance of 10 kilometers from Panchgani Bus Stand, Sunset Point is popularly also known as DhawaliSunset Point.An ideal spot for family, Couple to watch sunset in peace far from city shore and to spend time with nature. A Temple of Sri Jannimata is located near (1KM) the sunset point in Dhawali village, Mahabaleshwar. The Goddess. The Goddess is well known for blessings.

If a break from the mundane is what you seek, then the charming hill station of Mahabaleshwar with its meandering bridle paths and winding roads, stunning panoramic views, ancient temples and historic forts, is the perfect antidote for your weary soul. We hope you enjoy as many of the tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar as you possibly can.

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