Description:
Mahabaleshwar is located at 17°55′N 73°40′E / 17.92°N 73.67°E / 17.92; 73.67.[1] It has an average elevation of 1,353 metres (4,440 ft).
Located about 120 km (75 mi) southwest of Pune and 285 km (177 mi) from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 km2 (58 sq mi), bound by valleys on all sides. It reaches a height of 1,438 m (4,720 ft) at its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson/Sunrise Point.
Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar and part of the Shindola village.
Mahabaleshwar 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. Legend has it that Krishna is Lord Vishnu himself as a result of a curse on the trimurtis 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 4 other rivers come out from the cow (bull's) mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna. These rivers are the Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri, and Gayatri.
How To Reach:
The total distance between Mumbai to Panchgani would be about 265 kms. It is approximately a 5 hours drive from Mumbai. One way would be to go via Mahad but the best bet instead would be the famous Mumbai Pune Express Highway. A word of advice here, that, though the road is lucrative and appealing please don’t overspeed and keep it between 80 and 90 kmph. You can break for refreshments on the Food Mall or Food Plaza on the Expressway.
At the end of the Expressway you take the road to bypass the Pune city with the Highway that takes you to directly to Katraj. After passing Katraj Ghat the pleasant drive continues and you come to the scenic Khambatki Ghat. Once you come down the Khambatki Ghat keep on to the improved highway till you come across ‘Surur Faata’ on your right. It takes you to Wai, which is on the foothills of Panchgani, this road is really enjoyable with its own hamlet feeling and farms by the road.
The phrase - 'getting there is half the fun' finds its meaning relevant on this route. Wai is famous for its ‘Pedhas’ and the ‘Dholya Ganpati’- a huge statue of Lord Ganesh. Just after you get out of the small town of Wai, starts the picturesque ‘Pasarni Ghat’. This is the last milestone on your journey towards Panchgani and you know not by the boards that you are in Panchgani, but the cold breeze that touches your cheeks.
- Mumbai - 290 km via Pune and 247 km via Panvel-Pen-Mahad-Poladpur (approx 6 hours)
- Pune - 120 km (3 hours)
- Sangli - 165 km (3.5 hours)
- Satara - 55 km (1.5 hours)
- Bangalore - 782 km (12 hours)
- Pune - 120 km
- Mumbai - 290 km
Mount Malcolm
Built in 1829, this was one of the famous buildings of its time.
Holy Cross Church
The stained glass windows of this old Roman Catholic Church still retain their beauty.
Mahabaleshwar Club
Built in 1881, the Mahabaleshwar Club offers a peaceful retreat for those wanting to get away from it all. The Club offers many recreational facilities, including a badminton court and a mini golf course. Facilities are available to everyone at a very low fee. For those who prefer the quiet outdoors, there is a jogging track encircling the premises, edged with beautiful rose bushes. The Club also offers a clear view of Venna Lake below. Every year, Christmas is celebrated here with much fervour and pomp by the club members.
Pratapgad Fort
About 24 km. away from Mahabaleshwar lies Pratapgad, the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built in 1656, 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! It was here that Afzal Khan, the mighty general of Bijapur, met his untimely death at the hands of Shivaji. Since Pratapgad lies slightly off the road to Mahabaleshwar, a visit to this historic monument is recommended in all travel itineraries
Mahabaleshwar has many points offering great views of flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys. 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. About a kilometer away lies Tiger’s Spring, and if you venture further down you’ll come to a ledge named The window – a point that’s famous for its mesmerizing view.
There are many locations offering pleasant views of the plains below: Wilson Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Bombay Point, Falkland Point, and Kate Point are all well known
There are pleasant waterfalls also worth visiting, such as Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls, the latter being the most impressive, cascading amost 600 ft from a cliff!
Another tourist attraction is the Sangam, or the confluence of the five rivers that flow over the Deccan Plateau. There are many old temples too, which become the focus of attention during the festive season
More Information:
Climate:
The climate is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between October and June. Temperatures range from 160C to 200C in summer and can fall as low as 50C in winter. Cottons and light woolens are recommended attire.
Shopping And Food:
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its fruit products, Strawberries, honey, Jams, crushes and chikki (a sweet made from jaggery and an assortment of nuts) are a favourite buy-and so is handcrafted leather footwear.
Also Visit:
Panchagani:
About 19 km, from Mahableshwar lies the hill station of Panchgani. It is surrounded on all sides by hills (“Panch” = 5, “Gani” = hills) and is very popular with tourist owing to its close proximity to Mahabaleshwar. Panchgani is known for its resident boarding schools and its strawberry and raspberry farms. Visitors to Mahabaleshwar almost always come to Panchgani to make the most of their holiday in the hills..
Tapola,Old Mahabaleshwar
Hotels & Accomodation Links:
- Mahabaleshwar Page From Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC)
- Hotels & Bunglows List Of Mahabaleshwar with Phone Numbers
- Phone Numbers Of Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
- Vrindavan Bunglow in Panchgani
- Whitehouse Bunglow in Panchgani
Peak Seasons:
24th January to 26th January
7th March to 11th March
27th March to 29th March
10th April to 14th June
15th August to 19th August
19th September to 21st September
26th September to 28th September
2nd October to 4th October
10th October to 2nd November
20th December to 31st December
Food joints in Mahabaleshwar:
Good Home Made food provided by Mr. Pravin Shinde in Mahabaleshwar.
Contact Nos: 94238 68447 / 02168 - 271147
Lucky Restaurant in Market : Good for Non Veg Food like Kheema & Chicken Masala & Many more...Good place for Bun Maska Lovers.....
Contact Nos: 02168-260343 / 260643
Please Visit Mahabaleshwar Once and you will find it amazing experience.
If you need more information then please contact me on maharashtraguide@gmail.com
That's All Folks for Mahabaleshwar from My End....
Wait for My Next Post About Sindhudurg- Tarkarli
