Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Locate : Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms. Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms.

Touring Seasons : Through out the year, avoid the rainy season.

Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra is a popular hill resort of India. Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra was once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency, during the days of the British. Situated at an altitude of 1372 metres, Mahabaleshwar has spectacular panoramic views of the enticing valley. The sea close to Mahabaleshwar gives it an amazing appearance. The jungle of Mahabaleshwar is dense & produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants. The healthy and refreshing weather of Maharashtra Mahabaleshwar makes it an ideal health resort.

Accessibility
Airlines : Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms away. One easily reach the spot by bus or any other vehicle.

Rail Lines : Pune is the normal departure point for Mahabaleshwar, although Satara Road is the closest railway station.

Bus Lines : There is also an MTDC luxury bus daily, that plies in either direction between Bombay and Mahabaleshwar. State Transport buses run from Pune and Bombay.

Lodging in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar offers a wide array of accommodation for the tourists from all over. The accommodation ranges from the luxury to the budget category.

Charming Spots near Mahabaleshwar
Pratapgad Fort
The historic Pratapgad Fort (24 km), built in 1656, by Shivaji to control the rebellious Satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin is worth a visit. Legend has it that Shivaji was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhawani here.

Venna Lake
A major attraction in Mahabaleshwar is the Venna Lake, which has good fishing and boating facilities.

Waterfalls
There are also many beautiful waterfalls, a short distance away from Mahabaleshwar, that are worth a visit, like Chinaman's (2.5 km), Dhobi(3 km),and Lingamala (6 km). Arthur's Seat, 12 km from Mahabaleshwar, looks out over a tremendous drop of 600 metres, to the coastal strip of Konkan.

Few of the Lookout Points
Wilson Point
Also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.

Connaught peak
The second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.

Elphiston point
The first point of M'war/ Overlooking two valleys, koyna on the left & savitri on the right.

Arthur's Seat
Queen of all points. It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more facinating to know that Arthur's seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near.

Baghdad Point
A very beautiful point. It goes past village Moleshware on the way. You see a superb scenic view of the back waters of koyna dam on your left, river solshi in front of you with tiny villages as if sqatting on river banks & vast green slopes of M'war plateau on your right.

Recreational Activities
Sir B. D. Petit library, Hindu Gynkhana, The Mahableshwar Club, Parsi Gymkhana, Horse Riding, Photography, Walking, Boating in Venna lake, Bird watching, Study of Botany, for the people who keep interest in such things.