Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys. Lush flora. Cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra’s most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj.
As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields.
Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. There’s also the Mahabaleshwar Mandir, revered for its Swayambhu Lingam
History of Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. In 1215 King Singhan of Deogori first visited Mahabaleshwar. A Brahmin dynasty is said to have taken over around 1350, and they made the area prosperous. In the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More annexed Mahabaleshwar and built the famous Mahabaleshwar temple. Shivaji during his rule built the famous Pratapgad Fort in 1656. From 1828 Mahabaleshwar was visited by Sir John Malcolm, Arthur, Carnac, Frere after whom the famous points in Mahabaleshwar are named.
Languages spoken
Marathi, Hindi and English.
Sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar
A sightseeing tour in Mahabaleshwar will let you soak in the breath-taking vistas and varying perspectives of the valley from over 30 different vantage points. which basically consist of different views and perspectives of the valley below.
The Mahabaleshwar city market and the S.T. bus stand is about 2KM from the lake and makes for a nice walk during the day. Most tour operators include the Venna lake in their tours. Most buses, private vehicles will stop at the Venna lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar
By Air
The closest airport is Lohegaon Airport in Pune and is located at a distance of 80 kms from Mahabaleshwar. You can also get to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai’s International Airport, Chatrapati Shivaji (160 kms away). From the respective airports one can hire a taxi or avail the bus service to get to Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail
You can reach Mahabaleshwar via rail too. The nearest railhead is Satara, at a distance of 47km. There is another railhead located at Wathar (60 kms). One can reach Mahabaleshwar via Pune (120 kms) as it boasts of an efficient rail network. Get off at the railway station and catch a taxi for Mahabaleshwar.
By Bus
Mahabaleshwar is well connected by road from Mumbai as well as Pune. Maharashtra State Road Transport provides bus services to all the nearby cities of Pune, Mumbai, Nasik, Satara, Panchgani and Kolhapur.
Driving down to Mahabaleshwar from the neighbouring cities of Alibagh, Adavali, Pune, Nasik, Panchgani is a good option. Private and shared cabs/taxis can also be hired from Mumbai and Pune.
Getting Around Mahabaleshwar
The most convenient way of getting around is if you have your own vehicle but there really is no better way than walking to be able to fully appreciate the scenic beauty of this breathtaking hill station.
Driving Direction to Mahabaleshwar
Driving Time: 6.00 hours
Distance: 118 km
Driving Time: 3.00 hours
Mahabaleshwar is an all year round holiday destination. Choose anytime and this place will have something to charm you. Every season has its varied colours, painting a beautiful landscape. From the details below you can pick your preferred time.
Summer (March to mid June)
A perfect weather to escape from the sultry summers of the plains. The fresh air, lush green flora, cloudy mountains and sparkling brooks the place offers will sweep you off your feet. The temperature during this period rises to a maximum of 32°C and falls to a minimum of 15°C.
You might find the place a little crowded during this time as it sees a huge inflow of tourist finding a reprise from the scorching heat.
Monsoon (Mid June to September)
Do you love rains? The smell of earth after the first shower? The freshness and the green after the downpour? If the answer is yes then you will be delighted to visit this hill station during this time. You will be greeted with beautiful landscape and breathtaking views garnished with tiny droplets of rain at this time of the year. Unlike summers you will not experience a tourist rush in monsoon.
You are advised to pre-book the hotel as many hotels remain closed during this time due to the low tourist turn up.
Winters (November to Mid March)
Are you a winter person? If yes then the place offers a pleasantly cold winters. You will need to carry some extra layers. The minimum temperature during this time is 10°C and rises to a maximum of 30°C. It can be a nice spot for your winter vacations. Dropping your bags of worries, enjoy the vast treasure of nature that the place has to offer you.
Anytime you that you choose will make you hav fun galore. So all you need to do is pack your bags and set out holidaying!
Festivals and Events in Mahabaleshwar
Gudhi Padava, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, the Strawberry Festival, Diwali are some of the festivals in Mahabaleshwar that are held in the city, with pomp and gaiety.
The festival of Gudhi Padava is celebrated on the very first day of the Hindu month Chaitra to commemorate the beginning of the Hindu solar year. Gudhi Padava is held in March-April to celebrate the Maharashtrian New Year. This festival is celebrated by flying kites. You can see the entire sky filled with colourful kites.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten day festival is celebrated in the month of August - September to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesh. This is the main festival of the state. Devotees bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and make special sweets called modak, to appease the God. Devotional songs and dancing are performed while immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Another prominent festival in Mahabaleshwar is Makar Sankranti. Considered as one of the most auspicious festivals for the Hindus, Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in January with great fervour and gaiety. This festival is celebrated in different part of the country by different names such as Pedda Panduga, Lohri, Pongal and Bhogali Bihu to name a few.
The Strawberry Festival is a two-day festival celebrated in the month of March and celebrates the harvest of fresh strawberries and its delicacies. Stalls are set up in the farms near Mahabaleshwar and freshly prepared Strawberry Dishes are on the offer. Fruit lovers visit Mahabaleshwar at this time to enjoy the festival.
The festival of colours, Holi is celebrated in March to welcome the season of spring. People put colours on each other to celebrate the festival.
The festival of light, Diwali is celebrated in the month of November. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil. Children and adults burst crackers, perform puja and savour traditional sweets.
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
The strawberry capital, Mahabaleshwar, boasts off a fairly good list of things to do that incorporate variety in activities and sightseeing. With its picturesque sights, misty cascading waterfalls, hidden trails and lovely farms growing berries, this hill station forms a paradise for nature lovers. Pack your picnic baskets and head to Wilson Point for spectacular sunrises and sunsets or simply enjoy the rumbling of water at numerous soothing waterfalls.
Shop for fresh honey or canned jams made from strawberries, mulberries and raspberries freshly grown in farms around. Want to try something different? Visit these farms during the month of May and June and go strawberry picking. Enjoy drinking coffee, fresh fruit juices or opt for some peaceful boating or fishing experience. Those who want to sweat a bit, try trekking and horse riding.
For a bit of history, make a visit to Pratapgad fort, which is 27 kms from Mahabaleshwar or choose to visit nearby hill station Panchgani to pick some fresh berries and enjoy stunning scenes.
Shopping in Mahabaleshwar
It is all about buying fresh fruits, jams, jellies and marmalades. Town Bazaar, Imperial Store at the end of the Bazaar, and Mapro gardens are the places to go for shopping in Mahabaleshwar.
Fresh fruits including strawberries and raspberries are must buys. Although fruits are available in the local shops, there is the Mapro Gardens situated on the way to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar. There is a wide variety of squashes, jams, jellies, fresh strawberries that are must buys. In Mapro gardens, you can taste the samples before buying. You can also buy fresh honey from the government sponsored bee farms in Mahabaleshwar.
Apart from food products, there are handicrafts items, leather goods, tribal trinkets and other souvenirs available in Town Bazaar. It is located in the centre of the town. It is a street consisting of small shops selling different kinds of products. You can buy honey, Kolhapuri footwear, handcrafted walking sticks, crochet dresses, shawls, baskets and decorative items that are popular here.
Activities in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar offers many outdoor activities for leisure seeking travellers and adventure enthusiasts both. Visit Mahabaleshwar during the month of May/June and enjoy strawberry picking in lovely strawberry fields, which promises to be an exhilarating experience for city slickers. Most farm owners are not averse to having visitors plucking strawberries from the bushes. Ofcourse you are expected to buy some of their produce too - choose from the strawberry milkshakes and jams.
Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
There is no dearth of places to stay in Mahabaleshwar. There are accommodation options to suit all budgets and the options ranges from deluxe to budget hotels.
The deluxe hotels like Park Plaza, Regal, Citrus Chambers, Ishwar Inn or Saket Plaza, Mahabaleshwar Palace, Pratap Heritage, Sunny International and Sunny Midtown are comfortable with all modern amenities.
The budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar feature good service with all basic facilities. Under this category you can chek out Hotel Blue Park, Dwarka, Sapna, Blue Heaven, Ashoka Inn, President, Sunny Classic, Rahil International and Rahi Plaza.
The MTDC also runs a hotel, besides which there are tourist lodges, exclusively vegetarian guesthouses, luxury resorts, and private apartments for families.
Mahabaleshwar Travel Information
TOURISM BOARD OFFICE : 2331217,
Tourist Bureau Tel : 260271
Police Station Tel: 260333 / 260217
HOSPITAL Tel: 260247
A tour of Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.
Mahabaleshwar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting. So one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many buildings and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm, the one-time residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club.As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields.
Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. There’s also the Mahabaleshwar Mandir, revered for its Swayambhu Lingam
History of Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. In 1215 King Singhan of Deogori first visited Mahabaleshwar. A Brahmin dynasty is said to have taken over around 1350, and they made the area prosperous. In the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More annexed Mahabaleshwar and built the famous Mahabaleshwar temple. Shivaji during his rule built the famous Pratapgad Fort in 1656. From 1828 Mahabaleshwar was visited by Sir John Malcolm, Arthur, Carnac, Frere after whom the famous points in Mahabaleshwar are named.
Languages spoken
Marathi, Hindi and English.
Sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar
A sightseeing tour in Mahabaleshwar will let you soak in the breath-taking vistas and varying perspectives of the valley from over 30 different vantage points. which basically consist of different views and perspectives of the valley below.
- Venna Lake
- Kate's point
- Kate's point is located to the east of Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its view of two reservoirs, Balakwadi and Dhom. The point is around 1280 mts high.
Wilson Point or Sunrise Point
Wilson Point or Sunrise Point has the highest elevation at 4710 ft and from its vantage position sunrises and sunsets look absolutely spectacular. Three masonry platforms extend onto the valley and are perfect places to see the sunsets or just look at the expanse of the valley stretching out below. Other points are Connaught Peak and Elphinstone Point those are named after the Viceroys of India- Lord Connaught and Lord Elphinstone. Look down on the valleys of the Rivers Koyna and Savitri, the Marjorie Point offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri Ranges.
- Arthur's Seat
- Needle Hole Point / Elephant Point
- 3 Monkey Point
Other scenic attractions in and around the vicinity of Mahabaleshwar include many cascades and waterfalls like the Chinaman, Lingmala and Dhobi Falls. A number of old temples are also part of the local attraction with the Panchganga Temple considered the source of five important rivers of the region.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar
By Air
The closest airport is Lohegaon Airport in Pune and is located at a distance of 80 kms from Mahabaleshwar. You can also get to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai’s International Airport, Chatrapati Shivaji (160 kms away). From the respective airports one can hire a taxi or avail the bus service to get to Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail
You can reach Mahabaleshwar via rail too. The nearest railhead is Satara, at a distance of 47km. There is another railhead located at Wathar (60 kms). One can reach Mahabaleshwar via Pune (120 kms) as it boasts of an efficient rail network. Get off at the railway station and catch a taxi for Mahabaleshwar.
By Bus
Mahabaleshwar is well connected by road from Mumbai as well as Pune. Maharashtra State Road Transport provides bus services to all the nearby cities of Pune, Mumbai, Nasik, Satara, Panchgani and Kolhapur.
Driving down to Mahabaleshwar from the neighbouring cities of Alibagh, Adavali, Pune, Nasik, Panchgani is a good option. Private and shared cabs/taxis can also be hired from Mumbai and Pune.
Getting Around Mahabaleshwar
The most convenient way of getting around is if you have your own vehicle but there really is no better way than walking to be able to fully appreciate the scenic beauty of this breathtaking hill station.
Driving Direction to Mahabaleshwar
Driving Direction from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Distance: 263 kmDriving Time: 6.00 hours
- Start from Mumbai and take the Eastern Express Highway to get onto Sion-Panvel Express Highway, on this highway there is an HP petrol pump, where you can make a pit stop to run a car check.
- Continue for Mumbai – Pune Expressway, keep driving on the right fork and continue driving onto Mumbai – Pune Expressway, after crossing the Pavana River, take the NH 4, you will pass by Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza.
- Drive on NH 4, take the first left towards Wai– Panchgani road, keep driving straight onto Wai – Surur Pune Road; you will pass by CBD complex on your left.
- Drive on and turn right at Satara Road, take few turns onto MG road and turn right to reach Mahabaleshwar.
Distance: 118 km
Driving Time: 3.00 hours
- Start driving from Pune and head towards NH 4, after passing the Pune Institute for Advanced Orthopaedics, turn right to continue on NH 4 and make sure to look up for sign boards to stick to this highway.
- Take the fist left towards Wai – Panchgani road, continuing straight on this road and you will pass by CBD complex on the left.
- Drive on and you will pass by Mapro Garden on the right, turn right at Satara road, follow the signboard till you spot a signboard for Mahabaleshwar, you will have to take few turns onto MG road and you will reach your destination.
Mahabaleshwar is an all year round holiday destination. Choose anytime and this place will have something to charm you. Every season has its varied colours, painting a beautiful landscape. From the details below you can pick your preferred time.
Summer (March to mid June)
A perfect weather to escape from the sultry summers of the plains. The fresh air, lush green flora, cloudy mountains and sparkling brooks the place offers will sweep you off your feet. The temperature during this period rises to a maximum of 32°C and falls to a minimum of 15°C.
You might find the place a little crowded during this time as it sees a huge inflow of tourist finding a reprise from the scorching heat.
Monsoon (Mid June to September)
Do you love rains? The smell of earth after the first shower? The freshness and the green after the downpour? If the answer is yes then you will be delighted to visit this hill station during this time. You will be greeted with beautiful landscape and breathtaking views garnished with tiny droplets of rain at this time of the year. Unlike summers you will not experience a tourist rush in monsoon.
You are advised to pre-book the hotel as many hotels remain closed during this time due to the low tourist turn up.
Winters (November to Mid March)
Are you a winter person? If yes then the place offers a pleasantly cold winters. You will need to carry some extra layers. The minimum temperature during this time is 10°C and rises to a maximum of 30°C. It can be a nice spot for your winter vacations. Dropping your bags of worries, enjoy the vast treasure of nature that the place has to offer you.
Anytime you that you choose will make you hav fun galore. So all you need to do is pack your bags and set out holidaying!
Festivals and Events in Mahabaleshwar
Gudhi Padava, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, the Strawberry Festival, Diwali are some of the festivals in Mahabaleshwar that are held in the city, with pomp and gaiety.
The festival of Gudhi Padava is celebrated on the very first day of the Hindu month Chaitra to commemorate the beginning of the Hindu solar year. Gudhi Padava is held in March-April to celebrate the Maharashtrian New Year. This festival is celebrated by flying kites. You can see the entire sky filled with colourful kites.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten day festival is celebrated in the month of August - September to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesh. This is the main festival of the state. Devotees bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and make special sweets called modak, to appease the God. Devotional songs and dancing are performed while immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha.
Another prominent festival in Mahabaleshwar is Makar Sankranti. Considered as one of the most auspicious festivals for the Hindus, Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in January with great fervour and gaiety. This festival is celebrated in different part of the country by different names such as Pedda Panduga, Lohri, Pongal and Bhogali Bihu to name a few.
The Strawberry Festival is a two-day festival celebrated in the month of March and celebrates the harvest of fresh strawberries and its delicacies. Stalls are set up in the farms near Mahabaleshwar and freshly prepared Strawberry Dishes are on the offer. Fruit lovers visit Mahabaleshwar at this time to enjoy the festival.
The festival of colours, Holi is celebrated in March to welcome the season of spring. People put colours on each other to celebrate the festival.
The festival of light, Diwali is celebrated in the month of November. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil. Children and adults burst crackers, perform puja and savour traditional sweets.
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
The strawberry capital, Mahabaleshwar, boasts off a fairly good list of things to do that incorporate variety in activities and sightseeing. With its picturesque sights, misty cascading waterfalls, hidden trails and lovely farms growing berries, this hill station forms a paradise for nature lovers. Pack your picnic baskets and head to Wilson Point for spectacular sunrises and sunsets or simply enjoy the rumbling of water at numerous soothing waterfalls.
Shop for fresh honey or canned jams made from strawberries, mulberries and raspberries freshly grown in farms around. Want to try something different? Visit these farms during the month of May and June and go strawberry picking. Enjoy drinking coffee, fresh fruit juices or opt for some peaceful boating or fishing experience. Those who want to sweat a bit, try trekking and horse riding.
For a bit of history, make a visit to Pratapgad fort, which is 27 kms from Mahabaleshwar or choose to visit nearby hill station Panchgani to pick some fresh berries and enjoy stunning scenes.
Shopping in Mahabaleshwar
It is all about buying fresh fruits, jams, jellies and marmalades. Town Bazaar, Imperial Store at the end of the Bazaar, and Mapro gardens are the places to go for shopping in Mahabaleshwar.
Fresh fruits including strawberries and raspberries are must buys. Although fruits are available in the local shops, there is the Mapro Gardens situated on the way to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar. There is a wide variety of squashes, jams, jellies, fresh strawberries that are must buys. In Mapro gardens, you can taste the samples before buying. You can also buy fresh honey from the government sponsored bee farms in Mahabaleshwar.
Apart from food products, there are handicrafts items, leather goods, tribal trinkets and other souvenirs available in Town Bazaar. It is located in the centre of the town. It is a street consisting of small shops selling different kinds of products. You can buy honey, Kolhapuri footwear, handcrafted walking sticks, crochet dresses, shawls, baskets and decorative items that are popular here.
Activities in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar offers many outdoor activities for leisure seeking travellers and adventure enthusiasts both. Visit Mahabaleshwar during the month of May/June and enjoy strawberry picking in lovely strawberry fields, which promises to be an exhilarating experience for city slickers. Most farm owners are not averse to having visitors plucking strawberries from the bushes. Ofcourse you are expected to buy some of their produce too - choose from the strawberry milkshakes and jams.
Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
There is no dearth of places to stay in Mahabaleshwar. There are accommodation options to suit all budgets and the options ranges from deluxe to budget hotels.
The deluxe hotels like Park Plaza, Regal, Citrus Chambers, Ishwar Inn or Saket Plaza, Mahabaleshwar Palace, Pratap Heritage, Sunny International and Sunny Midtown are comfortable with all modern amenities.
The budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar feature good service with all basic facilities. Under this category you can chek out Hotel Blue Park, Dwarka, Sapna, Blue Heaven, Ashoka Inn, President, Sunny Classic, Rahil International and Rahi Plaza.
The MTDC also runs a hotel, besides which there are tourist lodges, exclusively vegetarian guesthouses, luxury resorts, and private apartments for families.
Mahabaleshwar Travel Information
TOURISM BOARD OFFICE : 2331217,
Tourist Bureau Tel : 260271
Police Station Tel: 260333 / 260217
HOSPITAL Tel: 260247