|
|
Mahabaleshwar in Sanskrit means God of Great
Power. It was summer capital of Governor of the old Bombay Presidency
covering 10 sq km. There are 30 valley viewpoints with panoramic vistas
scattered around the hill station and their access roads make for shady,
pleasant walks and treks. The area has strong historical connections with
Shivaji, the heroic Maratha warrior king.
Mahabaleshwar at an altitude of 1372 meters opens up a whole world of
picturesque delight. With an air of unspoilt beauty, it is a paradise for
nature explorers and peace lovers as also for filmmakers and
producers.
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the
Satara District in the Western Ghats range of Maharashtra. It is located
about 120 km from Pune and 285 km from Mumbai.Mahabaleshwar is a vast
plateau measuring 150 kmē, bound by valleys on all sides. After the
construction of a new highway, it is only a 5 hour drive from Mumbai.
The Britishers built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around
Mahabaleshwar lending it a charming sophistication. The place is popular
with tourists especially from Mumbai and Pune wanting to take a break from
the rush of rat race. the hill-station is very crowded during vacations like
christmas & Diwali and in summers.
Mahabaleshwar is also known as the queen of hill stations served as the
summer capital of Bombay province during the British Raj and today is a
popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot. It is also an important
pilgrimage site for Hindus and is the site of the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Mahabaleshwar comprises of three villages Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra
Mahabaleshwar and part of the Shindola village.
| |
| |
HOW
TO REACH
By Air :- The airport at Pune is the nearest to the
hill resort of Mahabaleshwar. At a distance of 120 km the Pune
airport caters to the needs of the tourists to Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail :- In case if tourist settle for rail transport to
Mahabaleshwar, Pune makes a convenient railhead, 120 km away. Though
the railhead nearest to Mahabaleshwar is that of Wathar at a
distance of 62 km.
By Road :- Maharashtra State Road Transport plies Buses to
all important places in Maharashtra . They have Ordinary buses:-
Asiad Buses and Luxury Coaches to Bombay - Pune - Satara - Nasik -
Nagar - Sangli - Kolhapur - Goa and Surat etc.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October To June.
|
WHAT TO SEE
|
|
|
Pratapgad Fort :- Pratapgad Fort is 24 Kms. away
from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 1656 by Moropant Trimak Pingle
under the command of the Maratha ruler shivaji. It was here that the
mighty general of Bijapur, Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. The fort
has a great view. |
|
|
Wilson Point :- Wilson Point is also called as Sunrise point. It
is the highest point of 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau.
There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. One Can see
sunrise from platform no:2. from here sunset point can also be seen.
|
|
|
Connaught peak :- It is situated off the Old
Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these
hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley.
It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. |
|
|
Arthur's Seat :- Arthur's seat is the only place
showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two
territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If you go by the steps
you come across a spring known as Tiger's spring which is supposed to be
the source of the river Savtri. Immidiately below the seat is window
point. we have to go deep by steps to reach the window point. |
|
|
Elphiston point :- Elphiston point is the first
point of mahabaleshwar overlooking two valleys, koyna on the left &
savitri on the right. |
 |
WHERE TO EAT
There are so many good restaurants with different delicacies, and all the
major hotels has their own specialty restaurant and bar.
TOP
|
|
