Tourist places in and around Mahabaleshwar
Taking along a guide for a tour of the hill station might be a good and practical idea, if you can stand narratives liberally peppered with details of who committed suicide from which point, or where a hit Hindi film was shot.
This is one of the most popular spots in Mahabaleshwar and is almost entirely circled by trees. A boat ride in the evenings is just the perfect way to spend time on the lake. You can also enjoy horse riding on the path along the lake.
Named after Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar's most famous point overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief, tossed down, sailing attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!
Helen's Point Helen's point is about a kilometer's ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Old Mahabaleshwar (5 Km) with the ancient temples of Krishnabai
Pratapgadh (900 meters) was one of the most formidable forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, overlooking the vital road to the Deccan. A temple of goddess Bhavani is situated within the fort.
Raigad Fort (80 Km): Among Chhatrapati Shivaji?s formidable forts, Raigad had the honor of being his capital from 1664 to 1680.
Sunset Point/ Mumbai Point
Adults and children come here to ride about on horses, but this place is worth a visit even if it's not time for the daily performance: the sun plays to the gallery every evening. Pratapgad and Makrandgad are etched clearly on the horizon.Bombay Point (3 km)
Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best.Venna Lake
On the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road, Lake Venna is the ideal place for an evening outing after you are done with all points, high and low.This is one of the most popular spots in Mahabaleshwar and is almost entirely circled by trees. A boat ride in the evenings is just the perfect way to spend time on the lake. You can also enjoy horse riding on the path along the lake.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Little girls form a circle around you as they implore you to buy their flower baskets for offering to Shankar Bhagwan. The ancient Shivaling inside the temple is a natural formation and over 500 years old.Panchganga Mandir
Panchganga Mandir is situated at the confluence of five rivers the Krishna, Gayatri, Savitri, Koyna and Venna. The water from these rivers pours from the spout of a sculpted cow suckling its young one, and collects in a cistern below. You can also see the separate outlets of the rivers at the temple. This natural setting is considered very auspicious and devotees throng the temple through the year. There's a bustling marketplace nearby. Also look out for Morarjee Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed when he visited Mahabaleshwar in 1945, and the colonial-style bungalows built during the Raj.Waterfalls
Among some of nature's delights are the numerous waterfalls that appear at regular intervals. Lingmala Waterfalls atop the Venna Valley is a pretty picture as it cascades down 600 ft. Chinaman and Dhobi Waterfalls are popular picnic spots. The former is accessible by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is located 3 kms from Mahabaleshwar and is quite a sight as the water falls in a deep valley and then meets the Koyna River.Arthur's Seat
This is the best place to get impressive views of the Jor Valley. Aptly known as the Queen of all Points, it offers the most mesmerizing view of the valleys. As you move about a kilometer from here, you will reach Tiger's Spring, another great site to spend some time in solitude.Named after Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar's most famous point overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief, tossed down, sailing attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!
Babington Point (3 km)
Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's waterfall.Holy Cross Church
A visit to this old Roman Catholic Church is well worth. Although a little out of shape, the Church is a popular place amongst tourist and is worth-visiting for its striking stained-glass windows.Morarji Castle
Worth a look, this is an old structure where Mahatma Gandhi once stayed, way back in 1945. Pratapgad Fort: Located almost 24 kms away, the Pratapgad Fort is a must visit. Built in 1656, it was here that the mighty general of Bijapur, Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. Capture amazing views from atop the fort.Temples
Panchaganga Temple is home to five stone conduits that has water flowing from five holy rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri. These five rivers further join into the cow face spout. However the most striking feature of this temple is the River Ganga flowing through one of the stone conduit once every 12 years. Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the most visited temples here dedicated to Lord Shiva. Watch the shivling within, which is said to have been formed on its own, over 500 years back. It is also believed that a spring flows below the shivling. The Hanuman Temple is said to have been the resting-place of the saint Rama Dassa, who imparted education to his disciples here.Mapro Farm
On the famous Mapro Farm, which produces some of the widest range of strawberry shakes, fruit salads and ice creams. You can also purchase squashes, lemonades, fresh fruit juices that are prepared fresh here.Connaught Peak
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. The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak.Chinaman's Waterfalls (4 Km)
It can be reached by the Carviali Road.Dhobi Water Fall
Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road.Elephant's Head (6 Km)
Beyond Lodwick Point is the extreme end of the mountain range known as Elephant's Head. It is only 12 feet to the Koyna Valley below. From Lodwick's point, the overhanging cliff looks like an elephant's head and trunk, and hence the name.Elphinston Point (10 Km)
A favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point, named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830.Helen's Point Helen's point is about a kilometer's ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Hunter Point (4 Km)
Hunter's point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.Kate's Point (7 Km)
Kate's point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road, gives a commanding view of the Krishna Valley. Near Kate's point is the Echo Point, which, true to its name, echoes the words of the speaker.Lingmala Waterfalls (6 Km)
Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors.Lodwick Point (5 Km)
Lodwick Point is named after a General who reached this point in 1824. He was the first European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the top of the promontory has been erected in his memory.Marjorie Point (10 Km)
On the way to Arthur's Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan Valley, which are some 500 meters below the level of the Koyna Valley.Old Mahabaleshwar (5 Km) with the ancient temples of Krishnabai
Venna Lake
A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation.Wilson Point
Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.Around Mahanaleshwar
Panchgani (98 km)
This small and attractive hill resort is situted along a ridge atop the Parasni ghat. The pituresque resort overlooks the scenic Krishna valley and is endowed with rich floral wealth. There are also a number of excellent educational institutions.Pratapgad (137 km)
An impressive fort here was built by shivaji, to command the route from the Deccan. The Afzal Buruz tower in the fort marks the spot where the Mughal general Afzal khan was killed by Shivaji. There is a famous Bhavani temple in the fort. An equestrian statue of shivaji has been erected in the fort.Pratapgadh (900 meters) was one of the most formidable forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, overlooking the vital road to the Deccan. A temple of goddess Bhavani is situated within the fort.
Raigad Fort (80 Km): Among Chhatrapati Shivaji?s formidable forts, Raigad had the honor of being his capital from 1664 to 1680.