MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| MAHABALESHWAR |
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| Mahabaleshwar guide >>> Mahabaleshwar travel guide and tourist
information on Mahabaleshwar, how to get to Mahabaleshwar, also details on sightseeing in
Mahabaleshwar, best time to visit Mahabaleshwar and accommodation in Mahabaleshwar |
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Mahabaleshwar, within easy distance of Mumbai,
is a peppy hill station that was once a colonial retreat during the British Raj.
Mahabaleshwar is liberally perked up with a dash of interesting ingredients for that
delicious holiday you've always been meaning to take. Perched in the Sahyadri Mountains at
a height of 4500 ft, Mahabaleshwar has a magnificent view of the evergreen valleys of the
Deccan and the Konkan coast. In the midst of thick forests is that beautiful plateau where
many a box office hit film has been picturized; a woody haven that tempts you to break
forth into a song and dance routine! There is much to see and do in Mahabaleshwar. Start
by drinking in the breath-taking vistas and varying perspectives of the valley from over
30 different vantage points. |
Mahabaleshwar sights: See
spectacular sunrises and sunsets from Wilson Point; let your eyes sweep
across the valleys of the Rivers Koyna and Savitri from Connaught Peak
and Elphinstone Point; and admire panoramic views of the Sahyadri Ranges
from Marjorie Point. Arthur's Seat overlooks awesome
canyons and cliffs; from this vantage point you can see the geological differences between
the rocks of the Deccan Plateaus and the Konkan coast.
A short climb down the steps near Arthur's Seat leads to the source of the River Savitri
at Tiger's Spring. You must see the cascading waterfalls like the
Chinaman, Lingmala and Dhobi Falls. The imposing fortress of Pratapgadh,
an hour's drive outside Mahabaleshwar, and a number of old temples, are also part of the
local attractions. The Panchganga Temple is considered the source of five
important rivers of the region.
While away the hours at wayside coffee shops in the markets in Mahabaleshwar or sip coffee
or fresh fruit juices at the roadside cafes. Admire the seasonal flowers in the park,
amble off on gentle mountain ponies, and go for a boat ride on Venna Lake.
Shop for locally made shoes, varieties of honey, fruits and an enormous range of soft
fruit like strawberry, raspberry and mulberry from the surrounding Brahma Aranya forests.
As you drive up to Mahabaleshwar, the road passes by farms that put up stalls selling
fresh fruits, ice creams, jams, jellies and crushes… take some home with you so that
the taste of Mahabaleshwar lingers on.
Getting to Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is 290 km from Mumbai via Pune, and 266 km via Mahad. It is 120 km from
Pune, the nearest airport and most convenient railhead. The best way to get here is by
road - bus, taxi and car - on a good, motorable road.
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a year round destination. The summer is cool enough and the winter warm
enough for a pleasant vacation. The monsoons are torrential and best avoided. Carry light
woollens in winter and a wrap for summer evenings.
Accommodation in Mahabaleshwar
There is no dearth of accommodation options to suit all budgetsin Mahabaleshwar. The MTDC
runs a hotel, besides which there are tourist lodges, exclusively vegetarian guesthouses,
luxury resorts, and private apartments for families. |
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