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The highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra , Mahabaleshwar
is situated at 1372 meters around Lake Venna, Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit for 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.
The Britishers built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around the town,
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.
Around Mahabaleshwar :
Waterfalls In Mahabaleshwar : 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. The other water
falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular with picnickers. The former can be reached
by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road
with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters
of Lake Venna entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers of the
surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.
Wilson Point : Also known as Sunrise point. It 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.
Bombay Point : It 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.
Connaught Peak And Hunter Point : Connaught Peak and Hunter Point are
situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest
peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Venna 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.
Venna Lake : The lake is spread over 25 acres is a great attraction for
tourists. The lake offers boating and fishing facilities. Boating on the Venna
Lake is a pleasure one cannot easily forget.
Elphinston, Marjorie And Savitri Points : 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 500m below
the level of the Koyna Valley. The ravine between these points is the rise of
Savitri River, which rushes down 700m straight from here. Elphinston Point is a
Favorite picnic spot discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830 is named after the Governor
of Bombay, Sir Elphinston.
Arthur's Point : Arthur's Point, 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 : This point offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and
Chinaman's waterfall. Helen's point takes one into the midst of the valley and
gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Lodwick Point : 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. 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.
Kate's Point : 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
Arthur's Seat : Arthur's Seat is known as 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 fascinating to know that Arthur's seat is the
only place showing geographical distinction of Kokan & Desh, two territories of
Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If one go by the steps one will come across a
spring known as Tiger's Spring, which is supposed to be the source of the river
Savtri. Immediately below the seat is window point. One has to go deep by steps
to reach the window point.
Krishna Temple : Old Mahabaleshwar nestles around the source of the Holy
Krishna River, with a temple dedicated to Krishna' locally known as "Panchgana"
meaning "Five Rivers" i.e. Krishna, Konya, Yenna, Gayatri and Savitri. The
earliest shrines here date back to pre historic period, but this Krishna temple
in its present form is attributed to Singhan, a Yadav King ruling from Devagiri
in the 13th century. It was later restored first by Chandra Rao then Jaoli in
the late 16th century and later by the Great Maharatha Shivaji himself in 1635,
then by Sahu (1670-1709) and lastly by the 19th century banker Parashuram Angal.
Hanuman Mandir : Another temple worth visiting is the "Hanuman Mandir" which
is not far from the "Krishna Temple". This temple is said to be the
resting-place of the saint and mystic Rama Dassa in 1635. Then there is the Sri
Rama Temple" and "Mahabal Temple", Lord Shiva is worshipped here not in the form
of a carved Lingam but as a natural rock.
Panchgani : It is like a sister town to Mahabaleshwar, a health resort
surrounded by five hills. There are atlas two spots for every hundred yards that
one would consider taking photographs, and it really seems like a dream pastoral
retreat, especially during tourist free monsoons.
Tapola : Tapola is a great picnic spot and is also called mini Kashmir,
holds the time still and offers a great view of the backwaters of the Koyna dam.
Pratapgad Fort : A formidable fort of Shivaji Maharaj has a serpentine
winding charm. This fort holds a commanding view of the Konkan valley below and
one can easily see Raigad fort in the west.
Getting there:
By Air : Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120
km and Panchgani (98 km)
By Train : For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km) but
Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.
By Road : From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is
247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar.
MTDC operates daily bus services except during the monsoon, between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai.
Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
General Information :
Best time to visit : Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to
June and best time to visit Panchgani is September to May.
Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English.
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