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Places of Interest In and Around
Mahabaleshwar
Wilson Point or Sunrise Point
At 4,710 feet above the sea level, the
Wilson Point or the Sunrise Point is
the highest point in the whole of
Mahabaleshwar hill station. It’s
actually a plateau and a very popular
tourist spot. From here, you can get a
breathtaking view of the sunrise and
sunset every day.
Connaught Peak
This is the second highest point at
Mahabaleshwar. Connaught Peak is also
frequented by tourists for the same
reason as the Wilson Point - its
panoramic view of sun rise and sunset.
Surrounded by peaceful, lush greens on
all sides and with clouds flirtingly
kissing the grounds, you are bound to
feel transported to a different world
here.
Venna Lake
If you are in Mahabaleshwar, you just
cannot miss visiting the Veena Lake.
Cocooned within hills from three
sides, its calm waters will goad you
to hire a boat and go navigating. You
can also engage in fishing here.
Waterfalls
Only a short distance away from
Mahabaleshwar, there are a number of
mesmerizing waterfalls. For instance,
there are Chinaman that about 2.5 Kms
away, Dhobi (3 Kms) and Lingamala (6
Kms). Arthur's Seat 12 Kms away is
another beautiful waterfall here.
Elphinston Point
A popular picnic spot, the Elphinston
Point is named after the Governor of
Bombay, Sir Elphinston. Located about
10 kms from Mahabaleshwar, this point
was discovered by Dr Murray in 1830.
Baghdad Point
From this particular point, you get a
very scenic sight of the back waters
of Koyna dam on the left side and of
the Solshi River in front. The view of
the village on the lower slope looks
very fascinating from here.
Kates Point
Kates point provides a lovely view of
the Krishna valley and deep waters of
the Dhom dam. A lot of tourists flock
here too.
Excursions from Mahabaleshwar
Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat is situated at a
distance of 12 Kms from Mahabaleshwar
and is regarded as the Queen of all
points here. You catch spectacular
views of deep deserted Savitri River
in the Konkan valley on the left and
the dense forests of 'Brahma-aranya'
of Deccan to the right.
Pratapgadh
Fort
Found at a distance of 24 Kms from the
hill resort, the Pratapgadh Fort has
ample historic significance. It was
constructed way back in 1656 by
Shivaji (founder of Maratha empire in
India) to restrain the defiant Satraps
in the neighboring Javali Basin area.
This fort also houses a statue of
Shivaji named Bale Killa.
Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Being a popular hill station,
Mahabaleshwar has varied accommodation
facilities for all kinds of tourists.
You can get lavish to budget hotel in
Mahabaleshwar. Hotel Vimal
Gardens,Sunny International, Temple
View are some of the luxury hotels in
Mahabaleshwar whereas Brightland
Holiday Village, Anand Van Bhuvan and
Dreamland offer budget accommodation.
However, it should be noted that a lot
of Mahabaleshwar hotels remain shut
during the monsoons.
Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar
One can visit Mahabaleshwar hill
station any time in the year, but the
best time to visit is between October
and June. If you have not booked a
hotel room beforehand, then better
avoid the monsoon season visit as most
of the hotels at Mahabaleshwar are
closed during this time.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar
Please note that Mahabaleshwar does
not have its own railway station or
airport.
By Air
You can land at Pune airport first,
which is about 120 Kms from
Mahabaleshwar. Once here, you can
board a bus or taxi till Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail
The closest rail head is again at Pune
(120 Kms).
By Road
Fine motorable roads link
Mahabaleshwar with both Pune and
Mumbai. A number of bus and taxis run
to and fro between these points
(places).
START at
Mumbai23 km NH-3Start from Nariman Point
and cross Mumbai Central, Chunna Bhatti
Mankhurd 27 km NH-4Take Sion Panvel
Expressway cross Vashi, Kopri, Kalamboli
and take Uran Road Panvel 36 km
NH-17Continue on Uran Road cross Bhigari
Panvel, Wadghar Village and take NH 17
Pen 28 kmGo on NH 17 Nagothana 40 kmGo
Straight on NH 17 Utekhol 30 kmContinue
with NH 17 via Usarghar, Tempale, Veer
Mahad 18 kmGo with NH 17 Poladpur 40 km
SH-46At Poladpur, Turn Left ENDat
Mahabaleshwar |
