Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide

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Location :
The marvelous hill resort of Mahabaleshwar lies in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the western ghats of Maharashtra. Overlooking the Krishna and Koyna valleys the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar is located at an altitude of 1372 meters.

About Mahabaleshwar :
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.

Getting There :
By Air :
Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and Panchgani (98 km)
By Rail :
For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km) but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.

For Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Bombay-Wathar via Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)

By Road :
From Bombay via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Bombay and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during the monsoon, between Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.

From Bombay via Pune, Panchgani is 270 km and via Mahad 266 km, from Pune 98 kilometers and from Mahabaleshwar 19 km. The State Road Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad. MTDC runs a regular bus service between Bombay and Panchgani.

Tourist Attractions :
Arthur's Seat :
Queen of all points. Some compare the stractification of rocks on southern side to the world famous stratification of rocks of the Grand Canyon of Colarado. USA. It is facinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more facinating to know that 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. You have to go deep by steps to reach the window point.Kates Point: Offers breathtaking view of krishna valley & deep waters of the dhom dam. From southern side it looks like an elephants head. There is also an echo point.

Babington Point :
Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's waterfall. 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.

Wilson Point :
Wilson Point also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:. You can see sunset also from this point.

Polo Ground :
Often been used as a helipad, also used for learning car driving.

Rosamond Rock :
The grandeur of its celestial beauty surpasses all the limits of descriptions.

Water Falls :
Chinamans, Lingmala & Dhobi waterfalls, flow in abundance only during the rainy season.

Bee keeping centre :
Educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees.