Mahabaleshwar

It is also Known As Queen Of All Hill Stations.Situated In The Heart Of Sahyadri Hills In Satara District.
Distance : 120 kms from Pune.
                   237 kms from Mumbai Via Mahad.
                   305 kms from Mumbai Via Pune.
                   20 kms from Panchgani.

Private & Govt. Buses are available at regular intervals from most of the cities. Private taxis also run to and fro from Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani.

Nearest Airport : Pune - ( Lohegaon )
Nearest Rail : Pune is the convenient railway station at 120 kms.
But Wathar is Nearest railway station.
Average Climate : 160 in winter & 300 in summer.
Best Time to visit : September to Mid June.
Significance : A Delightful Hill Station For People Who Love Boating And Horse Riding.

The name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal" (power) and "Ishwar" (God).
Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District.The jungle of Mahabaleshwar is thick & produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants. The wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, & wild boars. Deers & bisons are found in the brahma aranya area. Panthers are rare. The famous bird in the urdu poetry, Bulbul is found everywhere in the plateau. The weather of Mahabaleshwar & healthy & contains an ideal of 20% oxygen which is often agumented in foggy weather of late summers & early monsoon, when the pleateau is covered by thick mist. The water contains a meager percentage of iron which helps to increase hemoglobin in the blood. The hill station has a legendary past. But, some say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which simply means very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past.
 
It was discovered by the governor of Mumbai - Sir John Malcolm in 1828. And later established as a Health Resort. Earlier called Malcolm Peth. It used to be summer capital of the government. This place has become a common destination for Honeymooners, Families and all those simply looking for a change from their hectic lifestyle. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea. Things which keep an impact on ones mind long after leaving Mahabaleshwar are its Cool Climate, Video Games and Slot Machines in the Market, Boating and Horse Riding. Mahabaleshwar is by far the best of any holiday spot in Maharashtra for climate, excursions, sports and many other activities. Thats why its called "Queen of all Hill Stations"

Some of the Popular points worth visiting in Mahabaleshwar are :

Arthur's Seat (1470m)
Arthur's Point, named after Arthur Malet.It is 12 kms. away from main market. Said to be the Best of all points. There was a man named Arthur Malet who was the first to come here and build a house for himself hence the point is named after his name. It is the only palce which shows the geographical distinction between the Konkan and the Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar.

Arthur's Seat is 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. Immediately 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.

Babbington point (1294m)
2.5 kms. from main market. Makarandgadh ,Solshi and Koyna valley can be easily seen from this point. On the way to Babington point is the Bishop tank- live streams , which are worth visiting.This point also presents a view of saddle back .
 
Kate's Point (1289m)
Here you find the famous Echo point. It is a huge rock which stands 50 mts high. It is about 6 km away from Venna Lake. Founder of Mahabaleshwar was sir John Malcom he had a daughter named Kate and this point is named after her name. Offers breathtaking view of krishna valley & deep waters of the dhom dam. From southern side it looks like an elephants head.
 
Lodwick Point (1239 m)
Elephant's Head Point as it is commonly called. If viewed from a specific point one can see Pratapgad from here. General Lodwick after whose name this point is named was the first European to visit Mahabaleshwar. Long back it was also called as the Sydney Point. The surrounding scenery is beautiful.

Wilson Point (1435 m)
Wilson Point is also commonly known as Sunrise Point. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. It is about 1 km away from Mahabaleshwar Market. When you are on this point believe it you are 4735 ft above sea level and at the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Other points that can be viewed from this point are Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Connaught Pick Point and Elphinston Point. You can see sunset also from this point.
 
Bombay Point (1294 m)
It is commonly known as Sunset Point. It was on the old road to Bombay hence the name. Pratapgadh is seen at the north of this point. It is one of the most popular and oldest point in Mahabaleshwar. Crowd gathers to see the beautiful Sunset over here.

Connaught Peak (1385 m)
7 kms. from Mahabaleshwar market Connaught Peak is the second highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point. At its north you can see Torana, Kamalgadh and Rajgadh. To its east are Pasarani Ghat and Panchgani. Ajinkyatara is at the south. To the west is Pratapgadh. Elphinston Point and Kshetra Mahabaleshwar are at north-west. It was formerly known as Mount Olympia.

Helen's Point (1280 m)
This place is also known as Blue Valley. You can see a beautiful water fall at this place which is followed by River Salshi. It is 4 kms. away from main market. Other points in this area are Gavalani Point, Robbers Caves and North coat point.

Venna Lake
In spite of being within Mahabaleshwar this Lake has its own identity, and is capable of drawing ones attraction towards it. The main attraction over here is Boating which is enjoyed by everyone. Venna lake is covers an area of about 27 acres. Water supply to Mahabaleshwar is through this Lake. Prior permission has to taken for Fishing in this Lake.
 
Water Falls
The Venna falls, the Chinaman's fall and Dhobi's falls are the three main waterfalls. Beauty of these falls enhances during the rainy season.
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.