Nestling in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Western India, and also one of the most popular. Mahabaleshwar’s religious and historical associations are not inconsiderable. It has two ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar from which the town takes its name and Atibaleshwar. Pratapgad Fort, a stronghold of the Maratha leader Shivaji, is only a short drive away. 

Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay presidency. A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms at an altitude of 1372 m. You can while away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake or explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea.

The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgarh Fort, 24 kms away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afsal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries,blackberries,jams and jellies.

Map Of Mahabaleshwar (Click to Enlarge)

Places you can see in Mahabaleshwar

Arthur Seat (12 Km)
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 (3 Km)
Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's waterfall. 

Bombay Point (3 Km)
Bombay point 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
Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Vena 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.
 
Chinaman’s Waterfalls (4 Km)
It can be reached by the Carviali Road.
 
Dhobi Water Fall
Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. 
 
Elephant’s Head (6 Km)
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.
 
Elphinston Point (10 Km)
A favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point, named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830.
 
Helen’s Point
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.

Hunter Point (4 Km)
Hunter's point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.
 
Kate’s Point (7 Km)
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.
 
Lingmala Waterfalls (6 Km)
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.
 
Lodwick Point (5 Km)
Lodwick Point is 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. 
 
Marjorie Point (10 Km)
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 500 meters below the level of the Koyna Valley.
 
Old Mahabaleshwar (5 Km)
With the ancient temples of Krishnabai
 
Venna Lake
A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation.

Wheat Rust Research Station (4 Km)
 
Wilson Point
Wilson Point 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.
 
Shri Ram and Hanuman and the Mahabaleshwar temple after which the town is named.

Pratapgadh (24 Km)
Pratapgadh (900 meters) was one of the most formidable forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, overlooking the vital road to the Deccan. A temple of goddess Bhavani is situated within the fort.
 
Raigad Fort (80 Km)
Among Chhatrapati Shivaji’s formidable forts, Raigad had the honor of being his capital from 1664 to 1680. 

Sinhagad Fort (96 Km)
Formerly known as Kondana, this fort was one of the most impregnable forts in Western India.
 
Essentials

Reaching Mahabaleshwar

Air: The nearest airport is Pune 120 Km, which is connected by Indian Airlines and private airlines with Delhi, Mumbai and other cities /towns.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Satara 53 Km, but the convenient railhead is Pune 120 Km, on the Central Railway line connected with important cities/ towns.

Road: Mahabaleshwar is connected by motorable roads with Aurangabad 348 Km, Kolhapur 176 Km and 283 Km via Pune, Lonavala 184 Km, Panaji 438 Km, Mumbai 237 Km, Pune 120 Km Via Mahad & Panvel Satara 53 Km.

Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
There are plenty of budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar

Climate: Summer Max: 26.8°C Min: 17.4°C, Winter Max: 21.2°C Min: 10.2°C, Rainfall: 663 Cm (June to September)

Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar: October to May

Tourist Information Center

The Manager,
M.T.D.C. Holiday Resort,
Mahabaleshwar,

Languages: Marathi, Hindi & English

STD Code of Mahabaleshwar: 02168