Mahabaleshwar – A beautiful and picturesque hill station, Mahabaleshwar is the vacation lifesaver for people in Mumbai and across India. After coping with the stresses of daily life, traveling long distances and tolerating the hot and humid climate, Mahabaleshwar outperforms the best beauty products on the market by acting as a natural toner for the skin, body and soul. It features an alluring image of a picturesque hill station with more than its share of scenic spots, delicious natural products like strawberries, and countless boat rides. Nature lovers will be conveniently occupied with the glades and valleys of the hill station. Foodies can gorge themselves on sweets, jams, jellies, blackberries, and strawberries. Adventure enthusiasts can experience the unique forest walks and horseback riding that Mahabaleshwar is famous for.

History

Given its wealth of natural charms, it is not surprising that Mahabaleshwar enjoyed pride of place as the summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the colonial rule. Thanks to the efforts of the Maharaja of Pratapsinha de Satara and Sir John Malcolm, the first governor to visit Mahabaleshwar in 1828, Mahabaleshwar firmly established itself as a health center and leisure destination. Slightly at odds with this person is the fact that Mahabaleshwar served as a jail for around 120 Chinese and Malaysian convicts in the mid and second half of the 1860s. The prisoners, with their dedicated agricultural activities, made Mahabaleshwar synonymous with potatoes. red berries and strawberries. Such were the intoxicating charms of Mahabaleshwar that several prisoners chose to make it their home even after their release. Indeed, it is a great example of the diversity of India that Mahabaleshwar’s voter list had Chinese names until 1951. Mahabaleshwar is clearly segregated into two areas; the old Mahabaleshwar which is largely dotted with temples and the new Mahabaleshwar which is bustling with city life. A famous historical place near Mahableshwar is Pratapgadh Fort, where the legendary Maratha warrior Shivaji defeated the treacherous General Afzal Khan.

What to see

Popular points

Mahabaleshwar has a wide range of “points” from where you can glimpse places of historical interest or beautiful landscapes, gardens and valleys or of course its famous waterfalls. Here are some of the most popular points.

Arthur’s point

It is easily the most popular as it offers a breathtaking view of rocky landscapes and a clear denotation of the Konkan and Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar. Named after Arthur Malet, the first resident in this area, Arthur’s Point is 12 km from the main market in Mahabaleshwar. Nature lovers will be delighted with the opportunity to paddle out at Tiger’s Spring, believed to be the source point of the Savitri River.

Babbington Point

it offers a commanding view of three major valleys; Makarandgadh, Solshi and Koyna. A treat for visitors en route to this point is Bishop Tank’s live broadcasts.

Kate’s point

also known as Echo Point stands on a 50 meter high rock. Sir John Marshall, who is credited with the discovery of Mahabaleshwar, probably rewarded himself by naming this point after his daughter, Kate. Visitors to this point will be captivated by the serene grandeur of the Krishna Valley and the tumultuous waters of the Dhom Dam.

Bombay Point

It is one of the most frequented places in Mahabaleshwar. It offers a breathtaking view at sunset hours and is therefore also known as Sunset Point. Pratapgarh Fort can also be glimpsed from this point.

Lakes and waterfalls

Venna Lake

It is easily the most glamorous and sought after entertainment venue in Mahabaleshwar. The opportunity it offers for long and delightful boat trips is, of course, its main claim to fame. A person seeking a silent communion with nature can jump on a boat and escape to his own world. Couples get their money’s worth on long, romantic trips. Families and people traveling in groups make for a boisterous event with a boat ride on this lake.

Lingmala, Chinaman and Dhobi waterfalls

For city dwellers, the Mahableshwar waterfalls offer a beautiful and refreshing communion with nature. Seeing the crystal clear waters sprout and feeling the icy drops on your skin is a true happiness. It’s no wonder that these waterfalls are one of Mahabaleshwar’s biggest draws.

Fruits and Honey

Honey lovers will be delighted with the opportunity to visit Sanjeevan Honey Center. Established in the middle of the forest on Mahabaleshwar Poladpur Road, the main product is derived from the honeycomb of the Molofice species, a world-renowned and superior honey species. Another treat that awaits visitors to this plant is the opportunity to visit a leading AFCO juice center. Jams, juices, sweets and syrups are the specialties here. The journey does not end here. There is also Natraj Chikki Center on the premises, which is famous for its specialties; strawberry chikki and strawberry fudge. Visiting hours at this complex are from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00.

Makhria Garden and Pratap Sinha Park

Tourists who want to take a quiet walk among plants and flowers should head to these parks. Well-kept and attractive, these parks are popular with residents and tourists.

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