Mahabaleshwar is one of those few popular hill stations in the state of Maharashtra, which draws a huge tourist footfall. Situated on the magnificent slopes of the Western Ghats, it’s amongst the best evergreen places on the earth. Like many of the other hill stations, Mahabaleshwar serves as an amazing summer getaway for the people living in nearby cities like Pune, Mumbai or Nashik. To reach the destination, you can always take a Mumbai or Pune to Mahabaleshwar taxi, which is also quite convenient.
The meaning of the word Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’. Which indeed seems true with its array of temples dedicated to several Gods and Goddesses. It is also called the ‘Land of Five Rivers’, as it is where the five major rivers of the region, i.e., Krishna, Gayatri, Savitri, Koyna, and Veena, originate. Mahabaleshwar is situated at a dizzying elevation of more than 4000 feet and covers a little area of around 150 square kilometers. It’s close to the leading metros Pune and Mumbai, and functions as a perfect escape from the monotonous city life. To reach the destination you can easily find a Mumbai or Pune to Mahabaleshwar taxi service.
Mahabaleshwar offers a host of wonderful places to see, along with rivers, woods, waterfalls, valleys, and the enticing flora and fauna that will leave you mesmerized. There are also some 30 vantage points to enjoy the views of the surrounding region. The Sunrise Point or the Wilson Point is the highest spot in the area. The Connaught Peak falls behind to it in elevation, however, you can still enjoy an equally brilliant sight. The Arthur’s Seat is named after Arthur Malet, who’s known to be the first person to construct a house here. The Echo Point will definitely arouse your curiosity as you will be able to shout your lungs out and hear the echo coming from the corners of the valley. Some other spots like the Elphinstone Point, Marjorie Point, Castle Rock, Carnac Point, Falkland Point, Babington Point and Bombay Point, shouldn’t be overlooked.
The town is also home to several other historical forts, and temples, constructed during the rule of Shivaji Maharaj. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is the famous of the lot and is situated in the older parts of the town. The Venna Lake is another important tourist spot in the town, good for going on a picnics.
The woods of Mahabaleshwar are replete with valuable ayurvedic and medicinal plants. Birds and animals like the bulbul, deer, foxes, and bisons, roam the forests. There have been few rare leopard sightings too. The climate at Mahabaleshwar remains pleasant all through the year, and if you really want a hang of it, plan a tour during the monsoons. It is the apt time when the entire Western Ghats covers itself in a cloak of mists and lush green varieties.
The soil of the town is beneficial for the growth of strawberries, which were in fact, first sown by the Chinese and Malay convicts in the 1800s. Today, you can find strawberry shops and eateries offering dishes made from it, at every 100 meters.Do try the fan-favourite strawberry shakes and ice-creams, and even buy packets for home.
It takes about 3-5 hours to cover the Mumbai or Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance.