Mahabaleshwar Hills, Maharashtra

During British rule in India, Mahabaleshwar, the Summer Capital of Bombay Province, is in the Sahyadri range of Satara District in Maharashtra, India.

This hill station in the Western Ghats is at around 1372 meters above sea level. Krishna River originates from Mahabaleshwar. It is very popular as a honeymoon destination and holiday spot.

Mahabaleshwar, in the Sanskrit language, means God of Great Power.

Attractions in and Around Mahabaleshwar

14 unique viewpoints offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys, which mesmerize the spectators with the beauty of nature. Nature is at its best, with five rivers originating from these hilly areas. Lodwick Point, Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point (sunrise point), Babington Point,  Bombay Point or Sunset Point, Kate’s Point (sunrise point),  Elephant’s Head Point (sunset point), Lingamala Falls, etc, are some of the must-see places. You should plan to stay at this hill station town for at least two days to see the places in and around it.

Veena Lake, located two kilometers away from the ST bus stand, having an area of 113311.98 square meters, is a major attraction here. A boat ride through the fog-filled lake is an experience that can never equal anything else. You can go fishing or pony riding at Veena Lake. Also, visit the nearby Strawberry Fruit gardens down the hill.

There are many trekking trails around the hills of Mahabaleshwar.

Panchgani, another hill station, is 19 kilometers away, which is worth visiting. The name Panchgani means five hills that surround this hill station. There are many boarding schools and strawberry and raspberry farms at Panchgani.

Mahabaleshwar can be visited throughout the year except during the Monsoon season, i.e., during the Late June to mid-September period.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

Six kilometers north of the main city at Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar is the Mahabaleshwar Temple. This temple was built during the 16th century by the ‘Chanda Rao More dynasty’. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Self-created Swayambhu lingam in the shape of Rudraksha, known as Mahalingam, is enshrined within the sanctum sanctorum. The temple has a square-shaped raised platform in which the great Maratha ruler, Shivaji, weighed his mother with gold and then gave away the gold to charity.

Wai Hill Station

Wai hill station is there on your way to Mahabaleshwar, a famous Hindi film shooting location.

How Do I Go to the Summer Capital of the Erstwhile Bombay Province?

Mahabaleshwar is at a distance of 247 kilometers (via Mahad) from Bombay Alias Mumbai. The Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance is 118 kilometers. Pune is the most convenient railway station to go to Mahabaleshwar even though Wathar is the nearest railway station at 64 kilometers distance.

The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune. This small hill station town is well connected by roads to all parts of India. Mahabaleshwar is at a distance of 47 kilometers from Satara town. Travel up to Sirur on the Mumbai – Pune expressway. Then travel via Wai and Panchgani. The largest private bus ticket booking site, redbus.in, has buses to the hill station town.

Mahabaleshwar town has motor-able roads to all the tourist points worth visiting. A car, Jeep, or any four-wheeler vehicle can be arranged for travel to this hill station town.

Taxi or Cab services are available at government-regulated charges for sightseeing. Horse riding is also available for sightseeing. Single persons must get approval from the local police stations to hire a local taxi or cab service.

Which are the Good Resorts in Mahabaleshwar? Are There Any Good Hotels There?

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has a resort at a 40-acre prime land that overlooks the thick forests and the valley. There are many other private resorts and hotels in this hill station town.

Check-in time at most hotels is 9 a.m., and it is advisable to plan your travel accordingly.