When u hear the Word MAHABALESHWAR, what Strikes First??
Evergreen FORESTS??
Mesmerizing Endless TABLE TOPS??
Beautiful Mountains??
Yes, that's why it is A JEWEL in sahyadri's Crown!!
Maharashtra's Favorite, most famous and be-loved Hill station, it is Indeed beauty at any time of the year...
Being brought up in these valleys, i have been always in love with Sahyadri's which hold up ONE of the Biological HOT-SPOTS of WORLD..
Nestled in heart of sahyadris, and the SECOND highest Peak of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar nestles at a ALTITUDE of 1350 Mts MSL..
Super Famous for its RED Cheeky STRAWBERRIES, Honey, Home to WORLDS LARGEST CACTUS, and a Recent addition, the Mouth Watering MAPRO Jam and JELLIES Chocolates!!
Driving down in an Attempt to capture that Altitude, you are blessed by some of the Most beautiful sights, and a poses a healthy Challenge to drivers and Bikers..
HISTORY:
Mahabaleshwar, Wild and Evergreen and was one of the IN-HOSPITABLE terrains of Indian Subcontinent, until 17th Century where the Military genius Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took over JAOLI and Mahabaleshwar..
Mahabaleshwar is a SACRED Hindu pilgrim place, which hosts Mahadev temple dating back 12th century in today's Old Mahabalehswar...
There are Several Mythological stories associated with this place and hence has gained utmost importance..
How to Reach
BY ROAD:
Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible these dayz, thanx to the Central and State govts to make Roads healthy!!
The approx road distances form various places are as follows:
Mumbai - 290 km via Pune (Via Yashwantrao Chavhan ExpressWay) (NH-4) and 247 km via Panvel-Pen-Mahad-Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar (via the deadly NH-17 Goa Highway)
Pune - 120 km
Sangli - 165 km
Satara - 55 km
Bangalore - 782 km
From Mumbai/Pune Route goes as:
Mumbai-Pune-Surur-Wai-Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar.
Though, NH-17 is 50 odd km less than NH-4, i would personally suggest to take the NH-4 Route via Pune, bcoz it is less tiring, less fun and Probably more safe than NH-17!!
NH-17 is One lane, Two way, and has a notorious reputation of being "Trafficked"!!
A Road Snap of NH-17
A Road Snap Of Express Highway
After expressway, Pune bangalore highway starts.
here's the video i took last tym!
By Train:
Pune is NOT the Closest Rail head, But is the Most Convenient, to reach Mahabaleshwar...
There are Local ST buses right Next to the Pune Railway station... Check MSRTC and IRCTC official site for more detailed info..
Getting Around:
Taxis, auto rickshaws and buses leave from the center of town near Irani's petrol pump opposite the Club.
The main destinations are the "points", named after prominent British administrators who found these splendid locations with unbeatable views. Rental cars and taxis can get there quickly.
For the more adventurous, horses are available in town and there are lovely shady bridle paths for delightful rides.
The best way to get around is by bus which is provided by Govt. You can book ticket prior only.Cost is around 60/- to 70/- per individual.
Govt. Bus (Also called as DARSHAN BUS) has two tour one is Pratapgad darshan in morning 9.15AM and Mahabaleshwar darshan in noon 2.15PM..
Points:
Although there are close to 25 'Points' in Mahabaleshwar, lots of these points would give you the same view (of mountains/valley) from a slightly different angle. The following are a must:
* Lodwick Point
* Arthur's Seat
* Wilson Point
* Kate's Point
* Bombay Point (Sunset Point)
* Elephant's head Point
* Lingamala Falls (best viewed from behind Surya Resort)
* Bee keeping Center..
Lodwick Point:
Protruding towards pratapgardh from M'war plateau you will see the surrounding scenery with awe.
Arthur's Seat:
Queen of all points.
Some compare it with the stratification of rocks on southern side to the world famous stratification of rocks of the Grand Canyon of Colorado. USA.
It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more fascinating 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.
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.
Wilson Point: (Sunrise Point)
Also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonry round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point..
Bombay point (Sunset Point)
Very popular sunset point. Shows the sahyadri range koyana valley & pratap garh.
Lingmala Point:
Has a WaterFall, huge one, but opens in Late July..
Bee Keeping Center:
Educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees.
OLD MAHABELSHWAR:
Panchaganga Mandir:
As per the hindu mythology five holy rivers krishna, venna, koyna, Savitri & gayatri show their token appearance here in five springs flowing closely.
They are seen flowing in five stone conduits & joining in one horizontal half channel leading to the Goumukhi cowface spout.
From the conduit on the southern side flows the holy saraswati when the following astrological times come together, namely, Bhadrapad month, shasthi (6th day) ,Tuesday sun in hasta nakshatra, Rohini nakshatra in predominance & Vyatipat.
This miraculous yoga (coincidence) is known as the "Kapila Shasthi Yoga", which is believed to be very auspicious occassion as per the Hindu faith.
Shri Shankar Mandir:
The Mahalinga of the lord Shiva is of Rudraksha shape & believed to be 'self-bodied' (swayambhoo) It is called Trigunatmaka meaning Brahma-Visnhu-Mahesh are on it for ever. On the head of the mahalinga you see the marks of the five holy rivers (Panchaganga) & their waters never loose their level. Mother Jeejabai was weighed by gold by Raje Shivaji in this temple & then the gold was distributed in charity. This Mahalinga is considered to be superior to the twelve jyotirlingas.
Shri Krishnabai Mandir:
This is also an old temple. The carving in the stones of the columns & the ceiling is attractive. You can also see the grand view of krishna valley from the temple.
Excursions:
Pratap Gadh:
A MUST SEE MONUMENT.,.
Pratap Gadh At a distance of 16 kms from Mahabaleshwar stands the majestic Pratapgadh housing the tomb of Afzalkhan at the toe of the fort.
There is a temple of bhavani mata, the idol of worship of King Shivajiraje Bhosle. There is a statue of Shivaji Maharaj inside the fort called Bale killa.
More Info:Afzal khans tomb is Closed for tourists, after an community instability few years ago..
Also, Hire a GUIDE to Know the HISTORY embedded behind the Fort, without which the fort is like other come and go..
We hired @ 100Rupees per Group, no matter how many person in group..
Panchgani:
Table land:
Flat table top, Largest in Asia, houses one of the FINEST Destinations for PARAGLIDING..
There are Various companies and Hotels providing this service...
This sight is a Hot Spot for FOREIGNERS, often flocked in huge Nos only for Paragliding!!!
JOY RIDE PARAGLIDING PARA-SAILING PILOTS TRAINED APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT
Sydney point:
2Kms from Panchgani towards Wai, having some of fascinating views of DHOM dam..
That's for Tourist Spots....
Tourist Spots retrieved from wikitravel.org and Mahabaleshwar Tourist Guide to Mahabaleshwar | Travel Guide Mahabaleshwar | Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing Points | Mahabaleshwar Maps
Staying options:
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get an ADVANCE booking of Hotels,(Especially in Tourist Season) Although you might NOT be STRANDED without it, but it might posses difficulties..
In Off season: Just Walk in, any time!
Various famous Hotels:
Mahabaleshwar is More often a DEVELOPED tourist destination and whose bread and butter depends on tourism to a MAJOR extent,
Some people have given up farming, and Now concentrating on Tourism...
Although I haven't Stayed in Hotels coz my village is Near by, i'll present a list of Hotels retrieved from website and as per my knowledge..
Brights-land is the Most famous resort as Locals say!!!
Also, for budget travelers, there are Plenty of small hotels and guest houses... Guest houses, 300-500Rs Per Room, In general, which comes to 100/150rs P.P, quite economical...
Staying options have extended from Mahabaleshwar to Bhilar (Towards Panchgani), and i would suggest to stay away from the epicenter of the City, coz it gets chaotic sometimes..
Do's and Don'ts:
Do's: Lots Of shopping, Especially Jams, Jellies, Crush etc from MAPRO garden (On way between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani)
Honey: Although Honey is available with Mapro's it is Processed,
Processed honey (Commercial): Density 1.35
Original Honey : Density is 1.47
If u get a chance, ask local villagers for honey, coz they hold a lot of pure honey collected during and after Summer... or else, Mapro can work good!
Cactus: Get a glimpse of WORLDS LARGEST CACTUS, on Mahabaleshwar Panchagani road!! There is a BIG board which says so!!!
Buy CHANA:
Yes, Black Chana's are Very famous, indeed is very tasty!!
Check out Shops near Panchgani Bus stand, ask for the Famous Chanewala shop and enjoy it!!
Also take back some for ur relatives
Paragliding Courses:
8 day Beginners courses available in Panchgani
JOY RIDERS available, 1500 Bucks for 15 mins!!! Although not cheap but Full paisa wasool!!!
Horse-riding: At Table Land, enjoy some beautiful horses and riding on them!!
Boating: At Venna lake, if u have done it in ur city, then u have an option to do or not to do, not recommended by me though..
Walk: A Evening walk around venna lake and panchgani is highly recommended, which will makes worries go wush!!!
Don'ts:
DO NOT LITTER..
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE (A brotherly request and a ORDER too!!!)
If ur going during Monsoons, then carry along with u, Tobacco or Salt, coz leeches may pose problems, even you not noticing it and ur Milli's of blood will be lost!!!
Tips: Although Peak Season is During DIWALI, CHRISTMAS, and SUMMER VACATION, i would recommend to visit during DEC-JAN, in winters!!
Mahabaleshwar gets Chaotic during Peak season...
If going in Monsoon, heavy rains SHUT OFF Mahabaleshwar, with Travel services like Locals and Intercity buses running Indefinitely late of or canceled...
Also the Points are Closed due to reduced visibility, only Old Mahabaleshwar is accessible along with Venna lake..
But above that, the marvelous atmosphere makes u forget all odds..
__________________
There are NO warnings, NO results, Only Consequences in textbook of Mother Nature..
Evergreen FORESTS??
Mesmerizing Endless TABLE TOPS??
Beautiful Mountains??
Yes, that's why it is A JEWEL in sahyadri's Crown!!
Maharashtra's Favorite, most famous and be-loved Hill station, it is Indeed beauty at any time of the year...
Being brought up in these valleys, i have been always in love with Sahyadri's which hold up ONE of the Biological HOT-SPOTS of WORLD..
Nestled in heart of sahyadris, and the SECOND highest Peak of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar nestles at a ALTITUDE of 1350 Mts MSL..
Super Famous for its RED Cheeky STRAWBERRIES, Honey, Home to WORLDS LARGEST CACTUS, and a Recent addition, the Mouth Watering MAPRO Jam and JELLIES Chocolates!!
Driving down in an Attempt to capture that Altitude, you are blessed by some of the Most beautiful sights, and a poses a healthy Challenge to drivers and Bikers..
HISTORY:
Mahabaleshwar, Wild and Evergreen and was one of the IN-HOSPITABLE terrains of Indian Subcontinent, until 17th Century where the Military genius Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took over JAOLI and Mahabaleshwar..
Mahabaleshwar is a SACRED Hindu pilgrim place, which hosts Mahadev temple dating back 12th century in today's Old Mahabalehswar...
There are Several Mythological stories associated with this place and hence has gained utmost importance..
How to Reach
BY ROAD:
Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible these dayz, thanx to the Central and State govts to make Roads healthy!!
The approx road distances form various places are as follows:
Mumbai - 290 km via Pune (Via Yashwantrao Chavhan ExpressWay) (NH-4) and 247 km via Panvel-Pen-Mahad-Poladpur-Mahabaleshwar (via the deadly NH-17 Goa Highway)
Pune - 120 km
Sangli - 165 km
Satara - 55 km
Bangalore - 782 km
From Mumbai/Pune Route goes as:
Mumbai-Pune-Surur-Wai-Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar.
Though, NH-17 is 50 odd km less than NH-4, i would personally suggest to take the NH-4 Route via Pune, bcoz it is less tiring, less fun and Probably more safe than NH-17!!
NH-17 is One lane, Two way, and has a notorious reputation of being "Trafficked"!!
A Road Snap of NH-17
A Road Snap Of Express Highway
After expressway, Pune bangalore highway starts.
here's the video i took last tym!
By Train:
Pune is NOT the Closest Rail head, But is the Most Convenient, to reach Mahabaleshwar...
There are Local ST buses right Next to the Pune Railway station... Check MSRTC and IRCTC official site for more detailed info..
Getting Around:
Taxis, auto rickshaws and buses leave from the center of town near Irani's petrol pump opposite the Club.
The main destinations are the "points", named after prominent British administrators who found these splendid locations with unbeatable views. Rental cars and taxis can get there quickly.
For the more adventurous, horses are available in town and there are lovely shady bridle paths for delightful rides.
The best way to get around is by bus which is provided by Govt. You can book ticket prior only.Cost is around 60/- to 70/- per individual.
Govt. Bus (Also called as DARSHAN BUS) has two tour one is Pratapgad darshan in morning 9.15AM and Mahabaleshwar darshan in noon 2.15PM..
Points:
Although there are close to 25 'Points' in Mahabaleshwar, lots of these points would give you the same view (of mountains/valley) from a slightly different angle. The following are a must:
* Lodwick Point
* Arthur's Seat
* Wilson Point
* Kate's Point
* Bombay Point (Sunset Point)
* Elephant's head Point
* Lingamala Falls (best viewed from behind Surya Resort)
* Bee keeping Center..
Lodwick Point:
Protruding towards pratapgardh from M'war plateau you will see the surrounding scenery with awe.
Arthur's Seat:
Queen of all points.
Some compare it with the stratification of rocks on southern side to the world famous stratification of rocks of the Grand Canyon of Colorado. USA.
It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more fascinating 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.
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.
Wilson Point: (Sunrise Point)
Also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonry round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point..
Bombay point (Sunset Point)
Very popular sunset point. Shows the sahyadri range koyana valley & pratap garh.
Lingmala Point:
Has a WaterFall, huge one, but opens in Late July..
Bee Keeping Center:
Educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees.
OLD MAHABELSHWAR:
Panchaganga Mandir:
As per the hindu mythology five holy rivers krishna, venna, koyna, Savitri & gayatri show their token appearance here in five springs flowing closely.
They are seen flowing in five stone conduits & joining in one horizontal half channel leading to the Goumukhi cowface spout.
From the conduit on the southern side flows the holy saraswati when the following astrological times come together, namely, Bhadrapad month, shasthi (6th day) ,Tuesday sun in hasta nakshatra, Rohini nakshatra in predominance & Vyatipat.
This miraculous yoga (coincidence) is known as the "Kapila Shasthi Yoga", which is believed to be very auspicious occassion as per the Hindu faith.
Shri Shankar Mandir:
The Mahalinga of the lord Shiva is of Rudraksha shape & believed to be 'self-bodied' (swayambhoo) It is called Trigunatmaka meaning Brahma-Visnhu-Mahesh are on it for ever. On the head of the mahalinga you see the marks of the five holy rivers (Panchaganga) & their waters never loose their level. Mother Jeejabai was weighed by gold by Raje Shivaji in this temple & then the gold was distributed in charity. This Mahalinga is considered to be superior to the twelve jyotirlingas.
Shri Krishnabai Mandir:
This is also an old temple. The carving in the stones of the columns & the ceiling is attractive. You can also see the grand view of krishna valley from the temple.
Excursions:
Pratap Gadh:
A MUST SEE MONUMENT.,.
Pratap Gadh At a distance of 16 kms from Mahabaleshwar stands the majestic Pratapgadh housing the tomb of Afzalkhan at the toe of the fort.
There is a temple of bhavani mata, the idol of worship of King Shivajiraje Bhosle. There is a statue of Shivaji Maharaj inside the fort called Bale killa.
More Info:Afzal khans tomb is Closed for tourists, after an community instability few years ago..
Also, Hire a GUIDE to Know the HISTORY embedded behind the Fort, without which the fort is like other come and go..
We hired @ 100Rupees per Group, no matter how many person in group..
Panchgani:
Table land:
Flat table top, Largest in Asia, houses one of the FINEST Destinations for PARAGLIDING..
There are Various companies and Hotels providing this service...
This sight is a Hot Spot for FOREIGNERS, often flocked in huge Nos only for Paragliding!!!
JOY RIDE PARAGLIDING PARA-SAILING PILOTS TRAINED APPROVED BY GOVERNMENT
Sydney point:
2Kms from Panchgani towards Wai, having some of fascinating views of DHOM dam..
That's for Tourist Spots....
Tourist Spots retrieved from wikitravel.org and Mahabaleshwar Tourist Guide to Mahabaleshwar | Travel Guide Mahabaleshwar | Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing Points | Mahabaleshwar Maps
Staying options:
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get an ADVANCE booking of Hotels,(Especially in Tourist Season) Although you might NOT be STRANDED without it, but it might posses difficulties..
In Off season: Just Walk in, any time!
Various famous Hotels:
Mahabaleshwar is More often a DEVELOPED tourist destination and whose bread and butter depends on tourism to a MAJOR extent,
Some people have given up farming, and Now concentrating on Tourism...
Although I haven't Stayed in Hotels coz my village is Near by, i'll present a list of Hotels retrieved from website and as per my knowledge..
Brights-land is the Most famous resort as Locals say!!!
Also, for budget travelers, there are Plenty of small hotels and guest houses... Guest houses, 300-500Rs Per Room, In general, which comes to 100/150rs P.P, quite economical...
Staying options have extended from Mahabaleshwar to Bhilar (Towards Panchgani), and i would suggest to stay away from the epicenter of the City, coz it gets chaotic sometimes..
Do's and Don'ts:
Do's: Lots Of shopping, Especially Jams, Jellies, Crush etc from MAPRO garden (On way between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani)
Honey: Although Honey is available with Mapro's it is Processed,
Processed honey (Commercial): Density 1.35
Original Honey : Density is 1.47
If u get a chance, ask local villagers for honey, coz they hold a lot of pure honey collected during and after Summer... or else, Mapro can work good!
Cactus: Get a glimpse of WORLDS LARGEST CACTUS, on Mahabaleshwar Panchagani road!! There is a BIG board which says so!!!
Buy CHANA:
Yes, Black Chana's are Very famous, indeed is very tasty!!
Check out Shops near Panchgani Bus stand, ask for the Famous Chanewala shop and enjoy it!!
Also take back some for ur relatives
Paragliding Courses:
8 day Beginners courses available in Panchgani
JOY RIDERS available, 1500 Bucks for 15 mins!!! Although not cheap but Full paisa wasool!!!
Horse-riding: At Table Land, enjoy some beautiful horses and riding on them!!
Boating: At Venna lake, if u have done it in ur city, then u have an option to do or not to do, not recommended by me though..
Walk: A Evening walk around venna lake and panchgani is highly recommended, which will makes worries go wush!!!
Don'ts:
DO NOT LITTER..
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE (A brotherly request and a ORDER too!!!)
If ur going during Monsoons, then carry along with u, Tobacco or Salt, coz leeches may pose problems, even you not noticing it and ur Milli's of blood will be lost!!!
Tips: Although Peak Season is During DIWALI, CHRISTMAS, and SUMMER VACATION, i would recommend to visit during DEC-JAN, in winters!!
Mahabaleshwar gets Chaotic during Peak season...
If going in Monsoon, heavy rains SHUT OFF Mahabaleshwar, with Travel services like Locals and Intercity buses running Indefinitely late of or canceled...
Also the Points are Closed due to reduced visibility, only Old Mahabaleshwar is accessible along with Venna lake..
But above that, the marvelous atmosphere makes u forget all odds..
__________________
There are NO warnings, NO results, Only Consequences in textbook of Mother Nature..
