Mahabaleshwar ~  Hill Station !

Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys, Lush flora, Cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra's most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj.

A tour of Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.

As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields.

Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River.

Mahableshwar is a great holiday destination throughout the year, except for the monsoon months. During the late-June to mid-September period, torrential rains virtually shutdown this hill station, so travel is not advised at this time.

Getting There

By Air :

Pune is nearest airport, 126 km.

By Rail :

Nearest railhead is "Veer" 16 km from Mahad, 75 km from Mahabaleshwar but,"Pune" is considered to be more convenient.

By Road:

Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Mahad & Poladpur, 227 km.

Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Pune, 266 km.

State Transport buses ply regularly between Pune - Mahabaleshwar and Mumbai- Mahabaleshwar.