Mahabaleshwar is a world famous hill station in the Satara District of the Maharashtra State of India and one of the most popular tourist places in the country. Blessed with matchless natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar attracts tourists, nature lovers, artists, writers, poets and photographers throughout the year. The place is perched in the Western Ghat Ranges and ensures its presence in the list of evergreen forests of the world.

Where is it located?
Mahabaleshwar is located in the heart of Sahyadri Mountains in Satara District, 120 km away from Pune to the Southwest. The place is just 20 km away from yet another famous hill station Panchgani.

The beautiful plateau of Mahabaleshwar is spread over the vast area of 150 km i.e. 58 sq. m. with deep lush green valleys all around. The altitude of the plateau is 1,438 m above the sea level at Wilson/ Sunrise Point, the highest peak over there.

There are three villages in all in Mahabaleshwar viz. Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Malcolm Peth and a part of another village called Shindola.

In some of the geographical facts of the place, Mahabaleshwar is the origin of the River Krishna that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Koyana, Venna (Veni), Gayatri and Savitri are the four other rivers originating here in Mahabaleshwar.

History of the place:
The first historical reference to Mahabaleshwar can be traced back to the year 1215 when the King Singhan of Devgiri came to Old Mahabaleshwar. He is said to have constructed a small temple here and a water tank at the origin of the River Krishna. Around 1350, a Brahmin Dynasty is said to have attacked Mahabaleshwar which was later defeated by the Maratha noble Chandrarao More in the middle of the 16th century. It was during the rule of the Mores that the Old Mahabaleshwar temple was rebuilt.

In the 17th century, Chhatrapati Shivaji captured Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar and brought about major renovations of the nearby Pratapgad fort in the year 1656.

During the British Raj, Mahabaleshwar underwent a sudden transformation and the credit of imparting the place a status of a hill station goes to the British Rulers. In 1819, Mahabaleshwar was included in the territory of the King of Satara and the place became a famous hill station for many British officers like Col. Lodwick, Sir John Malcolm, Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone and Arthur Malet who became regular visitors. Several points in Mahabaleshwar discovered by these officers have been rightly named after them.

Raj Bhavan which is the official summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra is built in Mahabaleshwar itself.

Over the period of time the Government of Maharashtra has provided a number of facilities to Mahabaleshwar taking into consideration its growing importance as a tourist place.

Main Attractions:
It is said that Mahabaleshwar being one of God’s favorite places on the Earth, He adorned it with unparallel natural beauty. The name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ of the place has been derived from the Mahadev Temple here which is a holy shrine of Lord Shiva.

Forests of Mahabaleshwar are replete with many rare species of trees and herbs. Wild life here includes foxes, wild boars, jackals, deer and bisons. The air profuse with oxygen acts as revitalize for your lungs. Thick mist covering the entire plateau especially in late summers and early monsoon is a sheer beauty. Hills covered with greenery look like sentinels wearing armors. All in all, the place is exceptionally beautiful.

Following are some of the major attractions in Mahabaleshwar:

1) Arthur’s Seat Point:
The point has been named after the British officer Arthur Malet. Just 12 km away from the main market in Mahabaleshwar, Arthur’s Seat Point is regarded as the best point on the hill station. Arthur Malet discovered this point and built a house for himself over there and hence his name to the point. Beautiful valleys on both sides enhance the beauty of the point. If you climb up the steps leading to the Arthur’s Seat Point you see the Tiger’s Spring which is said to be the origin of the River Savitri. Arthur’s Seat Point is indeed the best spot in Mahabaleshwar.

2) Bombay Point:
It is also called the Sunset Point. In the northern side of the point you see the giant Pratapgad fort. Loads of people rush to this point to see the beautiful sunset here and hence the name Sunset Point. It lies on the old road to Bombay and hence the name Bombay Point.

3) Kate’s Point:
You see here a huge rock of 50 m in height. Picturesque view of the Krishna valley and that of Dhom Dam are awesome. Sir John Malcolm who made Mahabaleshwar famous as a hill station had a daughter called Kate and this was her famous point in Mahabaleshwar. So it was named after her. The shape of this region looks like that of an elephant’s head from the southern side.

4) Babbington Point:
This point lies about 2.5 km away from the main market. From this point you can see Makrandgadh, Solshi and Koyna Valley.

5) Wilson Point:
This point is also known as Sunrise Point as the sunrise looks awesome from here. Three round platforms here offer a place to see the sunrise. Platfrom No 02 is a kilometer away from the main market and is at a height of 4735 ft from the sea level which is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar.

6) Venna Lake:
Venna Lake retains its own identity though a part of Mahabaleshwar. The lake occupies an area of 27 acres and serves as the main source of water supply to Mahabaleshwar. If you love fishing you can do it here but of course with prior permission of the concerned authorities. Boating in Venna Lake is fun.

Apart from these, Helen’s Point, Connaught Peak, Lodwick Point and beautiful waterfalls are among the major attractions in Mahabaleshwar.

Shopping:
Shopping is fun here in Mahabaleshwar. Thousands of options hover around you as you go to the main market. Honey is something you must buy here. Horse ride in the main market is an exciting attraction in the market.

Food and Accommodation:
Hundreds of options are available here as far as food and accommodation are concerned. Right from the cheap hotels to the deluxe rooms in costly boardings are available here with all accommodation facilities.

How to get there?
Regular buses are available from Pune.
So when are you planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar?

If you have visited Mahabaleshwar, please let us know more about the place through comment.

Mahabaleshwar on Map
Mahabaleshwar