General Information :

Area : 145.04 Sq. Kms.

 

Altitude : 1,372 m above sea level

 

Temperature : 13°C - 29°C

 

STD Code : 02168

 

Best time to visit : Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to June and best time to visit Panchgani is September to May.

 

Languages : Marathi, Hindi and English.

Mahabaleshwar - Introduction

Mahabaleshwar is a very popular hill station in Maharashtra because of its placid lakes, verdant hills and cascading waterfalls. It is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for its various temples, spectacular viewpoints and historically significant places. It is a great place for holidaying as it provides ample opportunities for leisure activities such as fishing, boating and trekking.

History of Mahabaleshwar

In the early 14th century, Mahabaleshwar was ruled by the Moguls but in the later half of the century a Brahmin dynasty took control of it. In the 15th Century Mahabaleshwar was won by Muslim Kings of Bijapur and Ahmednagar but by the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More was ruling over it. Finally, in the 17th century Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to show his resistance to foreign rule and for this he trained a large army and captured it. After him the Peshwas ruled till the year 1819, after which Mahabaleshwar came to be included in the territory of the Raja of Satara.One name that invariably finds mention in any conversation about the history of Mahabaleshwar is Colonel Lodwick, who later in his life became a General. He brought a lot of focus to the hill station, which is why a monument was named after him in Mahabaleshwar.

Accessibility

By Air : Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and Panchgani (98 km)

 

By Rail : For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km) but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.For Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Mumbai-Wathar via Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)

 

By Road : From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar.

Places to Visit

Venna Lake
It is the first and major attraction within Mahabaleshwar. One can spend the whole day at this lake and enjoy boating. The lake is spread around 25 acres. The main purpose of this lake is to supply water to Mahabaleshwar. It was built by the King of Satara. The Race Course and Golf Course of Mahabaleshwar are very near from Mahabaleshwar.

Wilson Point
The highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 4710 ft above sea level. It is also called as Sunrise Point. Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Connaught Pick Point, Elphinston Point etc. various points can also be seen. It is very close to Mahabaleshwar Market.

Connaught Peak
The second highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It was formerly known as Mount Olympia. The point is at the height of 1400 mtrs. It is 7 kms. from Mahabaleshwar market. Kamalgadh , Rajgadh and Torana at north , Panchgani , Pasarani Ghat at east , Ajinkyatara at south , Pratapgadh at west and Elphinston Point and Kshetra Mahabaleshwar at north-west can be seen.

Arthur's Seat
The height of the point is 1473 mtrs. and 13 kms. away from main market. Said to be the Queen of all points. It is the only palce which shows the geographical distinction between the Konkan and the Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar. It is believed that it is called after the name of one Arthur Malet who first built a house in Mahabaleshwar.

Kate's Point
Approximately 5 kms. from Venna Lake towards Panchgani. Looking for a awesome view of Krishna Valley and the Dhom Dam? This is the place where you will get it. Named after kate, a daughter of sir John Malcom, founder of Mahabaleshwar, it is known for the huge and remarkable shape rock which stands majestically on the hills which is 50 mtrs. high. Also known as Echo Point.

Bombay Point
One of the most popular and oldest point in Mahabaleshwar. It got it's name since it was on the old road to Bombay. It's also called Sunset Point, since the expansive view of the sunset is one of the most beautiful sights in Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgadh can be seen at north. Lovers point is left to Bombay Point.

Lodwick Point
Formerly known as Sydney Point, it was renamed after a monument in honour of General Lodwick was raised here. General Lodwick was the first European to visit Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgadh can be easily viewed from this point. This point is also know as "Elephant's Head".

WaterFalls
There are three main waterfalls here The Venna falls, the chinaman's fall and Dhobi's falls. These falls, though insignificant are situated in a lovely sequestered hook looking straight at the south side of the Elphinston Point ravine. Best time to see these are during the rainy season.