Within India’s thickly forested Western Ghats, lies the beautiful hill station called Mahabaleshwar. With many places to visit in Mahabaleshwar, this serene place is certain to leave tourists confused. Situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is visited by people from all over the country. Mostly from cities like Mumbai and Pune. The serene climate and mountainous views provide the perfect setting for a weekend getaway.
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Hop on a bike with your gang or book a bus to this calming hill station with your loved ones for a refreshing trip. Mahabaleshwar is home to numerous viewpoints, mountains, waterfalls and majestic forts. Being the origin of the Krishna river makes Mahabaleshwar a pilgrimage spot as well. At its highest peak, Mahabaleshwar measures 4,721 feet above sea level. In this article, know more about the tourist face of Mahabaleshwar and why it has to be a part of your places to visit in Maharashtra.
10 Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
- Parsi Point
- Mapro Garden
- Venna Lake
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Dhobi Waterfall
- Pratapgad Fort
- Lingmala Waterfall
- Arthur’s Seat
- Elephant Point
- Panch Ganga Temple
Parsi Point
On the route towards Mahabaleshwar from Panchgani, one can come across one of the most picturesque vistas in the country called Parsi Point. It offers a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding canopy that involves Dhom Dam and Krishna Valley. A stop at this location is certain to provide you with a view to remember for the rest of your lives.
Surrounded by lush green mountains from all sides, Parsi Mountain is one of the prime tourist places in Mahabaleshwar. The point got its name due to the importance of this place to the early Parsi community. From camel rides to enjoying refreshments from a variety of stalls just outside, there is a lot to do for tourists while here. Visitors can also avail of telescope service to enjoy a closer view from all possible angles.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Major Attractions: Panorama
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Camel riding
Mapro Garden
On the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road, situated is one of the most famous attractions in Mahabaleshwar — Mapro Garden. An acronym for Mahabaleshwar Products, Mapro is a renowned name amidst Indian families that use fruit-based products. Established in 1959, by Mr Kishore Vora, Mapro is an orchard known for its juicy strawberry cultivation. People of all age groups visit this astounding fruit farm to know and learn more about the production of fruit jams and syrups.
Mapro Garden houses a chocolate factory, restaurant-cum-cafe, a nursery and a children’s play area. Do not forget to visit their retail outlets to get your hands on the best of strawberry jams and marmalades. Mapro Garden is visited by tourists in large numbers during March and April to witness the Annual Strawberry Festival.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Major Attractions: Annual Strawberry Festival, Chocolate factory
Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
Things to do: Learn about jam production, shopping
Venna Lake
Built-in 1842 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s descendent Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, Venna Lake was constructed to provide water to the nearby town. This man-made lake occupies about 28 acres of space and is one of the most visited tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar. The stunning beauty of shimmering waters can be enjoyed the most during sunsets.
Rent a boat and paddle away with your loved ones while here. Venna Lake is circled by tall trees. Satisfy the nature-lover within you by taking a stroll around the water body. Due to its popularity, the stunning garden is mostly crowded. Along with boating, tourists can indulge in horse riding activities around the lake. Venna Lake is also a renowned pilgrimage that has one-third of its part dedicated to pilgrims. It has to be a must add to your places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: Horse riding, Boating
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Upholding Mahabaleshwar’s cultural and Maratha values stands tall the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple. Built-in the 16th century during the Chandra Rao More era, the holy shrine has Lord Shiva as its deity. Perched upon the hilly terrain, the Mahabaleshwar Temple was constructed in the Hemadanta style of architecture. Not just devotees, but all sorts of travellers flock in large numbers over here to treat their eyes to the marvellous architecture.
The major attraction of this sanctum is a 1500-year-old self-built Atma Lingam that’s 6-feet tall. One can also witness Lord Shiva’s Damru, Rudraksha, Trishul and a Nandi statue. There is a platform in the vicinity which is believed to be the place where Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj weighed his mother in gold and donated the same to the charity. Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the must-visit places in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Monday to Sunday from 04:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Major Attractions: Atma Lingam, Lord Shiva’s Damru, Rudraksha, Trishul and Nandi statue
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Meditation
Dhobi Waterfall
One of Satara’s most-prized jewels — the Dhobi Waterfall gets a spot on the list of places to see in Mahabaleshwar. Snuggled comfortably between the beds of the Western Ghats, this powerful water stream takes a dive into the Koyna river. The tranquil surrounding hugged by lush greenery and the foamy waters of Dhobi Falls is certain to refresh your mood.
Located just three kilometres from the main town of Mahabaleshwar, this waterfall is home to migratory birds. One can easily spot rainbows quite often around here. Dhobi Falls is shutterbugs’ haven and is visited equally by tourists and locals. Dhobi Falls is located close to two famous vistas — Lodwick and Elphinstone’s point. A trekker’s paradise, Dhobi Waterfall finds itself among one of the peaceful places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Koyna river
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: Bird Watching
Pratapgad Fort
The strategically built fort atop the mountains of Mahabaleshwar represents the formidable Maratha army. Commissioned by the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1650, Pratapgad Fort was built 3500 feet from the ground. Pratapgad was the venue for the historic Battle of Pratapgad where Maratha soldiers defeated Adilshah’s army at this very location.
Having witnessed one of the most historically significant events in the history of India makes Pratapgad Fort one of the most important places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The towering fort overlooks the Par and Kinesvar villages. The fort is home to a 17-feet Shivaji Maharaj statue, four lakes, a watchtower, a library and a Bhawani temple with saffron flag waving on top.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Shivaji Maharaj statue, Bhawani temple
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: Learn more about the history of the Maratha Empire and the Battle of Pratapgad.
Lingmala Waterfall
Divided into two decks — upper and lower, Lingmala Waterfall is one of the majestic waterfalls in not just Maharashtra but the whole of India. Nestled between Mahabaleshwar and Pune, Lingamala Falls can be easily accessed by tourists. It is a perfect location for daytime trekking and is situated right next to the Lingmala Forest Bungalow. From this waterfall, one can easily spot Dhobi Waterfall and Chinaman’s Waterfall.
The lower deck has a mini waterfall where visitors can take a dip and swim safely. However, the upper deck, which is about a 30-minutes trek away from the mini falls, is a dangerous place to be swimming or any water-related activities. The upper deck attracts adrenaline junkies. The strenuous trek, however, is accompanied by lush greenery and mesmerizing view. The enchanting beauty around makes Lingmala Waterfall a favourite among places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Major Attractions: Lingmala Forest Bungalow
Ideal duration to explore: 2 hours
Things to do: Hiking, Trekking, Swimming
Arthur’s Seat
Visit Arthur’s Seat to witness the beguiling views of Brahma-Narayana and Savitri river. Arthur’s Seat is lauded as ‘Queen of viewpoints’. The vista got its name after Sir Arthur Malet, a British officer in Bombay, who used to visit this spot and mourn the loss of his wife and daughter who drowned in the Savitri river. The point, originally named Madhi Mahal, is also called suicide point.
Reaching the peak takes about thirty minutes of trekking from the foot. While ascending, one can also come across the famous Tiger Sprint Point, Hunter Point, Echo Point, Window Point, and Malcolm Point. Once at the pinnacle, feel at the top of the world and make sure to indulge yourself in the beauty of dense Brahma Aranya forests on the right. Arthur’s Seat is among the popular places in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Major Attractions: Savitri river, Tiger Sprint Point, Hunter Point, Echo Point, Window Point, and Malcolm Point
Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
Things to do: Hiking, Trekking
Elephant Point
This unique viewpoint is one of the most famous places in Mahabaleshwar. Elephant Point got its name as the natural structure of the vista looks similar to that of an Elephant’s head and its trunk. Tourists rush to this vantage point, mostly with a binocular, to enjoy the stunning views of Deccan traps. The rock formation also looks like a needle hole and hence this place is also known as Needle Hole point.
The extended ridge upon the Sahyadri Mountains experiences extreme weather conditions. The lush greenery around the point is at its peak during the monsoon and one can experience mist during winters. Make sure you have your trekking boots on while visiting Elephant Point. It is a popular picnic spot for families and also a favourite destination for mountain climbers.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Major Attractions: Sahyadri Mountains
Ideal duration to explore: 2-4 hours
Things to do: Hiking, Trekking
Panch Ganga Temple
The ancient temple built at the confluence of five rivers namely Krishna, Koyna, Gayatri, Savitri, and Veena is one of the oldest and religiously important shrines in India. Panch Ganga Temple has witnessed over eight centuries and stands as a pride of Hindu devotees across the country to date. This stunning black stone monument was built in the 13th century by Yadava King Singhandeo.
The temple houses a hall through which the mighty Krishna river flows. The hall also possesses an idol of Lord Vishnu. Panch Ganga Temple consists of two tanks. One of those tanks (kund) collects water from all the five rivers from a sprout located in the mouth of Gaumukhi, a stone cow statue. The water from this kund is considered as ‘Parshad’ by the devotees. The marvellous architecture makes it one of the must-see attractions in Mahabaleshwar.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Monday to Sunday from 04:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Major Attractions: Gaumukhi, Rivers — Krishna, Koyna, Gayatri, Savitri, and Veena
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Mahabaleshwar is a destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. If you are one of the fast-living urban population then a weekend getaway in Mahabaleshwar is just what you need. Satisfy the backpacker within you by indulging in trekking and sightseeing activities in Mahabaleshwar.
This quaint town in Satara is also a peaceful destination for family vacations. With an array of tourist spots to choose from, Mahabaleshwar caters to each age group and all sorts of travellers. A visit during the monsoon would treat you to the lush greenery that you have been missing while living in the concrete jungle.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar?
Mahabaleshwar is a year-round destination. However, winter is the most prefered season by tourists. If you are a fan of lush green nature then the monsoon is just the right time for you.
What is Mahabaleshwar famous for?
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its enchanting natural beauty and farm-fresh fruits, notably strawberries. Other than the aforementioned, Mahabaleshwar is also known for its soothing climate and beautiful waterfalls.
