Mahabaleshwar, the most developed and largest of all hill stations in Maharashtra is truly a tourists' paradise. The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar retains its quintessential charm, despite the increasing crowds that visit the town. 

Mahabaleshwar is a gift of the British and General Lodwick was the first European who took appreciable efforts for its development as a hill station. Numerous majestic mansions built here are evidence enough of the British rule.

Nestled in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra at 4501 ft above sea level is the cool, misty resort of Mahabaleshwar. It shows some of the most striking vistas of the Western Ghats. Away from the crowds and noise of the city, it is an ideal holiday destination. It seems to belong to the colonial era when people travelled up to the resort to escape the heat of the plateau. It still retains some of its old charm and is hence, very popular. Tucked away in the Satara district, it is best approached from Pune & Mumbai.

The history of Mahabaleshwar tells mythological tales of its birth written in Skandapuran, a holy Hindu epic. Mahabaleshwar could be called the "land of five rivers", as the holy streams of Krushna, Koyna, Venna, Gayatri and Savitri emerge from here.

Mahabaleshwar's 30 exotic viewpoints provide one with spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of the points derive their names from some former British dignitaries and are situated within a radius of 10 km around the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar. Some points can be reached by motorable roads whereas others can be explored by foot. The various points here are like Babington Point, Bombay Point, Hunter Point, Lodwick Point, Marjorie Point and Wilson Point, which is the nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar.

Several little known but charming hill resorts nestle shyly in these mountains. They seem to belong to the colonial era when people traveled up to these resorts to escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of the old world charm and make an ideal holiday destination. 

Among the hill resorts of the state, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are very popular. Tucked away in the Satara district, they are best approached from Pune. Spared the commercialization that has affected the hill resorts of north and south India, the two resorts offer a clean, calm and thoroughly refreshing alternative. And, perhaps the only place in the country which offers a myriad activities-boating, fishing, horse riding, trekking and playing golf on the gorgeous nine-hole golf course built on the edge of a cliff! 

Overlooking the Krishna and Koyna valleys, Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of 1372 meters opens up a whole world of picturesque delight. With an air of unspoilt beauty, it is a paradise for nature explorers and peace lovers, as also for filmmakers and producers. The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar retains its quintessential charm, despite the increasing crowds that visit the town. Numerous majestic mansions built during the days of the British, still stand as monuments of the Raj. 

MAHABALESHWAR - BEST TIME TO VISIT 

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

MAHABALESHWAR - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS 

Mahabaleshwar derives its name from the presiding deity "Mahabali" whose shrine at the old Mahabaleshwar Temple is a major attraction for worshippers and tourists. 

Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular with picnickers. The former can be reached by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape. 

Mahabaleshwar's 30 exotic viewpoints provide one with a spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of the points derive their names from some former British dignitary and are situated in the 10-kilometer radius of the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar. Some points can be reached by motorable roads, whereas other can be reached on foot 


Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best. 

Connaught peak and Hunter Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak. 

From here one can see Old Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston Point to the north; Pandavgad and Krishna Valley to the east. Hunter's point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley. 

On the way to Arthur's Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan Valley, which are some 500 meters below the level of the Koyna Valley. The ravine between these points is the rise of Savitri River which rushes down 700 meters straight from here.