Travel India Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is the largest and one of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra.
It is situated at an altitude of 1372 metres above sea level – about 5 hours drive from Mumbai.
Mahabaleshwar has a cool climate and is a popular week end get away for Mumbaites.
It is a lovely place to spend a few days – relaxing and rejuvenating.
It is also the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra.
There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
There are lakes, waterfalls and a number of pleasant walks.
There is an old historic Shiva temple nearby.
History
We find the first mention of Mahabaleshwar in 1215 when King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar and built a small temple and water tank at the source of the Krishna River.
In the early 14th century, Mahabaleshwar was ruled by the Moguls, but in the later half of the century, a Brahmin dynasty took over.
In the 15th Century, the Muslim Kings of Bijapur and Ahmednagar captured Mahabaleshwar.
In the middle of the 16th century, the Maratha family of Chandarao More, became rulers of Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar during whose period the Old Mahabaleshwar temple was rebuilt.
In the 17th century, Chatrapati Shivaji captured Mahabaleshwar.
After him, the Peshwas ruled till 1819.
And after that, Mahabaleshwar became part of the Kingdom of Satara.
The main places of attraction are the “points”, named after the British officers who discovered these splendid locations.
There are about 25 Points in Mahabaleshwar. But you must see the following:
The Mapro Farm which manufactures and sells a wide range of strawberry and fruit products – squashes, lemonades, fruit juices, etc. is worth a visit.
The old Shiva Temple in old Mahabaleshwar is the source of 5 rivers – Krishna River (the second longest river of peninsular India) and 4 other rivers (Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri, and Gayatri) all of which flow out from the cow (bull’s) mouth throughout the year.
The four rivers travel some distance before merging with the Krishna.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Linga called Lord Mahabali.
Mahabaleshwar has been named after this deity of this temple.
There are three major waterfalls – the Lingmala waterfall (6 kms), Dhobi waterfall (3 kms) and Chinaman’s waterfall (2.5 kms).
You can visit Panchgani (19 kms), Pratapgarh Fort (24 kms), Tapola (25 kms), and Satara.
Moving around
Moving around is quite easy.
You can hire taxis, auto rickshaws and buses from the center of the town near Irani’s petrol pump, just opposite the Club.
You can also hire horses and there are lovely shady bridle paths for enjoyable rides.
Reaching There
Air
The nearest airports are Mumbai and Pune.
Rail
The nearest station is Satara 47 kms. from Mahabaleshwar.
There are trains from Mumbai and Bangalore.
Mahabaleshwar to Pune 115 kms
Recommendation
Mahabaleshwar used to known for its delicious strawberries.
Even though strawberries are growing in more places, the Mahabaleshwar strawberries are superior in taste and flavour.
There are numerous hotels to suit every budget.
The peak season is March-May.
It rains very heavily from June to September. But the place becomes lush green and acquires a unique romantic charm.
![[Digg]](http://cdn1.diggstatic.com/img/favicon.a015f25c.ico){kind=small}
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
Great site. Good info
I want to say – thank you for this!
Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.
It is the coolest site,keep so!
I bookmarked this site. Thank you for good job!
??????????????. ?????????????????????????.
Incredible site!
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
……………………Great site………………………….
Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.
more at Voice of America (blog). Filed Under: