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Mahabaleshwar Travel
Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit for God of Great Power. It was summer
capital of Governor of the old Bombay Presidency.Covering 10 sq km.
There are 30 valley viewpoints with panoramic vistas scattered around
the hill station and their access roads make for shady, pleasant walks
and treks. The area has strong historical connections with Shivaji,
the heroic Maratha warrior king.The Britishers built various mansions,
cottages and bungalows around the town, lending it a charming, sophistication.
The place is popular with tourists, especially from Mumbai and Pune,
wanting to take a break from the rush of rat race. the hill-station
is very crowded during vacations like christmas & Diwali and in
summers. |
| GENERAL INFORMATION : |
Distances: Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms Mumbai
to Pune is 160 kms & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms.
Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms.
Area: Vast green
plateau of about 150 sq. kms.
Height: 4500 feet above sea
level.
Climate: Never too hot because of the heights.
Never too cold bacause of the nearness to the arabian sea. Duration
of higher temperature is short.
Seasons: October, Diwali
& X'mas holidays & summer. Hotels are open round the year
even during the rainy seasons. |
| PLACES OF INTEREST : |
| Mount Malcolm:
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was
built in 1829 with magnificient architectural skills. Unfortunately,
it has lost a lot of its old charm now.
Catholic Church:
A visit to the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour.
although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass
windows are still a sight to behold. this deserted church is now
looked after by a Hindu family.
Mahabaleshwar Club:
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained.
Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its
well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly
celebrated by loyal members every year. Fortunately, one facility
is open to visitors; who can use the golf course whenever they feel
like it.
Connaught peak
The second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet.
You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.
Elphiston point
The first point of M'war/ Overlooking two valleys, koyna on the
left & savitri on the right.
Marjorie Point
Shoes several ranges of the Sahyadri range. |
| EXCURSIONS : |
| Panchgani
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar,
Panchgani is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts. The
name is derived from the fact that it is located at the centre of
five hills ("Panch" = five, "Gani" = hills). The place is well known
for trekking and other adventure activities. Climb atop 'Table Land',
a famous flat-mountain top, from where you can have a look at the
vast plain below. The berry farms here are another tourist attraction.
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| ACCESS : |
- 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.
- 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. MTDC operates daily
bus services except during the monsoon, between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai.
Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad
Fort.
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| LOCAL TRANSPORT : |
| Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though bicycles and horseback
are ecommended for traveling long distances. |
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