Mahabaleshwar Trip Guide, The Most Popular Hill Station In Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India situated in the Western Ghats, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is popularly known as “The Land of Strawberries”. Mahabaleshwar Hill station is known for its beauty, magnificent mountain peaks, and stunning rivers. The Sahyadri mountain ranges located in Maharashtra are an unmatched beauty, this includes the scenic Mahabaleshwar hill station.

Besides having the gift of nature’s beauty, this hill station is also a pilgrimage site for Hindus because the Krishna River originates from Mahabaleshwar. It also has the famous Kshetra Mahabaleshwar Temple. The hill station of Mahabaleshwar was once the summer capital of the British. It comprises boarding schools, ancient temples, waterfalls, lush green dense forests, and valleys. Mahabaleshwar tourist spots include the magnificent Pratapgad Fort.

Mahabaleshwar Tourism

Mahabaleshwar is one of the most common and beautiful weekend getaways from Pune and Mumbai. It is located about 120km southwest of Pune and 285km from Mumbai. There are three villages that are a part of the Mahabaleshwar hill station, by names Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Malcolm Peth, and a part of the Shindola village. This hill station is quite well-known and people visit this place for fresh strawberries. So, if you love strawberries, you should definitely add this hill station to your bucket list.

You can visit Mahabaleshwar hill station at the time of the strawberry fair. The fair is organized in the months of spring every year. There are a lot of things to be explored by the tourists in this picturesque hill station.

There are several hill stations near Mahabaleshwar and several things to do near Mahabaleshwar Hill Station.

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Best Time to Visit

If you plan to visit Mahabaleshwar Hill station to witness it at its best, then the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar would be during the months of October to June. Every climate be it summer, winter or the monsoons have a beauty of its own.

The summers are pleasant whereas the winters are chilly and during the rainy season the hills look green and fresh, and waterfalls are a treat to the eyes.

How to Reach Mahabaleshwar Hill Station

By Road

From nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Khandala, Hyderabad, Kolhapur, and Panchgani bus services are available.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to reach Mahabaleshwar is just 113km away located in Pune. One can also reserve a rail ticket to Mumbai central train station. The station is just 228km away. Then a traveler can avail a taxi or a bus from the stations to reach the beautiful hill station.

By Air

The closest airport to the hill station is Pune Airport which is around 120km away. You can also reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai Airport. One can easily book a taxi or travel by bus from the airports to reach Mahabaleshwar.

Here we have listed the popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwar Hill station:

1. Dhobi Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar

Dhobi Falls is one of the places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. It is a group of waterfalls that looks surreal with mists and if you are lucky you may see a rainbow. It is surrounded by greenery and rocks of different sizes. The waterfall flows down from the Koyna River.

From the main Mahabaleshwar town, the waterfall is located within 3 km. Dhobi Waterfalls is a very popular picnic spot. It looks best during the monsoon season.

2. Elephant Head Point

From Elephant’s Head Point, one can get a stunning view of the majestic Sahyadri ranges. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwar hill station. It is popularly known as Needle’s Point where tourists mostly visit at the time of sunrise and sunset. It is known as the Elephant’s Point as the place looks like the head and trunk of an elephant.

Elephant’s Head Point Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Elephant’s Head Point Entry Fee: No Entry Free

3. Chinaman Falls, Mahabaleshwar

Chinaman Falls is one of the most significant falls in the state. The name of the falls is Chinaman as the place is named after a Chinese prison located nearby. It is a good holiday spot to visit with your family.

4. Arthur’s Seat

One of the most popular viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar is located just around 13km away. Arthur’s Seat is also known as the Suicide Point. From this viewpoint, one can witness the most fascinating and bewitching view of the Savitri River and the lush valleys of Brahma-Arayana.

Arthur’s Seat Point consists of 6 viewpoints namely, Arthur’s Seat Point, Echo Point, Tiger Sprint Point, Hunter Point, Malcolm Point, and Window Point. It is said that if you throw light objects into the valley, it floats back up due to air pressure. Reaching the viewpoint demands a 30-minute trek.

5. Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar

Venna Lake is a beautiful manmade lake in Mahabaleshwar. You will find rowboats and paddleboats on the lake. The boating is only available until sunset. Visitors can take a ride and have fun. It is the perfect spot to visit with your family as there are rides for children such as a merry-go-round, toy train, horse riding, etc.

Venna Lake Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Boating Charges at the Venna Lake:

Row Boat charges: Rs 250 for half an hour and for one hour Rs 500 for one hour.

Paddle Boat charges: Rs 440 for one hour.

6. Wilson Point, Mahabaleshwar

Situated at an altitude of 1439m, it is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is popular as Sunrise Point and is a famous tourist attraction for catching stunning sunrise. From Wilson Point, you can see the beautiful panoramic view of Mahabaleshwar. Wilson Point is named after the Governor of Bombay province from 1923 to 1926, Sir Leslie Wilson.

Wilson Point Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

7. Mahabaleshwar Temple

Mahabaleshwar Temple is situated at a distance of 6 km from the city of Mahabaleshwar. The temple is Dedicated to Lord Shiva Shankar. The temple has a self-originated Shivalinga which is 500 years old. The Shivalinga in this temple is said to be superior to the 12 Jyothi Lingams. It is a fine example of the Maratha heritage and the Mahabaleshwar Temple is flocked by devotees all around the year. Many tourists visit this Hindu temple and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwar Hill Station.

Mahabaleshwar Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mahabaleshwar Temple Entry Fee: No entry fee

8. Elphinstone Point

Elphinstone Point is famous for the spectacular view of Koyna Valley, Pratapgad Fort, and the nearby areas. It is one of the highest viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar. Elphinstone Point is also the source of the beautiful Savitri River.

9. Tapola Village

This village gained fame as the ‘Mini Kashmir’. Tapola village situated in Mahabaleshwar is a satellite village known for its mesmerizing scenic beauty. If you want to spend some quality time amidst nature, this place near Mahabaleshwar will be an ideal place for you.

10. Pratapgad Hill Fort

Pratapgad is a hill fort located near the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the district of Satara. The fort is huge with a height of about 3543 feet from the ground. It was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1657.

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