It was September 2023, when I thought about visiting Mahabaleshwar . Which is a famous hill station with lots of breathtaking views. It’s a place that’d make you not want to blink even for a second in the fear of missing any bit of its magic. Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats range, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The place is well known for its scenic beauty and used to serve as the summer capital of Bombay, during British Rule. I made my reservations and finally in the first week of October 2023 I left for Mumbai and then Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar from Bhopal. Which was a total approx 931 Km.
source-https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/
Package I have taken
Price– Approx-7500/- per adult
Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Destinations Covered: Mahabaleshwar and around
Inclusions:
- Accommodation for a 2-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Mahabaleshwar
- Breakfast on Day 2 and Day 3
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Experienced Driver
Experiences Covered:
- Scenic Drive from Mumbai to Panchgani
- Panchgani sightseeing | Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point
- Mahabaleshwar sightseeing | Venna Lake, Lingmala Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson Point, Pratapgad Fort, Mapro Garden, Panchganga Temple
Other Recommended packages for you
1. For 3 days and 2 nights
Price– Approx 8699 per adult
.Quick Info:
- Start Point/End Point: Mumbai
- Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
- Destinations Covered: Konkan – Mahabaleshwar
Inclusions:
- Accommodation for a 1-night stay in Mahabaleshwar and a 1-night stay in Konkan (3-star hotel)
- Breakfast on Day 2 and Day 3
- Transfer in Sedan (1 to 4 pax), SUV (5 to 7 pax), Tempo Traveller (8 to 20 pax)
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Experienced Driver
Experiences Covered:
- Scenic Drive from Mumbai to Konkan
- Konkan sightseeing | Konkan Beach, Ganpatipule temple
- Mahabaleshwar sightseeing | Lingmala Waterfall , Wilson Point , Venna Lake, Mapro Garden , Pratapgad Fort
2. For 4 days and 3 nights
Price– Approx-10,299/- per adult
Inclusion–
- Stay (Accommodation for 3 nights)
- Meals (Breakfast)
- Transfers(Pick-up and Drop-off from and to Mahabaleshwar Bus Station)
- Sightseeing
- Arthur Seat Point
- Mahabaleshwar Mandir
- Elphinstone Point
- Bombay Point
- Panch Ganga Temple
- Krishnabai Temple
- Lodwick Point
- Venna Lake
- Kate Point
- Elephant Head Point
- Lingmala Falls
- Mapro Garden
- Pratapgarh Fort
Gourish Resort:
Perfect choice to stay in Mahabaleshwar
source-https://www.gourishresort.com/
I stayed in Gourish Resort which is situated in old Mahabaleshwar and rated 3 stars. Staying at this resort was a memorable experience. The beautiful breathtaking views were all around the resort. This high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and fitness center on-site.
Breakfast, Daily housekeeping, Room service [24-hour], Car parking , Shuttle service, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, BBQ facilities were included in my resort services.
Pricing was approx. Rs. 3380 for one night.
Stay you can choose as per your budget
1.Treebo Trend Nakshatra Cottages
Price- Rs. 2003 Approx per adult
2.Treebo Jp Cottage
Price-Rs. 3013 Approx per adult
3.Rockford Resort
Price-Rs. 4272 Approx per adult
4.Treebo Hillway Inn Main Market
Price- Rs.2800 Approx per adult
Top things to explore in Mahabaleshwar
1. Lodwick Point
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
Hike your way about 5 minutes west of Mahabaleshwar, and you’re in for a treat in the form of the Lodwick point. It is a combination of two beautiful vantage points Lodwick and Elephant’s head point.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 1.9 km
Timing – 06:00 am – 08:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
2. Boating at Venna Lake
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
It’s among the most visited places in Mahabaleshwar, and so be prepared to find quite a number of nature lovers here.Explore the man-made beauty of Lake Venna through a paddle or rowing boat. While this experience is not available during the monsoon season due to safety reasons, the lake is always a sight to behold.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 2.8 km
Timing – 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee (Boating charges Rs. 250 for 30 Mins – Rs. 500 approx for 1 hour, Rs. 440 approx for 1 hour for Peddle Boat)
3. The Kshetra Mahabaleshwar
Locally known as the Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, it is home to the Panchganga temple, Mahabaleshwar temple and Krishna temple. All three beautifully constructed in their own unique manner.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 5.7 km
Timing – 5:00 am – 12:00 pm / 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
4. Experimental trek to Arthur’s Seat
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
This is one of the must-visit places around Mahabaleshwar. Known as the Queen of points, Arthur’s seat has 6 points that carry its own personal charm.
What makes this trek even more interesting and fun is the experimental ideas that evolved here. Try throwing a light weighted object, such as a bottle cap, from a stop and it’d float back to you due to the air pressure at the highest point.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 7.6 km
Timing – 09:00 am – 08:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
5. Trek to the Elephant’s Head Point
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
Elephant’s Head Point is one of its kind natural vantage points. The tall standing boulders covered in mossy greens is definitely a highlight, but there’s more to it.Shaped unusually in the form of a head of an elephant, the point is often compared to the fictional structures in the movie Bahubali. And so comes along the royal feeling from the viewing point.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 10 km
Timing – 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
6. Mapro Garden
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
Short for Mahabaleshwar Products, this is a place that exclusively brings the freshly plucked products to the markets. the garden is a gem of all kinds in Mahabaleshwar.There’s also a surprise element for those with a sweet tooth. Mapro is home to a really fascinating chocolate factory, from where you can witness the crafting of some heavenly chocolate and take some back home as well.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 13 km
Timing – 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
source-https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/
Situated on a hilltop in the Satara district of Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgarh Fort is a prominent historical tourist spot in Maharashtra. The fortress is strategically built about 3500 feet from the ground. Commissioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1650 its construction was completed in 1656. The Fort houses four lakes, a watchtower, a cultural library, and a Bhawani temple at its top.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar – 20 km
Entry Fee – No Entry Fee
Mahabaleshwar The land of strawberries
Seeing, smelling and eating pure fresh strawberries in Mahabaleshwar was an amazing experience. Contributing to about 85% of India’s strawberry production. If not for the view, you’d definitely fall for the freshly plucked strawberries served along with the cream. It’s a simple moment that’d be cherished for years.The climate of the Mahabaleshwar region is suitable for strawberry cultivation. The Strawberry Festival is held in March and April, and is a time to enjoy strawberry-based treats like strawberry pizza, jams, and milkshakes.
Strawberries rich local cuisine
source-https://travel.india.com/
Strawberries, Mulberries, Carrots, Corn, and Cherry size tomatoes are the natural treasures of Mahabaleshwar’s cuisine. Delicious indulges made from strawberries are a specialty of the town such as toffees, syrups, fudge, ice creams, whipped creams, jellies as well as the Corn Pattice. You can Try out the fresh strawberries, corn patties and chikki (a traditional sweet made from jaggery and nuts). There are also nice Maharashtrian thalis at local joints for all food lovers.
Climate and weather of Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, has a climate that varies by season:
In Summer: From March to June, temperatures range from 15°C to 35°C. In Monsoon: From June 10 to September, Mahabaleshwar experiences heavy rainfall and temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C. The climate is wet, cold, and often misty. Roads may be slippery, and outdoor activities may be closed. However, the waterfalls and lakes are full, and treks are a great way to spend time. In Winter: From November to February, temperatures range from 10°C to 24°C. Winter is considered the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar.
Some useful Tips
It is a good habit to know about any place before visiting it and I also did the same. Be prepared about these things like-
- The weather can get a little unpredictable at times, so carry along proper clothing and an umbrella/raincoat with you.
- If you’re planning on trekking around Mahabaleshwar, carry shoes with a comfortable grip. Even though the climb is easy, it’d always come in handy.
- Monsoon season is peak season and hotels are usually expensive during this point. In case you plan on travelling to Mahabaleshwar during the monsoon period, advance booking would reduce the hassle and inconvenience.
- Exploring at night is not suggested as the hill station is less populated. It’s quite a safe area, but unless you go in groups, travelling at night wouldn’t be an ideal option.
How to reach Mahabaleshwar
I have chosen by train way for my travel, you can attempt as per your budget, By Air, By Train, By Road all possible options are available for Mahabaleshwar
By Air-The Pune International Airport and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj international airport are at close proximities from the hill station and can be accessed through public transport facilities.
There are daily flights from major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata and so on.
By train- Train’s are one of the most viable public transport options, considering their frequency and feasibility.
The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is the Satara railway station. There are other railway options such as the Pune and Kolhapur station which then provide proper connecting facilities. There are trains that pass through Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hubli, Kochi, Kolhapur, Tirunelveli, Mysore, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Ajmer and so on.
By Road- In case you’re planning to drive down to Mahabaleshwar, you’d be passing through a series of picturesque spots. There are well-connected networks of roads leading to many important hubs of the state and the neighbouring states.
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar
When I visited here in the month of October the weather was awesome and perfect for vacations. People might advise me to go in monsoon but I personally don’t prefer that. According to my experience, September is the best time to visit the place with neither much rain nor much heat. Just the perfect climate. The fog, the winds, the drizzling rain at times makes it the best location.
To know more about Mahabaleshwar you can visit at
https://mahabaleshwartourism.in/places-to-visit-in-mahabaleshwar
Thankyou for reading this Blog
This travel Blog is written by myself. I am a Content writer, Fiction Blogger, Travel Blogger and also ex banking professional. I started my career as a Banker. I often write short stories and poems which have been published in some magazines and newspapers. I like to go to beautiful destinations and capture their beauty. Writing a travel blog is my hobby. This Blog is on my Mahabaleshwar visit. The amazing breathtaking views of Mahabaleshwar inspired me to write a travel blog on it and share my own experience about that awesome hill station.
I hope after reading this blog you will definitely visit Mahabaleshwar once.
So have a happy visit to Mahabaleshwar.