Mahabaleshwar – Mahabaleshwar, a charming and picturesque hill station, is the lifeline of holidays for people in Mumbai and across India. After coping with the stresses of daily life, traveling long distances, and tolerating hot and humid weather, Mahabaleshwar outperforms the best beauty products on the market by acting as a natural tonic for the skin, body, and soul. It presents an alluring picture of a quaint hill station with more than its share of scenic spots, delicious natural produce like strawberries, and countless boating rides. Nature lovers will be suitably occupied with the glades and valleys of the hill station. Foodies can gorge on sweets, jams, jellies, blackberries and strawberries. Adventure enthusiasts can experience the unique forest walks and horseback riding for which Mahabaleshwar is famous.
History
Given its wealth of natural charms, it is not surprising that Mahabaleshwar enjoyed pride of place as the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during colonial rule. Through the efforts of the Maharaja of Pratapsinha de Satara and Sir John Malcolm, the first Governor to visit Mahabaleshwar in 1828, Mahabaleshwar has firmly established itself as a health center and entertainment destination. Slightly at odds with this personality is the fact that Mahabaleshwar served as a jail for around 120 Chinese and Malay convicts in the mid to second half of the 1860s. The prisoners with their dedicated agricultural pursuits made Mahabaleshwar along with red potatoes and strawberries. . Such were the heady charms of Mahabaleshwar that several prisoners decided to make it their home even after their release. It is truly a great example of India’s diversity that Mahabaleshwar’s voter list had Chinese names until the year 1951. Mahabaleshwar is clearly segregated into two areas; the old Mahabaleshwar which is largely dotted with temples and the new Mahabaleshwar which bustles with city life. A famous historical place near Mahableshwar is the Pratapgadh Fort, where the legendary Maratha warrior Shivaji defeated the treacherous general Afzal Khan.
what to see
Popular Points
Mahabaleshwar has a myriad of ‘points’ from where you can glimpse historical sights or beautiful landscapes, gardens and valleys or of course its famous waterfalls. These are some of the most popular spots.
arthur point
it is easily the most popular as it offers a breathtaking view of the rocky landscapes and a clear denotation of the Konkan and Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar. Named after Arthur Malet, the first resident in this area, Arthur’s Point is 12 km from the main market of Mahabaleshwar. Nature lovers will be delighted with the opportunity to paddle at Tiger’s Spring, believed to be the source point of the Savitri River.
Babbington Point
It offers an impressive view of three important valleys; Makarandgadh, Solshi and Koyna. A treat in store for visitors on the way to this point are live broadcasts from Bishop Tank.
kate’s point
also known as Echo Point rises on a rock 50 meters high. Sir John Marshall, credited with the discovery of Mahabaleshwar, probably rewarded himself by naming the spot after his daughter, Kate. Visitors to this point will be captivated by the serene grandeur of the Krishna Valley and the tumultuous waters of the Dhom Dam.
bombay point
It is one of the most frequented places in Mahabaleshwar. It offers a stunning view at sunset time and is therefore also known as Sunset Point. You can also catch a glimpse of Pratapgarh Fort from this point.
Lakes and Waterfalls
venna lake
it is undoubtedly the most glamorous and sought after entertainment venue in Mahabaleshwar. The opportunity it offers for long and lovely boat rides is, of course, its main claim to fame. A person seeking a silent communion with nature can hop on a boat and escape into her own world. Couples get their money’s worth on long, romantic trips. Families and people traveling in groups make a boisterous event out of a boat ride on this lake.
Lingmala, Chinaman and Dhobi waterfalls
For city dwellers, the Mahableshwar waterfalls offer a beautiful and refreshing communion with nature. Seeing the crystal clear waters sprout and feeling the icy drops on the skin is pure happiness. No wonder these waterfalls are one of the biggest attractions in Mahabaleshwar.
fruits and honey
Honey lovers will be tempted by the chance to visit the Sanjeevan Honey Centre. Established in the middle of the forest on Mahabaleshwar Poladpur Road, the main product is derived from the honeycomb of the Molofice species, a world renowned superior honey species. Another treat for visitors to this plant is the opportunity to visit a major AFCO juice center. Jams, juices, gulks and syrups are the specialties here. The journey does not end here. There is also the Natraj Chikki Center on the premises, which is famous for its specialities; strawberry chikki and strawberry fudge. Visiting hours for this complex are from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Makhria Garden and Pratap Sinha Park
Tourists who wish to take a quiet walk among plants and flowers should head to these parks. Well-maintained and attractive, these parks are popular with residents and vacationers alike.
Read more about Mahabaleshwar – Best Hill Station in India at [http://www.yatra.com/CITYGUIDE/cities/mahabaleshwar.html][http://www.yatra.com/CITYGUIDE/cities/mahabaleshwar.html]
