Mahabaleshwar is located in the Satara district of Maharashtra state. It lies on the Sahyadri mountain range at an altitude of 4700 ft. above sea level. Mahabaleshwar is made up of three villages namely Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar (“Kshetra Mahabaleshar”), and part of Shindol village. This wonderful hill station is located at a distance of 118 Km from Pune and 260 Km from Mumbai.

This scenic spot is blessed with many natural view points which gives breathtaking view. It is famous for its pleasant and cool weather. It is counted in the list of one the most famous hill station in Maharashtra. Surrounded by mountains, valleys ,lakes, river, its exotic greenery attracts everyone and force to come back again and again.

It is also considered to be a holy place for Hindus as the river Krishna originates from here. The Krishna river is the fourth-biggest river in terms of water inflows in India, after the Ganga, Godavari, and Brahmaputra. The Krishna river flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. One of the surprising fact about this river is that it originates from gaumukhi inside Panchganga temple. In addition, Venna and Koyna are the major tributaries of the Krishna River.

Apart from all of this, Mahabaleshwar is also famous for its strawberries. Due to the favorable climate for the production of strawberries, a large quantity of strawberries is produced here. About 85% of the total strawberries production in India is grown in Mahabaleshwar. Raspberry, mulberry and gooseberry is also produced on a large scale in Mahabaleshwar.

Lets take a look at the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar:-

1.Arthur seat point:         

Arthur seat point got its name from the name of Sir Arthur Malet. He was a first man to build house near this point. Arthur seat point is one of the most famous points in Satara. This point is at a distance of 8 Km from old Mahabaleshwar and located at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level.

This point has a beautiful view of Savitri river on one side and dense forest on the other side. Arthur seat point is also known as Suicide point and considered as the queen of all points in Mahabaleshwar.

Sir Arthur Malet lost his wife and daughter in shipwreck in the Savitri River. After this incident, Sir Malet used to sit here and wish for their coming back. And that is why this point is called Arthur seat point. 

It is the only one point in Maharashtra which gives you a spectacular view of the geological contrast between the Konkan region and the Deccan territeries. If the weather is good, places like Pratapgad fort, Raigad fort and many other places are clearly visible from this point.

Arthur seat point is most famous for floating of light objects in air. When you throw light weight object like bottle cap,it will comes up again and floats in air due to air pressure.

Distance From:

•  Wathar Railway Station:   72 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 73 Km

2.Venna Lake: 

Venna lake is one of the most beloved tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar. It was constructed by the Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, who was the King of Satara in 1942.At this point you can also enjoy boat ride and horse ride. Venna lake is situated at a distance of 4Km from Mahabaleshwar  bus stand.

Distance From:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 66 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 67 Km

3.Elephant point:

At this place, you will get to see a natural artwork like an elephant’s head, that’s why this point is named called elephant head point. This point is also popular by the name called needle hole point. Situated very close to Kate point, this point amazes everyone with its natural artwork. This is placed at a distance of 7 Km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand. From this place you can clearly see the extended view of the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Distance From:

• Wathar Railway Station: 74 Km
• Satara Bus Stand: 76 Km

4.Lingmala waterfall:

Mahabaleshwar is famous not only for its rivers, astonishing view points, lakes but also for its amazing waterfalls. There are total 5-6 waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar. Lingmala waterfall is one of the most famous waterfall in Mahabaleshwar. A trip to Mahabaleshwar is totally incomplete without exploring this amazing waterfall.

Situated at an altitude of 1300m, this waterfall gives a breathtaking view and takes a unique look in monsoon. As monsoon here is very high, so it is quite dangerous to visit this waterfall during rainy season. Lingamala waterfall is located at a distance of 7 km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand.

Distance From:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 60 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 62 Km

5.Wilson Point:

Like Arthur seat point this point also got its name from Sir Leslie Wilson. Who was the governor of Bombay between 1923 to 1926. Wilson point is one the most highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Located at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level.

Wilson point is popularly known as sunrise point. It is the only point in Mahabaleshwar where you can get panoramic view of both sunrise and sunset. Wilson point is located at a distance of 2.6 km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand.

Distance From:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 62 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 64 Km

6.3-Monkey Point:

There are so many view points in Mahabaleshwar which makes us amazed with its stupendous view. 3-Monkey Point is one of them. This natural stone sculpture tempts everyone with its beauty. No doubt this scene will definitely remind you of Gandhi’s 3-monkeys.This is why this point is called 3-Monkey point. 3-monkey point is situated at a distance of 12 km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand.

Distance From:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 70 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 48 Km

7.Kate’s Point: 

Kate’s point is comprises of total 3 view points namely Kate point, elephant point and needle point. Kate’s point is named after the British Governor Sir John Malcom’s daughter. This point is situated at an altitude of 1300m above sea level.

Distance:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 61 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 63 Km

8.Old Mahabaleshwar:

Located at a distance of 8 Km, old mahabaleshwar is small town in Mahabaleshwar. It is also known as “kshetra Mahableshwar”. Old Mahabaleshwar is most famous for its ancient temples like Panchganga temple, Mahabaleshwar temple, and Krishna Devi temple. Krishna Devi temple is one of the most famous oldest temple in Mahabaleshwar. This temple dates back to the 13th century. 

Distance:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 64 Km
• Satara Bus Stand: 66 Km

9.Bombay Point/Sunset Point:

Bombay point is popularly known by the name called Sunset point. This is the oldest point in Mahabaleshwar. Bombay point is located at a distance of 4Km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand.

Distance:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 66 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 66 Km

10.Dhobi Waterfall:

This fascinating waterfall mesmerize everyone with its classy look. Surrounded by rocks, lush greenery, and falling water from the height gives astounding view. This captivating waterfall is settled at a distance of 3 Km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand, 7 Km from old Mahabaleshwar and 8 Km from Lingmala waterfall.

Dhobi waterfall is placed next to  elephant point. Enchanting with beauty, this waterfall attracts every tourists and compels them to come back again and again. Dhobi waterfall is one of the most visited waterfall in Mahabaleshwar. Dhobi waterfall is an ideal picnic spot to spend a day with friends and family.

Distance:

•  Wathar Railway Station: 65 Km
•  Satara Bus Stand: 67 Km

How To Reach:

 By Road:

There are two possible ways to reach by road. One can be accessible from Panvel through Mahad and Poladpur. Another option is to take the Mumbai-Pune expressway and the highway onwards from Pune to Satara. Otherwise you can simply refer National highway NH4.You can also get here by buses. As many buses are plying from the no. of district in Maharashtra.

By Train: 

Situated at a distance of 65 Km, Wathar is the nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar. From Wathar station up to 10-15 min. of a walking distance you will get Wathar bus stand, where you can easily get buses to Mahabaleshwar.

Pune railway station is another convenient way to reach Mahabaleshwar. Pune railway station is about 120km away from Satara.

By Air:   

Situated at a distance of 130 Km, Pune airport is nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar. Mumbai airport is second nearest airport. Mumbai airport is well connected to different parts of the country.

Best Time To Visit:

You can visit this place at any time of the year. But the pleasure of wandering in the monsoon is really different. Winter is also the best season to visit this place. As we all know that Mahabaleshwar receives heavy rainfall during monsoon.

So it will be quite risky to visit places like Lingamala waterfall and Dhobi waterfall. Oct-June is best time to fully explore this scenic spot and to enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Must Visit: 

Pratapgad Fort:

When you are going to explore Mahabaleshwar never forget to add this historical fort in your wishlist. This historical fort is one of the most famous fort in Maharashtra. Pratapgad fort is located at a distance of 79 Km from Mahabaleshwar.

Read Pratapgad Fort