Menu:

MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, situated at 1372 meters around Lake Venna. It is “God of Great Power” in the Sanskrit language. It was the summer capital of Governor of the old Bombay Presidency. There are 30 valley viewpoints with panoramic views dotted around the hill station and they are lined by shaded roads making way for pleasant walks and treks. The place has strong historical associations with Shivaji, the heroic Maratha warrior king.

The British 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.

Places of Interest

Mount Malcolm

It was one of the most famous buildings in the olden days, built in 1829 with outstanding architectural skills.

Catholic Church

A break at the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a see. Although the church is nearly falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still a spectacle to take a look at. This forsaken church is now looked after by a Hindu family.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

The temple of Mahabaleshwar is bordered by a stone wall about five feet high. The core temple is divided into two apartments, the inner room or the God chamber and the outer room or Central hall. Its structure has Hemadpant style of southern Indian temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and’ling’ worship is performed here. The 'ling' is formed by a natural portion of rock and it hardly has the traditional shape of the 'ling'. It is said that there is a live spring below the rock which fills the hollows with water all year through. The hollows are supposed to symbolize the rivers which have their source in the surrounding area.

Mahabaleshwar Club

The club, built in 1881 and is still running and well-maintained. Only members of the club are allowed .It is known for its well-tended roses and pretty jogging tracks. Christmas is grandly celebrated by all the club members every year.

Morarji Castle

This old structure is a must see. Mahatma Gandhi once lived here in 1945.

Pratapgad Fort

This is 24 Km, away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 166 by Moropant trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha Ruler Shivaji. It was here that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afzal Khan, was killed by Shivaji. It’s a great view from the fort.

General Information:

Altitude: 1372 Mt s above sea level

Climate: Max 23.5oC, Min: 5oC in winter. Max 29.0oC, Min: 18.0oC. in summer.

Best Time to Visit: October to June

Travel Info

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