An Indian Bureaucrat's Diary

Travel India Mahabaleshwar

                   

Strawberry Country

Mahabaleshwar is the largest and one of the most popular hill stations of  Maharashtra.
It is situated at an altitude of 1372 metres above sea level – about 5 hours drive from Mumbai.

Mahabaleshwar has a cool climate and is a popular week end get away for Mumbaites.
It is a lovely place to spend a few days – relaxing and rejuvenating.
It is also the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra.

There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
There are lakes, waterfalls and a number of pleasant walks.
There is an old historic Shiva temple nearby.

History

We find the first mention of Mahabaleshwar in 1215 when King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar and built a small temple and water tank at the source of the Krishna River.
In the early 14th century, Mahabaleshwar was ruled by the Moguls, but in the later half of the century, a Brahmin dynasty took over.
In the 15th Century, the Muslim Kings of Bijapur and Ahmednagar captured Mahabaleshwar.
In the middle of the 16th century, the Maratha family of Chandarao More, became rulers of Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar during whose period the Old Mahabaleshwar temple was rebuilt.

In the 17th century, Chatrapati Shivaji captured Mahabaleshwar.
After him, the Peshwas ruled till 1819.
And after that, Mahabaleshwar became part of the Kingdom of Satara. Colonel Lodwick, who later became a General, did a lot for the development of Mahabaleshwar.

Places to see in Mhabaleshwar

The Beautiful Points                              

The main places of attraction are the “points”, named after the British officers who discovered these splendid locations.
There are about 25 Points in Mahabaleshwar. But you must see the following:
·         Arthur’s Seat
·         Marjorie Point
·         Kate’s Point
·         Bombay Point (Sunset Point)
·         Elephant’s head Point
·         Lingamala Falls (best viewed from behind Surya Resort)

Mapro Farm

The Mapro Farm which manufactures and sells a wide range of strawberry and fruit products – squashes, lemonades, fruit juices, etc. is worth a visit.

Shiva Temple

The old Shiva Temple in old Mahabaleshwar is the source of 5 rivers – Krishna River (the second longest river of peninsular India) and 4 other rivers (Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri, and Gayatri) all of which flow out from the cow (bull’s) mouth throughout the year.
The four rivers travel some distance before merging with the Krishna.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Linga called Lord Mahabali.
Mahabaleshwar has been named after this deity of this temple.

Water Falls and Lakes

There are three major waterfalls – the Lingmala waterfall (6 kms), Dhobi waterfall (3 kms) and Chinaman’s waterfall (2.5 kms). There is also the Venna Lake, which is 2.5 km long and has boating facilities.

Places to see around Mahabaleshwar

You can visit Panchgani (19 kms), Pratapgarh Fort (24 kms), Tapola  (25 kms), and Satara.

Moving around

Mahabaleshwar is built on a plateau.
Moving around is quite easy.
You can hire taxis, auto rickshaws and buses from the center of the town near Irani’s petrol pump, just opposite the Club.
You can also hire horses and there are lovely shady bridle paths for enjoyable rides.  

Activities

You can do some boating in Venna Lake; Horse riding in Mahabaleshwar or explore some forts.

Reaching There
Air

The nearest airports are Mumbai and Pune.
Rail

The nearest station is Satara 47 kms. from  Mahabaleshwar.
There are trains from Mumbai and Bangalore.

Road

Mahabaleshwar to  Mumbai    245 kms via Panvel  ( 4 to 5 hours by car)
Mahabaleshwar to Pune         115 kms     

Recommendation

Mahabaleshwar used to known for its delicious strawberries.
Even though strawberries are growing in more places, the Mahabaleshwar strawberries are superior in taste and flavour.
There are numerous hotels to suit every budget.
The peak season is March-May.
It rains very heavily from June to September. But the place becomes lush green and acquires a unique romantic charm.