Mahabaleshwar, a hill town on the Sahyadri mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, is an idyllic holiday destination in the state of Maharashtra. The first recorded history of Mahabaleshwar goes back to the year 1215 when the Yadava King Singhan visited Old Mahabaleshwar and the temples he built on the banks of the Krishna River vouch for the antiquity and charm of the region. As the waters flowed, so did different dynasties rule over Mahabaleshwar, including the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji and the British who made the beautiful mountain ranges, their summer capital.

Today, Mahabaleshwar with its misty mountain slopes which are trendy trekking trails, spectacular waterfalls and streams, ancient temples, forts and farmlands is a popular and much sought after tourist destination.

If you are planning to visit Mahabaleshwar, our travel and tourism guide should help you plan a great trip.

Mahabaleshwar is well connected by road to major cities like Pune and Mumbai. The ideal way to reach the hill station would be by road from Pune.

By Air:

Book a flight to Pune, which has the airport closest to Mahabaleshwar. The city serves domestic flights to most major Indian cities and international flights to Dubai, Frankfurt, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

By Rail:

Satara and Wathar are small stations that are about 60 km from Mahabaleshwar. Satara has good connectivity to some major destinations round the country, but Pune is generally considered the better option for a trip by rail as the city has more trains lugging across.

By Road:

There are private and state transport buses that run to Mahabaleshwar from some of the cities and towns of Maharashtra. You could also drive to Mahabaleshwar or hire a cab from the nearest cities.

Getting Around:

There are local taxis for sightseeing tours and Mahabaleshwar Darshan buses that can take you on a sightseeing trip round the hill town.

Mahabaleshwar which had long been considered one of the perfect summer destinations has classic weather almost throughout the year, bar the monsoons. The best months to visit Mahabaleshwar are from November to June.

Summer (March – June):

While the plains are hot and sweltering, up here in Mahabaleshwar the season is warm and pleasant. Summer months are great for trekking and exploring the mountain forts and temples.

Monsoon (July – October):

Mahabaleshwar gets moderate to very heavy rains and thunderstorms during monsoon months. Though the landscape does look alluring, travel and sightseeing might be a problem.

Winter (November – June):

Mountain peaks are misty and the landscape looks lush, dew kissed and radiant after the monsoon rains. It’s time for strawberries and watching the birds at the streams and dense forests.

Village of books:

Bhilar, the little hamlet of strawberries is also a village of books. Visit the sleepy little village to browse through a plethora of books that appeal to touristy book worms and researchers!

Trekking:

If it’s adventure you seek, hike through the lush meadows and mountain peaks of Mahabaleshwar. Mount Olympia or Connaught Peak, the second highest peak on Mahabaleshwar is one of the best trekking destinations ever!

Sailing down the lake:

Things to do in Mahabaleshwar must include a cruise along the pristine cool Venna Lake, a popular touristy spot for an evening’s getaway. If sailing makes you hungry, buy a bag of strawberries or mulberries, carrots or corn from the shacks at the lake’s edge.

Horse rides:

River banks and some of the unexplored trails can be traversed on horseback. Horses and camel rides are a favourite mode of whiling away the time at Sunset Point, Echo Point and Venna Lake.

View from the peaks:

The peaks of the Sahyadri have strategically located places where you can spend ages gazing at the mist covered mountain summits, the wildflowers growing beneath your feet, the green countryside spread around the foothills and the rivers meandering along the forests.

Strawberry Picking:

Strawberries and mulberries are the finest fruits you’d find in Mahabaleshwar. Take time off to call on a farm to pick strawberries and learn a tip or two on growing broccoli, tomatoes or strawberries.

Lingmala Falls:

Lingmala Falls on the Mahabaleshwar to Pune road is a magnificent show put on by nature. If you’d love to sit on the wet rocks, with caution of course, as the rocks tend to be slippery, and let the water lap at your feet, head for the mini falls. For a more spectacular cascade, trek off further away to the main falls, which are not recommended for a swim but are so spectacular to watch.

Mahabaleshwar celebrates the traditional festivities of Gudi Padva, Ganesh Chaturthi and Maha Shivratri. Wai (32 km) celebrates Krishnabai Utsav in seven riverside ghats as a sort of thanksgiving to the River Krishna who provides sustenance to all forms of life and did, according to mythology help Chhatrapati Shivaji get his victory against Afzal Khan in the battle of Pratapgad. Winter’s Mapro Strawberry Festival is another reason why winters are fine in Mahabaleshwar. The three day festival held during Easter weekend has a whole lot of cultural activities, a live orchestra with dance performances and foodie stalls with a plethora of dishes made just out of strawberries and stalls where you can gorge on strawberries – for free!