Mahabaleswar is a beautiful city in Maharashtra, India. It’s known for its temples, beautiful tourist points and waterfalls. If you’re looking for a tourist experience in Mahabaleswar, then keep reading. Will explain the top 10 Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for a Perfect Monsoon Vacation based on our personal experiences.
If you’re looking for a great tourist experience, then Mahabaleswar is the place to go. In this article, we’ll tell you all about our experience in Mahabaleswar. We’ll also outline some tips while being at Mahabaleswar. So if you’re planning a trip to Maharashtra, be sure to read the full article!
Our Plan for Mahabaleswar Trip
Typically August month is the Monsoon season in most of the part in India. However, the experience in the range of Sahyadri mountains is special. We made out a plan to Mahabaleswar during heavy rain in the region. Our plan was for two nights & three days. In this article, i will explain our experience in Mahabaleswar, Popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwar & the key considerations while planning for the trip purely based on our experience. So stay tuned 👍
Reaching Mahabaleswar
Depending on where you are traveling from, you have all three means of reach to the City.
Air
If you’re looking for a quick way to get to Mahabaleshwar, you might want to consider flying into Pune Airport. Not only is it close by – only 131 km away – but there are plenty of airlines that offer regular flights from all over India. Once you’re there, it’s easy to take public transportation or a cab to reach the famed tourist destination.
Rail
Mahabaleshwar by train can be a little frustrating as the hill station doesn’t have its own station. However, Wathar railway station, located about 60 km away from Mahabaleshwar, is the closest railhead serving this lovely hill station. This makes traveling to and from Mahabaleshwar convenient – you can take trains from Pune or Mumbai to Wathar. Buses and prepaid taxis are easily available from these railway stations for Mahabaleshwar too.
Road
Mahabaleshwar, a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats, is easily accessible by bus from nearby cities. MSRTC offers regular services from Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Panchgani, Satara and Kolhapur to Mahabaleshwar. Alternatively, one can hire cabs or taxis from Mumbai and Pune to reach Mahabaleshwar. There are various buses available from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar taking around 3-5 hours depending on the mode of travel.
However, if you are staying in the proximity of 500 KM, then I would highly recommend a drive with your own Car or hire a taxi, simply not to miss the stunning landscapes, Mountains & waterfalls during your drive, especially in Monsoon.
Stay at Mahabaleswar
There are plenty of hotels and resorts in Panchgani that offer excellent facilities to tourists. Some of the best hotels in Panchgani are The Oberoi Panchgani, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, The Leela Palace, and The Park Plaza Panchgani.
However, we chose Mount View Executive due to the location. We booked the hotel for two days with a hill view. Although we could not spend a lot of time in the room, the amount of time spent in the room with the splendid view was worth a treasure.
However other than the location, probably the room services are not worth highlighting !!
Best places to visit in Mahabaleswar
There is a number of stunning places available to visit in Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani city, however Visiting all the places may not be feasible due to multiple factors, such as weather, available time etc. However, you should surely check out the following places without fail !!
Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple
Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra in the Beautiful Shrine. The temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. This should be your starting point while exploring the natural beauty of Mahabaleswar.
You should definitely check out the PanchGanga temple within the Mahabaleswar temple premises itself. It is said that five holy rivers join in this place & form the PanchaGanga!!
5 AM – 5 PM
Arthur’s Seat Point
Arthur’s Point is an unspoiled paradise located in Mahabaleswar, Maharashtra. Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, it is a haven for nature lovers and tourists alike. The place is well known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, located on the route & just a few kilometers from Mahabaleswar temple. There are several points nearby Arthur’s Point, hence all of them can be covered together. This is a must-visit place.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Venna Lake – The Most Visited Place
Vienna Lake is located in the vicinity of Mahabaleshwar city. This lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. If you’re looking for a stunning location to spend a few hours during your vacation, then Vienna Lake is the perfect place. The Lake is one of the Most Visited places in Mahabaleswar.
Any Time
Mapro Garden
Many Delightful Strawberry Gardens could be found in Mahabaleswar & Mapro Garden is one of them & one of the most visited places in Panchgani, Mahabaleswar. If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful garden to call your own, then Mapro Garden is the place for you. This garden is home to many different types of plants, including strawberries.
A few hours worth spending in the place. Mapro garden consists of a few Demo plants which demonstrate the food processing process, an outlet & dining which could be awesome having lunch next to a beautiful strawberry garden 😍
9 AM – 9 PM
Pure Gold Cheese Factory
Cheese Factory is a cheese manufacturing company based in Mahabaleswar, Maharashtra. It was founded in 1984 by Mr. Premchand Jain and Mrs. Rekha Jain. Today, the company produces a wide range of cheese products, including gouda, cheddar, brie, camembert, blue cheese, cream cheese, feta, ricotta and soft cheeses. The company also exports its products to over 30 countries across the world. This place can be visited from 9 AM to 9 PM.
9 AM – 9 PM
Pratapgad Fort– The Testifier Of The Past
Pratapgad fort, also known as Mahabaleswar Fort, is a hill fortress in the city of Mahabaleshwar in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort is located on the summit of a hill and overlooks the Arabian Sea to the south. It was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674 and forms part of his unfinished Maratha Empire project.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Lingamala Water Falls – The Majestic Falls
Lingamala Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Mahabaleswar, Maharashtra. If you’re looking for a natural place to visit in Maharashtra, then Lingamala Falls is definitely worth a visit. Not only is the waterfall beautiful, but it’s also an important religious site. The falls are said to be the abode of Goddess Parvati. If you’re looking for a scenic spot to visit in Maharashtra, then Lingamala Falls should be at the top of your list.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Elephant’s Head Point – The Famous Needle Point
Elephant’s Head Point is one of the most beautiful spots in Mahabaleswar, Maharashtra. If you’re looking for a scenic place to visit in Mahabaleswar, then this is the place for you. The place is named after the giant elephant’s head-shaped stone. The point was once home to an elephant training ground as well. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination. This place should be in your list if you are a nature enthusiast!!
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Sydney Point
Sydney Point is one of the many memorizing places in Mahabaleswar. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in the heart of nature, Sydney Point is the perfect place. This secluded retreat offers stunning views of the mountains and is only a short drive from Mahabaleswar, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Parsi Point – A Place With Awe-Inspiring Beauty
Parsi Point is another popular point to take pleasure in natural beauty if you are a nature lover. This place is just over a kilometer from the bus stop & nearby the main road which connects Panchgani & Mahabaleswar city, hence worth exploring in my opinion.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Table Land – Asia’s Second Highest Mountain Plateau
Table Land is a plateau that marks the highest point of Panchgani with a height of 4500 feet above sea level. It is also known as the second-longest mountain plateau in Asia and offers a jaw-dropping view of deep valleys and majestic hills. Best visited during sunrise and sunset, Table Land is home to many attractions such as horse riding, trekking, merry-go-rounds, arcade games, and mini trains.
5 AM – 5 PM is a good time to visit
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had a great time in Mahabaleshwar. The location was perfect for us – it was close to all the attractions we wanted to see, but far enough away that we could relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. However, we observed a scarcity of staff at the resort. We would definitely recommend this resort to others if you focus on the vicinity than the service.
Things to consider while planning for Mahabaleswar
When planning your trip to Mahabaleshwar, be sure to consider the following:
- The Place is an all-season destination in my opinion. You will face different climates depending on the season, however, the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is during the monsoon season if you want to experience the waterfalls with lush greenery, from June to September. During this time, the city is blanketed in lush greenery and the atmosphere is serene and calming.
- During the winter, Mahabaleshwar can be quite cold and rainy. If you’re planning to visit during this time, be prepared for inclement weather and pack extra layers of clothing.
- Mahabaleshwar is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for a busy environment. Make sure to plan your trip in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines and crowds.
- The city is well-known for its temples, including the iconic Mahabaleshwar Temple. If you’re visiting Mahabaleshwar for the first time, be sure to visit these attractions as well.
- Mahabaleshwar is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, both Indian and international. If you’re looking for a break from the heat, be sure to check out one of these establishments.
