MAHABALESHWAR CITY TRAVEL Guide
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At 1,372 meters above sea level,
Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular and the
largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar is
Sanskrit fro God of Great Power. The first Briton to set
foot here was Sir Charles Malet in 1791. Under General
Peter Lodwick and Sir John Malcolm, the governor of
Bombay, a sanitarium was built in 1828. Mahabaleshwar
was then considered a British territory and was named
'Malcolm Peth' for some years. The bazaar is still named
so. John Malcolm was completely taken in by the
hill-station. Under British rule, roads were built,
following which resorts quickly sprang up. Bungalows,
churches and the Mahabaleshwar Club was built. A Polo
ground and race course were opened. In the 19th century,
as soon as the sanitarium was founded, an open jail
reformatory center was established. Convicts from China
and Malaysia were stationed here. They were involved in
constructing roads, grinding cornflour, maintaining
potato cultivation's and other vegetable gardens in the
English resorts. Now, the Public Works Department
bungalow stands on the site of the prison. Mahabaleshwar
was the summer capital of the Governor of the old Bombay
Presidency. The Britishers built various mansions,
Cottages and bunglows 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 the rat race. The
hill-station is very crowded during vacations like
Christmas and Diwali and in summers.
Places to See
Unlike Matheran, Mahabaleshwar has long motorable roads
to its sights and points. And several taxis stand by to
help you on your way. If you're in a more adventurous
mood, you could even hire a pony for the bridle paths,
instead of a vehicle.
Mount Malcolm:
It used to be the most famous building in the olden
days. It was built in 1829 with magnificent
architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a lot
of its old charm now.
Catholic Church:
A Visit to the old Roman Catholic Holy Cross church is
worth a detour. Although the church is practically
falling apart, its stained - glass window are still a
sight to behold. This deserted church is now looked
after by a Hindu family.
Mahabaleshwar Club:
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and
well maintained. Only members of the club can stay here.
It is very popular for its well-tended roses and lovely
jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated by loyal
members every year. Fortunately , one facility is open
to visitors; who can use the golf-course whenever they
feel like.
Morarji Castle:
Also worth a look is this old structure. mahatma Gandhi
once lived here in 1945.
Pratapgad Fort:
This is 24 Kms. away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was
built in 1656 by Moropant Trimak Pingle under the
command of the Maratha ruler shivaji. It was here that
the mighty general of Bijapur, Afzal Khan was killed by
Shivaji. The fort has a great view.
Various points in Mahabaleshwar:
There are various points around the edge looking out
over the flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green
valleys below. Almost 1,240 meters above the sea level,
Lodwick Point has a great view. There is a monument in
memory of the general, erected by his son. Between
Lodwick Point and Elphinstone Point lies the Dhobi
waterfall. Also on the path to Elphinstone Point is a
small scenic spot overlooking the Koyna river valley.
Elphinstone Point is named after a former Governor of
Mumbai. Lying at 1,348 mts above sea-level is Arthur's
Seat, overlooking the beautiful Jor Valley. About a
kilometer from this is Tiger's Spring and, following the
same path, you will reach a small ledge known as 'The
Window' The view from here is simply mesmerizing.For
those looking for a spiritual experience, there are the
Krishna and Mahabaleshwar Temples. As well as the point
of the five rivers which flow over the Deccan Plateau,
namely the Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Veena and Gayatri.
Mahabaleshwar was considered a holy place with a strong
historical background for centuries. The name
Mahabaleshwar means great ("Maha") Power ("Bali"). The
place is still frequented by local devotees. Another
interesting temple is a black stone one, a little ahead
from the others, with a lovely view. Kate's Point, along
Duchess Road, at 1,290 metres is yet another great point
to look over. The Lingmala waterfall, at the top of
Venna Valley, six kilometers. from the post office, is
the most impressive spot of Mahabaleshwar. The
uninterrupted fall descends down, five six hundred feet
from the cliff. A little ahead of the falls, Wilson
Point stands at 1,435 meters, the highest point in the
hill. South east from this point lies Helen's Point at
the Blue Valley, Overlooking the Panchgani and Gaolani
Points. Badington Point overlooks the Koyna Valley.
Heading south from this point is Chinaman's Waterfall.
Falkland Point follows next in the line. Nearby is
Carnac Point, named after Sir James Rivett Carnac. Yet
another spectacular view is seen ahead at Bombay Point.
If you enjoy boating you will find boats for hire on the
central Yanna Lake next to the golf Course.
Excursions:
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of
Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is also amongst the most
frequented hill resorts. The name is derived from the
fact that it is located at the the centre of the five
hills ("Panch" = five, "Gani" = hills). The place is
well known for trekking and other adventure activities.
Climb atop "Table Land", a famous flat - mounted top,
from where you can have a look at the vast plain below.
The berry farms here are another tourist attraction.
Climate:
It has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In
summers , temperature range between 16 and 20 degrees
Celsius and in winters it falls even further.
Clothing:
Since the climate is pleasant throughout the year, loose
cotton attire is preferable. Although during winters
light woolen clothes are advisable.
What to buy:
In Mahableshwar honey and strawberry crushes and jams
are very famous. The place also has a wide variety of
chikki (a famous local sweet).
How to get there
By Air:Nearest airport is Pune, 120 kms.
By Rail:Nearest railhead is Wather, but Pune, 120 kms is
the convenient rail head.
By Road:Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Pune is 290 kms.
Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar is 19 kms.
Pune - Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms. |
