A weekend in Mahabaleshwar

Since it was a long weekend, we decided to head to Mahabaleshwar. Located at an altitude of 1,348 meters above sea level in Satara district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra,  Mahabaleshwar can be reached  an approximately six hours from Mumbai.  It was a much awaited trip and everything right from private vehicle arrangement, Dormitory booking, food, guide and  places to visit was well planned.

Our route as:
Mumbai - Kalamboli-Panvel (take NH17)-Pen-Mahad-Pholadpur (off NH17)-Mahabaleshwar.

We started from Mumbai at around 3 am in a private bus.  After settled in their seats, each person opened their backpack and extracted mobile phone, snacks etc etc. En route, we had a pit stop, knowing this was the only bath room and stretch break. Once the journey had resumed, some of us opened snack packets and enjoyed a mid-route snack. When we passed through ghat road, the surroundings was scenic with mountain ranges on one side and dense valley forest on the other side. By 9 am, we reached our hotel. We settled our luggage, took shower and headed out for breakfast. By 10 am, everyone was ready to explore Mahabaleshwar.

From cool breeze to vantage points and, of course, boating in Vennala lake, here is how to make the most of a weekend in Mahabaleshwar.

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN RANGES

Make your way into the vastly untouched terrain of Mahabaleshwar. You can enjoy the chilly weather and beautiful mountain ranges covered by clouds and lush greenery.

VARIOUS VIEW POINTS

Number of "points" from where you can have the view of the hills.  There are close to 25 'points' in Mahabaleshwar. Hunting Point, Needless Hole View Point, Echo Point, Tiger Spring Point, Arthur seat Point, Malcolm Point and Kate's Point are few Points to visit.

The best thing to do is to take long walks along properly laid path to various view points, and become part of the romance that Mahabaleshwar exudes. The valley was covered in clouds and the mountains had disappeared behind a curtain of mist. 

Arthur's Point and Kates Point  offers a fantastic view of the valley below. A short walk from Elephant's Head Point brought us to Chinamen point. There is a big waterfall.

Chinaman's Falls, Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Maharashtra, India

Balakwadi dam and Needle hole rock are major attractions. From Kate's point, you will get fantastic view of Balakwadi dam and Dhom dam.

Elephant's Head point or Needle hole rock, Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Maharashtra, India

Balakwadi dam - View from Kates Point, Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Maharashtra, India

We headed to the market. We saw many traders trying to sell us their plastic flower straw, inflatable hammers, bamboo flutes etc etc. We bought  Kurkure and  nuts.

ENJOY BOATING AT VENNALA LAKE

This Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar and is known for boating and other fun filled activities. It is 2 km away from the ST bus stand. There are several options small boats , large boats, peddle boats and rowing. There are various food stalls along the bank of the lake.  After grabbing snack and ginger tea here we headed to the next spot.

Boating at Vennala Lake, Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, Maharashtra, India

MAPRO GARDEN

Mapro Garden is a shopping complex cum restaurant with chocolate products from their own factory, small nursery, restaurant, children’s play area and a retail outlet selling Mapro products. Do not miss the first hand taste of delicious & mouth watering delicacies, strawberry-based desserts, cakes and other goodies.  There are tasting stations where the various juice mixes can be sampled and then bought.  This is a must visit place for all the travelers visiting Mahabaleshwar.