Set at an altitude of 1,372m, the highest point in Maharashtra in Western Ghat mountain ranges - on Sahyadri hills in Satara district, is the quintessential hill station Mahabaleshwar.This popular hill station takes its name from God 'Mahabali'. Eternally beautiful, perennially fresh and inviting ,Mahabaleshwar is blessed with spectacular views of the valleys and forests .Its calm and quiet atmosphere is very attractive to the tourists and makes for a cozy refuge for the sun baked people of the palins. Between March-June ,this lovely hill station sports a brownish look but during the advent of monsoon from mid-June up to September , the nature here seems to spread a lush green carpet all around the hill.

 

Earlier the summer capital of the Bombay province during the British rule has become one of the most reputed hill stations of the country in the recent past.Draped in natural beauty , Mahabaleshwar enjoys being one of the biggest magnets attracting large flock of tourists every year varying from honeymooners to those looking for a serene weekend holiday base.

 

Discovered by the British General Lodwick ,this awesome hill station still retains the aura of the colonial period.There are several magnificient mansions,cottages and bunglows built on British style reminding gracefully the bygone era of British Raj.

 

This lovely hill station offers a number of exciting activities to the tourists.Pony rides on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar are something to be experienced.For the youngsters the place laced with numerous scenic points is the perfect base for enjoying cycle rides.

 

Together with its invigorating climatic conditions, tempting strawberry and raspberry farms, foggy mountains,serpentine paths, the soothing numbers played by icy cold waterfalls , the amazing views of the valley,romantic strolls and several look out points make Mahabaleshwar a treat for the eyes and soul.

Arthur Seat collapsed in November 1973 but the adjoining rear portion which can offer almost the same view now bears the same name. This Point is named after Mr. Arthur Malet.It is said that while climbing the hill his wife and two month old child drowned in the river below.

Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point i.e. 4710 ft. (1435 mtrs.) above sea level in Mahabaleshwar.It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. Tourists rush here in the early morning to see the colorful and bright sunrise. Wilson point is also called 'Sunrise Point'.

Panchganga Mandir is one of the holy places of Mahabaleshwar. Water from five different rivers (Koyna, Krishna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri) get together in this place and it comes out from the Gomukh (a cows mouth) carved in stone. So this place is called as Panchganga Mandir. This famous temple was first built by Raja Singhandeo, King of the Yadav of Devgiri in 13th Century. Finally it was improved and enlarged by Maratha Emperor Shivaji in 16th Century.

Venna Lake is the first and major attraction of Mahabaleshwar. It is very famous for boating. Boating in the Venna lake is full of pleasure for all, old as well as youngsters. This Lake was constructed by Maharaja Shahaji of Satara and was completed in the year 1842.

A visit to Pratapgadh adds a historical dimension to the Mahabaleshwar trip. It is a place where the history of Maratha Emperor Shivaji took a decisive course when mighty Afzal khan met his death. Shivaji Maharaja then established himself as a significant force in the contemporary power politics.

Pratapgadh 900 mtrs above sea level, lies 19 kms. west of Mahabaleshwar. This fort from a distance looks like a round topped hill, the wall of lower fort forming a sort of a band or crown round the brow.

Tapola, 28 kms. from Mahabaleshwar with its virgin beauty is also a very scenic point. Koyna Dam's back water and the picturesque surroundings make this place an ideal picnic and boating spot.