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Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms. at an altitude of 1372m.
While away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake. Explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea. Bathe in the crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls.
Discover Pratapgad Fort 24 kms. away, where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afzal Khan. And the gorgeous ninehole golf course built on the edge of a cliff! Or simply idle through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries, blackberries, jams and jellies.
Panchgani derives its name from the five hills around it. At an altitudes of 1334m. it is just 38m. below Mahabaleshwar. These 38m translate themselves into a breathtraking 18 km. approach, that swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart-stopping views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the the other.
Panchagani is the quintessential residential hill-station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding schools that have been around for a century or more.
For glimpses of a vanished era, special visit to some of the old British and Parsi houses is also important. Amble along the walkways, thoisckly canopied by lush trees and vegetation and deleight is the secrets you come upon.
The Krishna, snaking through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. (Visit Table Land, a flat mountain peak and feast your eyes on the coastal pplains, looking like miniature water colours.)
Select a horse from one of the numerous stable and canter along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes, to the caves and Kamalgad Fort. Or while away time at the bazaar.
Panchagani is the one of those rare places that doesnot crowd anyone, yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor. Taxis are easily available, though here too, bicycles (and horseback) are recommended for traveling long distances.
Temperatures vary from 16°C in winter to 35°C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 216 cms.
September to May is the best time to visit.
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Lonaval, Khandala - Karla
Lonaval and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms. apart, that straddle the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m.
Quite popular as health resort, there are a number of sanatoria dotting the hills in the towns.
Khandala is smaller and calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderfull surprises. Both towns offer scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myriad waterfalls, it can be enchanting.
Karla about 12 kms. from Lonavala, is the site of the largest Chaitya caves in India, built in 89 B.C. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws, easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best way of getting to and from Karla.
Temperatures vary from 12°C to 36°C throughout the year with an annual rainfall of 450 cms.
October to May is the best time to visit.
Matheran
Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two hour ascent in a toy train.
With food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off, as the valley glides by sedately! Or a tough 11 km. Hike through thick and shady forests.
Matheran's cliffs with incredibly steep drops to the plains below create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light-headed. The Hart Point offers a view of the lights of Mumbai at night!
All of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular, if isolated, sides of picnic and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children. The old world charm of the British and Parsi homes is an irresistible draw.
The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality - CHIKKI!
Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet, serene place.
Temperatures vary from 16°C in winter to 32°C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms.
October to May is the best time to visit.
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Sunggling coyly, in the southern reanges of the Sahyadri hills. Amboli at an altitude of 690 m. is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches. Visit the numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Sea view Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast.spend hours by yourself angling for fish at hiranya Keshi or picnic at the Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad.
The Bauxite Mines, 10 kms. away, is a pleasant and very different excursion.
If you'r looking to spend a few days in splendid isolation with your family, Amboli is an ideal resort.
Taxis and rickshaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.
Amboli has a cool and invigorating climate - a welcome respite in summer.
Chikhaldara
This is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Heechaka in a Herculean bout and threw him into a valley. It came to be known as Keechakadara - Chikhaldara is a corruption. But there's more to Chikhaldara. The only hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it has the added distinction of being the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, even the rarely seen wild dogs.
Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point.
Other interesting excursions include Gawilgad and Narnala fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake. Situated at an altitude of 1118 m. Chikhaldara receives an annual rainfall of 154 cms. The temperatures vary from 39°C in summer to 5°C in winter. October to June is the best time to visit.