Situated amidst the beauty of Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is known for its magnificent cascades and enchanting mountain peaks. It’s a hill station located at a distance of 57 km from Satara district of Maharashtra. From Mumbai, it takes around 5 hours to reach this place, thus making it a great weekend getaway near Mumbai.
It is known for its picturesque views and splendid strawberry farms. It also has waterfalls and is covered with lush greenery and captivating valleys. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital during the British rule and there’s a lot of British influence in its architectural heritage.
Tourists from all over India throng the place for all kinds of adventures. The place will refresh and rejuvenate you as it’s also a perfect spot for nature lovers. Mahabaleshwar is the queen of hill stations of western India. The pleasant temperature of the place adds to its beauty. During the rainy season, the valley views look breathtaking.
If you are planning a trip to this mystical hill station, then do check out some best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar so that your stay is memorable. Also, here are some amazing accommodation options in Mahabaleshwar that you can look at.
Best Places To Visit in Mahabaleshwar
- #1: Mapro Garden
- #2: Lingamala Falls
- #3: Venna Lake
- #4: Elephant's Head Point
- #5: Lodwick Point
- #6: Pratapgad Fort
- #7: Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple
- #8: Rajpuri Caves/ Karthik Caves
- #9: Arthur Seat
- #10: Bhushan Mahamuni
- #11: Tapola
- #12: Morarji Castle
#1. Mapro Garden:
It’s one of the most famous places to visit near Mahabaleshwar. You simply cannot miss the beauty of this strawberry delight as you savour strawberry delicacies at Mapro Garden. From delectable jams, marmalade to syrups and squashes, you can savour each product.
Don’t miss the scrumptious strawberry ice-cream and strawberry shake. If you have a sweet tooth, then do visit this point in Mahabaleshwar. There is a nine-day strawberry festival held in May every year. Tourists can enjoy amazing music performances while enjoying different varieties of strawberries.
How To Reach:
The Mapro Garden is located at a distance of 11 km from Mahabaleshwar. The place is situated in the Gureghar district of Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road. You can take a direct cab or bus from Mahabaleshwar to reach the place.
You can also reach the place by private vehicle. Most tourists take a bus from the Mahabaleshwar bus station to reach the Mapro Garden. It’s open from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
Winter, which is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar, is the ideal time to visit this place. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#2. Lingamala Falls:
Lingamala Falls offers a breathtaking sight and it’s every nature lover’s delight. You need to walk through the first hilly spot to reach this place. The scenic view of the place makes up for a perfect Mahabaleshwar picnic spot.
It’s also an ideal place for photography. Post monsoon, the waterfall looks all the more pleasant and beautiful. But, if the force is more it can also be dangerous. The ideal month to visit this sightseeing place in Mahabaleshwar is July. Dhobi waterfall & Chinaman’s waterfall is also located near the place. Another popular waterfall near Mumbai is the Bhivpuri Waterfalls, which is one of the top sightseeing places in Karjat.
How To Reach:
The waterfall is located on the right side of the road when you travel from Mahabaleshwar to Panchgani. A small signboard indicates the direction. It’ll take about 10 minutes to reach the place from the main road. The place is open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#3. Venna Lake:
You simply can’t miss this Mahabaleshwar tourist spot, the sight is just amazing. Lush green trees on all the sides surround this pristine lake and it offers boat rides to tourists. The boat rides are open all through the day so that you can soak up the beauty of natural surroundings.
This is a beautiful romantic getaway, and if you are visiting with your partner, you can also take a stroll by the lake to enjoy the mesmerizing view. The mini train rides near the place will enthral your children and fishing activities will make them smile.
How To Reach:
Venna Lake is just 2 km away from the Mahabaleshwar market. Take a cab or you can use your private vehicle to reach this Mahabaleshwar tourist point. The place is open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#4. Elephant's Head Point:
This Mahabaleshwar spot is famous for its natural beauty. When you’ll reach the place, you’ll find a mountain with the resemblance of the elephant’s head. The place is also known as the ‘Needlepoint’ and is perfect for taking some amazing photos.
It’s one of the famous Mahabaleshwar points also ideal for a picnic with the family. The view from the place is captivating with scenic surroundings and cool breeze. You’ll also get to witness the beauty of Sahyadri ranges from this amazing spot.
How To Reach:
It’s just 7 km away from the Mahabaleshwar bus station. You can take an auto ride or bus from the main place to reach the point. Elephant’s head point is ideally located near Lodwick point towards the hill. The place is open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#5. Lodwick Point:
It’s the oldest tourist spot of Mahabaleshwar. It was known as ‘Sydney Point’ but was renamed in the honour of General Lodwick, who was the first British officer to climb this hill. There is a 25 feet high pole that offers a breathtaking view of the valley.
You can also catch a glimpse of Pratapgad Fort and Elphinstone Point from Lodwick Point. The sunset and sunrise from here look surreal.
How To Reach:
Lodwick Point is situated at a 5 km distance from the main city of Mahabaleshwar. The only way to reach this place is through a trek. As the place is not well connected by road, you have to walk your way to this pretty point. The place is open from 6 a.m to 8 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#6. Pratapgad Fort:
Just like Rajmachi Fort – one of the best places to visit in Lonavala – you shouldn’t miss the historic Pratapgad fort in Mahabaleshwar. Its the top place to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The place is famous for its amazing views and holds historical significance. The fort was built by Maratha rulers in 1665 and is placed on top of the hill point.
The place was ruined in the battle of Pratapgad but still holds heritage value. You can also visit the Mahadev Temple that is located on the upper front of the hill.
How To Reach:
The Pratapgad Fort is located at a distance of 20 km from Mahabaleshwar. You can take a cab to get there. Once you reach the spot, you’ll have to trek it to reach the top. The place is open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#7. Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple:
This is again a famous place to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The temple is situated in the old city and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century. The holy pond near the Temple and huge Shiv Linga draw many tourists to the Temple.
The place is ideally located near five meeting point of rivers. You can also visit the famous Lakshmibai Temple near the spot.
How To Reach:
The temple is located just 6 km away from the main city. You can reach here by auto or cab or private vehicle. The place is open from 6 a.m to 7 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#8. Rajpuri Caves/ Karthik Caves:
If fascinating caves enthral you, do visit this sightseeing spot in Mahabaleshwar. Large Kunds surround the place. The highlight of the place is the temple that is located within. You can visit the Lord Karthikeya Temple and Ghatjal Devi Temple inside the caves.
Three more caves are linked through a tunnel that is believed to have sheltered Pandavas during their exile period. An annual local fair is held in the harvest season.
How To Reach:
The place is located 25 km away from Panchgani- Mahabaleshwar road. You can take a cab or a bus to reach the destination. The place is open from 6 a.m to 7 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#9. Arthur Seat:
It’s one of the top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. Located at the height of 1470 meters above sea level, the view from the place is captivating. The highlight of the place is its air pressure feature.
If you throw anything from the valley, it’ll bounce back due to air pressure. The place is also known as the ‘Queen of Points’ in Mahabaleshwar due to its breathtaking view of the Deccan Ghats. You can also catch a glimpse of green valleys of Brahma-Arayana & Savitri River. Visit the Wilson Point when you visit the Arthur Seat.
How To Reach:
It is just 13 km away from the main Mahabaleshwar market. Once you reach the place, you can trek for 30 minutes to reach the point. It’s open from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. Many of the best resorts in Mahabaleshwar is also close to this spectacular destination. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#10. Bhushan Mahamuni:
It’s the most famous sightseeing place in Mahabaleshwar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Kshetra Mahabaleshwar. It’s also a base for Swayambhu’ Shiv Linga with various water streams.
It is also a meeting point of Krishna, Venna, Gayatri Koyna, and Savitri rivers. You can visit the place to seek some divine intervention. You can also visit the Aati Baleshwar Temple that is located near Bhushan Mahamuni.
How To Reach:
The place is just 6 km away from the Mahabaleshwar bus stand. You can take a cab or auto ride from the place. The place is open from 6 a.m to 10 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#11. Tapola:
Tapola is also known as ‘Mini Kashmir’ and its one of the top tourist places in Mahabaleshwar. With beautiful jungle treks and picturesque Shivsagar Lake, the place is a great picnic spot. Tapola is famous for its adventure sports activities like paragliding and kayaking.
You can also enjoy a boat ride at Shivsagar Lake with your family. Also, visit the nearby strawberry fields along with milking cow at a local farm. It’ll be an experience you’ll cherish forever. Do revel in the tranquillity and beauty of this amazing place. The sunset view from this place is superb.
How To Reach:
The place is just 25 km away from Mahabaleshwar. You can book a cab or bus to reach the place. It’s open 24/7, but the best time to visit the place is during sunset and sunrise. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
#12. Morarji Castle:
Its an ideal place for history and art lovers. The building is constructed in colonial style architecture so you’ll get colonial vibes from the place. Hilly terrains and plains surround the place.
You can also choose the spot for a trek with your friends to enjoy the exotic views of natural surroundings. This place should be included in your itinerary.
How To Reach:
Its located at a short distance and the best time to visit is from October to May. The place is open from 10 a.m to 6.30 p.m. Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip.
Plan Your Magical Mahabaleshwar Trip
Mahabaleshwar offers awe-inspiring views and is an ideal place for honeymooners, friends, and family. The lush greenery, fresh air, pristine lakes, and valley views offer you a break from the chaos of life.
The beauty of Western Ghats will take you to another world, its an ideal place to visit during the rainy season and winters so, Book a package to explore the raw beauty of Western Ghats. And, for accommodation, check out these best resorts near Mumbai.
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