Owing to its pleasant climate Mahabaleshwar is a hill-station which is a must visit for one and all. Mahabaleshwar, at 1,372 meters above sea level, is one of the most spectacular and the largest of Maharashtra’s hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit fro God of Great Power.
Staying amidst the beauty of Mahabaleshwar can however be added if one opts to stay in a homestay. It has several advantages….the first and foremost being one can know the fascinating facts of these hill resort from a local host. No hotel guide will tell you about these. Above that you can add local flavour to the cuisine too.
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.
It’s an evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest. Honey & chikki, channas, waling sticks. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries , goose berries & muberries. Vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, raddishes. Boating in Venna lake.
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.
Distance from Key cities/ towns:
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 km
Mumbai to Pune is 180 km & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 km.
Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 km.
History of Mahabaleshwar:
Maharaja Pratapsinha of Satara (1818 to 1839) engineered a scheme to develop M’war as a health resort. sir John Malcolum, the first governer to visit Mahabaleshwar in 1828, established M’war in 1829. Sir Charles Malet, the first resident in Pune darbar of the Peshwas in 1791 happens to be the first european to step on this plateau.
Places of Interest:
Wilson Point: Also called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.
Connaught Peak: The second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.
Arthur’s Seat: This is the Queen of all points. Some compare the stratification of rocks on southern side to the world famous stratification of rocks of the Grand Canyon of Colarado. USA. It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more fascinating to know that Arthur’s seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near.
If you go by the steps you come across a spring known as Tiger’s spring which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri. Immediately below the seat is window point. You have to go deep by steps to reach the window point.
Kates Point: Offers breathtaking view of Krishna valley & deep waters of the Dhom dam. From southern side it looks like an elephants head. There is also an echo point.
Baghdad Point: A very beautiful point. It goes past village Moleshware on the way. You see a superb scenic view of the back waters of koyna dam on your left, river solshi in front of you with tiny villages as if sqatting on river banks & vast green slopes of M’war plateau on your right.
Gaolani Point: At a distance of about 7 km from ST bus station, by Tapola road you will meet the junction of road which will lead you to village Maharola From Maharola with little inquiry or following the map it should not be difficult to find this point. after reaching the point you will find yourself standing over a pass known as Zolachi Khind & enjoy the scenery of two valleys on the two sides.
These are just some of the many beautiful spots in Mahabaleshwar which can enchant you for days together. So when you are here opt for a homestay and enjoy Mahabaleshwar in the most local style.
