Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a mesmerising hill station that beckons visitors to explore the charms of its abundant natural wonders and rich history. Located in Maharashtra's Satara district, this charming destination offers a captivating fusion of lush surroundings, gushing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the Sahyadri range. Join us as we explore this timeless destination, where every nook and cranny tells a tale of nature's beauty and human history.
Built in 1842 by Satara's Raja, Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, Mahabaleshwar's Venna Lake is one breathtaking example of a natural marvel. This lake is an ideal choice for a fun-filled outing with your loved ones. This picturesque lake, surrounded by verdant hills and trees, is dotted with colourful boats or "Shikaras" and provides guests with an unforgettable experience.
Spanning across an area of approximately 28 acres, the lake has a periphery of about 7-8 km, making it an ideal place to stroll on a pleasant evening. Located near the lake, the Chhatrapati Pratapsinh Garden is a well-maintained garden and a perfect spot for picnics close by. Enjoying a serene boat ride on this peaceful lake while soaking in the stunning hillside vistas is a top activity in Mahabaleshwar this December.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
Price: Starts from INR 250 onwards
If you're looking for something to do in Mahabaleshwar besides adventurous activities, visit one of the local strawberry fields or, even better, the Mapro Garden! Mapro Garden is a unique venture that started in Mahabaleshwar and is gaining popularity throughout India. Visitors can see the farms, learn about the cultivation process, and even pick fresh strawberries during harvest. It also provides a wide variety of delicious food and drink items made from various berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and mulberries.
Mapro Garden hosts an annual strawberry festival during the Easter weekend, where visitors can enjoy live music, strawberry picking, and various entertaining activities. Almost half of the nation's supply of strawberries and strawberry-related products comes from this enchanting land.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Location: Gureghar, Panchgani Mahabaleshwar Road, Mahabaleshwar
Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, around 6 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, is the historic Mahabaleshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The revered Hindu temple is one of the most notable examples of the rich Maratha heritage. The temple, situated in a hilly terrain, was built in the 16th century during the Chanda Rao More dynasty's reign.
Here, you will get to see Lord Shiva's mythical belongings, such as his Damru, Trishul, Rudraksha, and the Nandi (the sacred bull), all housed within the premises. Legend has it that the Maratha King Shivaji weighed his mother Jijabai in gold donated to charity on an elevated platform within the shrine.
Timings: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm
Located approximately 6 km from the main city on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune Road near the forest bungalow of Lingmala is the breathtaking Lingmala Waterfall. The waterfall has two main tiers. The main waterfall plunges from a height of about 600 feet, creating a breathtaking spectacle, and a smaller or 'mini' waterfall, which is separated by a short 30-minute hike from it, is situated at the base of the main waterfall and is more accessible and suitable for swimming and playing in the water.
Amid verdant hills and lush greenery, this natural paradise will leave you awestruck with its magnificence. The highlight of your vacation would be the calming sound of the water cascading down the hills while you take a dip in the mini waterfall. All of this makes Mahabaleshwar a charming location for an Indian honeymoon.
Timings: 8 am to 5 30 pm
Location: Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road
Entry fee: INR 20 per person
Pratapgarh Fort is perched atop a hill in the Western Ghats, approximately 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. The fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century, is a commemoration of the Maratha victory of the army of Afzal Khan in the Battle of Pratapgad in 1659. This fort remains intact and hasn't lost its grandeur over the years. It showcases the architectural brilliance of the Maratha era, with sturdy walls, bastions, and gateways strategically designed for defence.
Along the trek, you'll encounter lakes, the Shivaji Maharaj statue, the Bhavani Temple, a cultural library, and many more sights that will make your journey worthwhile. The fort's commanding view, architectural marvels, and the legends associated with it make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, trekkers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of Maharashtra.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (fort timings)
Entry fee: Free
Location: Poladpur - Mahabaleshwar Road
Arthur's Seat, sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Points," is the most well-known viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar, located 1470 metres above sea level. Originally referred to as Madhi Mahal, the site provides picturesque views of the Savitri River on the left and "Bramha Aranya's" lush forests on the right. The point is famed for showcasing the geological distinction between the Konkan and the Deccan territories. Arthur's Seat is the only place that delineates the different geological formations.
The Seat's antigravitational phenomenon is the most attractive feature of this site. Here, light objects float, which means that if you throw objects in the air, like a cap, they will automatically float back because of certain air pressure.
Timings: 9 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: Free
Also known as Mini Kashmir, Tapola is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Renowned for its pastoral beauty, Tapola offers great opportunities for jungle trekking and nature walks. This picturesque village is set against the backdrop of the stunning Sahyadri mountain range and is primarily known for its scenic beauty, serene ambience, and the Shivsagar Lake. While trekking and hiking in this forest, you can observe some rare and abundant flora, fauna, and avifauna at close quarters.
In addition to jungle trekking, the lake's tranquil waters provide a few other water sports, including swimming, boating, water scooter rides, and kayaking. You can visit the famous strawberry farms and interact with locals here to learn more about village life under the Tapola eco-agro tourism initiative.
Camping fee: Around INR 1500
Best time to visit: October to February
The closest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Satara, located at a distance of 45 kilometres. Satara is well connected with other cities of Maharashtra and major Indian cities. Multiple trains travel to Satara from Mumbai and Pune. You can also book a flight to Pune airport, which is located 120 kilometres away from Mahabaleshwar, and then book a direct bus or taxi to Mahabaleshwar from there.