Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is situated amidst the heights of the Sahyadris, about 120 km south of Pune. Regular State Transport and private buses ply to Mahabaleshwar. Private taxis also are available in plenty. A drive up to Mahabaleshwar is most pleasant. A popular holiday resort with the Burra Sahibs of the Raj, the thick foliage of the hill station is punctuated with generously sized bungalows of another age

The landscape is however fast changing, with modern architecture, mostly of the non-descript, grotesque variety providing the beloved holiday destination with more than its fair share of controversy. Mahabaleshwar's famous "points" offer breathtaking views of valleys that are full of evergreen forests and lush undergrowth. Springs and water falls abound in the area offering lovely picnic spots.

Many of these points have good motorable roads. The winding rides through thick foliage are an experience. If one really wants to enjoy nature in all its placid glory, it is a must for every visitor to take leisurely walks along these sylvan paths. One can also ride on ponies' backs, savouring nature's virgin viridity.

Being mobile is necessary in Mahabaleshwar, if you would like to cover all its sights in a short time span. If, however, you do not have your own vehicle, hired taxis and mini-buses are easily available.

Situated at a height of 1372 m, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular and picturesque hillresorts in Maharashtra. The magnificent hill resort is a paradise of the tourists and famous forweekend gateway specially for the persons having passion for driving across the hills and ghats.Mahableshwar is having the highest rainfall in the Monsoon in Maharashtra.

Elphinstone, Babingtion. Bombay and Kate’s Points offer fine views from the wooded plateau to theplains below. The best viewpoint is Arthur’s Seat 12 km from mahabaleshwar, which looks out over asheer drop 600 m to the Konkan coastal strip there are pleasant waterfalls around Mahabaleshwarsuch as Chinaman’s Dhobi’s and Lingmala Falls.

In the village of Old Mahabaleshwar there are two ancient temples worth visiting. The Krishnabai or Panchganga ( Five Streams ) Mandir is said to contain the springs of five rivers, including the sacred Krishna River which issues from the mouth of a sculpted cow suckling a calf. The Mahabaleshwar Mandir is of interest for its naturally occurring lingam.