Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are one of the most popular weekend destinations because of thrill and adventure activities like trekking, hiking, boating, bird watching, rock climbing, and cave exploring to thrill seekers. Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Pune and Mumbai, it is 120 km away from Pune and 285 km away from Mumbai. There are luxurious Volvo and state transport buses available from both the cities. Mahabaleshwar also offers lots of quiet, undisturbed places among stunning landscapes, peace and relaxation to nature lovers.
1. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s point is at a distance of 13 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand and 7 km from Old Mahabaleshwar, Arthur seat point is the most popular viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar for its grand canyon like views having Konkan on one side and Deccan on the other. Beware of Monkeys here as they can grab your food and water. Monkey grabbed our water bottle. Arthur’s Seat Point area has 6 points in total viz Arthur’s Seat Point, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Tiger Spring Point, Window Point and Malcom Point.
Timings 9 am to 8 pm
2. Babington Point
The path that leads up to this point provides a fantastic view of the land beneath. The Chinaman Waterfalls and the Koyna valley are two places that can be clearly seen from here. If you wish to spend some quiet time in Mahabaleshwar attaining peace and admiring nature, then Babington Point is the perfect place.
Timings 6 am to 6 pm
3. Bombay Point
Bombay point also famous a sunset point is at approximately 3 km distance from Mahabaleshwar bus stand. Bombay Point is the oldest point of Mahabaleshwar and named to its location on the old Bombay road. The place has a large open space with a bandstand. Sunset point here is very crowded because people can view the magnificent sunset over the valleys below at Mahabaleshwar. Many activities like Horse riding, Chaupati games are popular with the tourists at this point.
Timings 6 am to 6 pm
4. Connaught Peak
Connaught peak is located 5 km from Mahabaleshwar bus station. This peak was renamed as Connaught Peak after Duke of Connaught visited this spot, formerly it was known as Mount Olympia. This peak offers beautiful view of Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. This peak is also a vantage point for observing the Kamalgadh, Rajgarh and Torana in the north and Ajinkyatara in the south. You can see Panchgani and Pasarani Ghat in the east, while Pratapgad can be seen in the west. The nearby places that you can explore while visiting Connaught Peak are Helen’s Point, Venna Lake, Ram Mandir, Krishnabhai Temple, Falkland Point, Old Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson Point and Dhobi Waterfall.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
5. Elephant’s Head Point
Elephant’s head point is at a distance of 7 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand. It is situated next to the Kate’s Point. The rock formations here are set in a way that they resemble an elephant’s head. Due to its appearance the point got its name as the Elephant’s Head Point.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
6. Lodwick Point
Lodwick point is at a distance of 4 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, it was previously known as Sydney Point. To honor General Lodwick’s achievement, his son erected a memorial pole of about 25 ft. There is a huge statue of Lord Lodwick situated here.
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
7. Lingmala Falls
Lingmala fall is located at a distance of 6 km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand and it is situated on the Mahabaleshwar – Pune Road and is sourced by the waters of Venna River. The forest bungalow of Lingmala is situated near the falls. Dhobi Waterfall and Chinaman’s waterfall are situated near the Lingmala waterfalls and best time to visit Lingmala falls is between July and December.
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 per person
Timings: 8 am to 4.30 pm
8. Wilson Point
Wilson point is at the distance of 2 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, its known as Sunrise point and one can experience the beautiful sunrise from this point. Wilson point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. The original name of the point is Sindola Hill. This point is named after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Bombay province. Wilson point is the only point in Mahabaleshwar where both sunrise and sunset can be seen.
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
9. Dhobi waterfall
Dhobi Waterfall is situated 3 km away from the main town of Mahabaleshwar. This waterfall is in between the lush green trails of western ghats. Best time to visit this waterfall is during monsoon otherwise the flow will be less although one can go in between and take a dip in cold water. The water streams down into the Koyna river and forms mists and rainbows magnificent gift from nature.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
10. Chinaman’s falls
Chinaman’s Falls is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar and are another set of waterfalls apart from the Dhobi Waterfalls that should not be missed. Chinaman’s falls offers a breathtaking sight with the water cascading down rocky mountains. This spot gives a spectacular view of the deep Koyna Valley. The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon season.
11. Mahabaleshwar by Local Transport
Everyday government operated Mahabaleshwar Darshan bus runs at 02:30 PM to 07:00 PM covering around 13 famous points including strawberry farm. The bus is regular red bus (or sometimes semi luxury).
Time: Every day at 02:30 PM to 07:00 PM
Tariff: Rs. 155
Boarding Place: Mahabaleshwar ST Bus stand (City Center)
Booking: Max 1 day prior at Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand
Tour Duration: 4.5 hrs
Sights covered:
Kate’s Point, Echo Point, Needle Hole Point
Arthur’s Seat, Window Point, Tiger Spring, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Malcom Point
Elphinstone Point
Old Mahabaleshwar
Strawberry Farm
Sunset Point (Mumbai Point)
12. Prepaid Govt Taxi Tours in Mahabaleshwar
Travelers can opt for prepaid govt approved Taxi from a taxi stand near to Mahabaleshwar bus stand. They have fixed rate packages and we found this is also a good option if you don’t have personal vehicle.
13. Stay in Mahabaleshwar
There are many budget hotels and resorts available for stay. But mostly pocket friendly hotels have problem of damp walls and seepage issue due to heavy rainfall, so choose wisely. There are few good Airbnb options available for stay and resorts also, although most of the resorts are not pocket friendly, but we had a pretty good experience with cloud mist resorts. Location and views are amazing from this property and have lots of activity to do including infinity swimming pool with a view of Dhoom dam. If you are in a big group then Homestay cottages on hill top is a good option you can book it through Airbnb and other websites too.
14. Mahabaleshwar Market
Mahabaleshwar market is near to Mahabaleshwar bus stand. There is a 1 km+ road where both the sides you will find shops for handicrafts, Kashmiri blankets, shawl, leather products, footwear and many food joints in between the shops. You can buy fresh strawberries, Mapro and other companies squashes at the factory outlets rates, fruit candies, different flavored roasted chana. Nights are cold here and you can have relaxed nice time in CCD with a cup of coffee. CCD is near Mahabaleshwar bus stand.
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