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At
1,372 meters above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most
spectacular and the largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations.
Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit fro God of Great Power. 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
c enter
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.
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.
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Places
to See
Unlike
Matheran, Mahabaleshwar has long motorable roads to its sights
and points. And several taxis stand by to help you on your way.
If you're in a more adventurous mood, you could even hire a
pony for the bridle paths, instead of a vehicle.
Mount
Malcolm
It
used to be the most famous building in the olden days. It was
built in 1829 with magnificent architectural skills. Unfortunately,
it has lost a lot of its old charm now.
Catholic
Church
A
Visit to the old Roman Catholic Holy Cross church is worth a
detour. Although the church is practically falling apart, its
stained - glass window are still a sight to behold. This deserted
church is now looked after by a Hindu family.
Mahabaleshwar
Club
The
club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well maintained.
Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for
its well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is
grandly celebrated by loyal members every year. Fortunately
, one facility is open to visitors; who can use the golf-course
whenever they feel like.
Morarji
Castle
Also
worth a look is this old structure. mahatma Gandhi once lived
here in 1945.
Pratapgad
Fort
This
is 24 Kms. away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 1656
by Moropant Trimak Pingle under the command of the Maratha ruler
shivaji. It was here that the mighty general of Bijapur, Afzal
Khan was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a great view.
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Various
points in Mahabaleshwar
There
are various points around the edge looking out over the flat-topped
ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys below. Almost 1,240
meters above the sea level, Lodwick Point has a great
view. There is a monument in memory of the general, erected
by his son. Between Lodwick Point and Elphinstone
Point lies the Dhobi waterfall. Also on the path to Elphinstone
Point is a small scenic spot overlooking the Koyna river
valley. Elphinstone Point is named after a former Governor
of Mumbai. Lying at 1,348 mts above sea-level is Arthur's
Seat, overlooking the beautiful Jor Valley. About a kilometer
from this is Tiger's Spring and, following the same path,
you will reach a small ledge known as 'The Window' The
view from here is simply mesmerizing.
For
those looking for a spiritual experience, there are the Krishna
and Mahabaleshwar Temples. As well as the point of the five
rivers which flow over the Deccan Plateau, namely the Krishna,
Koyna, Savitri, Veena and Gayatri.
Mahabaleshwar was considered a holy place with a strong historical
background for centuries. The name Mahabaleshwar means great
("Maha") Power ("Bali"). The place is still
frequented by local devotees. Another interesting temple is
a black stone one, a little ahead from the others, with a lovely
view.
Kate's
Point,  along
Duchess Road, at 1,290 metres is yet another great point to
look over. The Lingmala waterfall, at the top of Venna
Valley, six kilometers. from the post office, is the most
impressive spot of Mahabaleshwar. The uninterrupted fall descends
down, five six hundred feet from the cliff.
A
little ahead of the falls, Wilson Point stands at 1,435
meters, the highest point in the hill. South east from this
point lies Helen's Point at the Blue Valley, Overlooking
the Panchgani and Gaolani Points. Badington
Point overlooks the Koyna Valley. Heading south from
this point is Chinaman's Waterfall. Falkland Point
follows next in the line. Nearby is Carnac Point, named
after Sir James Rivett Carnac. Yet another spectacular
view is seen ahead at Bombay Point. If you enjoy boating you
will find boats for hire on the central Yanna Lake next
to the golf Course.
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Excursions
Tucked
away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar,
Panchgani is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts.
The name is derived from the fact that it is located at the
the centre of the five hills ("Panch" = five, "Gani"
= hills). The place is well known for trekking and other adventure
activities. Climb atop "Table Land", a famous flat
- mounted top, from where you can have a look at the vast plain
below. The berry farms here are another tourist attraction.
Climate
It
has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In summers , temperature
range between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius and in winters it falls
even further.
Languages
Spoken
Marathi,
Hindi and English
Clothing
Since
the climate is pleasant throughout the year, loose cotton attire
is preferable. Although during winters light woolen clothes
are advisable.
What
to buy
In
Mahableshwar honey and strawberry crushes and jams are very
famous. The place also has a wide variety of chikki (a famous
local sweet).
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Where to stay
The
MTDC Resort covers 30-40 acres of prime land. The rooms overlook
a thick forest. Branches dip below the windows and bridsong
wakes you every morning.
How
to get there
By
Air
Nearest airport is Pune, 120 kms.
By
Rail
Nearest railhead is Wather, but Pune, 120 kms is the convenient
rail head.
By
Road
Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Pune is 290 kms.
Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar is 19 kms.
Pune - Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms.
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