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Mahableshwar
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar: October to June.
Best time to visit Panchgani: September to May.
Mahabaleshwar derives its name from the presiding deity “Mahabali”
whose shrine at the old Mahabaleshwar Temple is a major attraction
for worshippers and tourists.
Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading
water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver
streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors. The other water
falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular with picnickers. The
former can be reached by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall
is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar
Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of
Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers
of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.
Places of Interest
Mahabaleshwar’s 30 exotic viewpoints provide one with a spectacular
access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of
the points derive their names from some former British dignitary
and are situated in the 10-kilometer radius of the bazaar
in Mahabaleshwar. Some points can be reached by motorable
roads, whereas other can be reached on foot
Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar.
It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected
at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists
as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.
Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful
view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman’s waterfall.
Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar.
Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular
view of the sunset.
Connaught peak and Hunter Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar
Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills.
It offers a panoramic view of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley.
From here one can see Old Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston Point
to the north; Pandavgad and Krishna Valley to the east. Hunter’s
point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque
view of the Koyna Valley.
Favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point, named after the Governor
of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered by Dr.Murray in
1830. Arthur’s Point, is famous point overlooking the densely
forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to watch
a straw hat or a handkerchief, tossed down, sailing attractively
in the air like a spread-out parachute! While going to Arthur’s
Seat, one comes across a small stream called the Tiger Spring.
Till this day people believe that tigers and panthers frequent
this place to quench their thirst.
Lodwick Point is named after a General who reached this point
in 1824. He was the first European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar
hills. Beyond Lodwick Point is the extreme end of the mountain
range known as Elephant’s Head. From Lodwick’s point, the
overhanging cliff looks like an elephant’s head and trunk,
and hence the name.
Kate’s point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road, gives a commanding
view of the Krishna Valley. Near Kate’s point is the Echo
Point, which, true to its name, echoes the words of the speaker.
PANCHGANI
On the way to Mahabaleshwar from Pune, Panchgani is a picturesque
little town in the shade of groves of casuarinas and silver
oak. Protected from harsh winds by a tableland on one side
and high cliffs descending into a valley on the other, Panchgani
has a pleasant, bracing climate throughout the year. Panchgani
is also an ideal base for some good trekking from where one
can explore several mule tracks that lead through the now
thinning forests.
The hill resort derives its name from the five hills that
surround it. At an altitude of 1334 meters it is just 38 meters
below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 meters translate themselves
into a breathtaking 19 kilometers approach that swoops around
bends with carefree abandon, offering attractive views of
the river Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the
other.
Flocked by viewpoints, Panchgani is full of wonders, as it
overlooks the scenic magnificence of the Krishna Valley, which
extends many kilometers from east to west its numerous hamlets,
cultivated fields and sparkling rivers.
The view from Tableland, a flat mountain peak measuring about
one square kilometer, exposes the mysterious valleys and the
miniature looking plains on all sides. The Caves, Kamlagad
fort, Municipal Garden and the Children’s park add to Panchgani’s
unending beauty. The walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees
and vegetation, offer many delights and unravel many a secret.
Visitors can select a horse from one of the numerous stables
at the resort and canter along uncharted routes through hidden
lover’s lanes, to the caves or while away their time at the
bazaar. Like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is known for strawberries,
blackberries, jams and fruit jellies. Also available are the
famous Mahabaleshwar shoes, pith flowers, exclusive saris
shawls, readymade garments, eye-catching decorative items,
leather goods and tribal trinkets.
The Devil’s kitchen, situate to the south of Tableland is
a place of mythological interest. According to one legend,
Pandavas resided here for some time during their exile. Pandavgad
caves near Wai are believed to have been built by them and
bear their name.
Near the Octroi Naka, lies Sidney Point, a flattened area
on the apex of a conical hill. >From here one can see Wai
and the Sanatorium in the distance and also the sparkling
waters of Dhom Dam. Parsi Point and Graves Point are located
on the Panchgani Mahableshwar road and offer a view of the
Krishna Valley. Six kilometers away are the Rajpuri, caves,
located in a temple of Kartik Swami, son of Lord Shiva.
PRATAPGARH FORT
A visit to Pratapgad Fort, 24 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar,
adds a historical dimension to the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani
holiday. Pratapgad has the honor of being an authentic Maratha
fort. From a distance it looks like a round-topped hill, walls
of the lower fort forming a kind of bend or crown around the
brow. The road leading to the gateway lies through a small,
but thick forest.
The famous temple of Goddess Bhavani is on the eastern side
of the lower fort. It consists of a hall and a shrine. The
shrine, made of black stone, is the image of the goddess and
over it is a small spire or shikhar.
An equestrian bronze statue, of Chhatrapati Shivaji was erected
in the fort in 1957. The 17-foot statue is placed on a square
edifice, which is 10 feet high. And, a little away from the
fort, is the dargah of Afzal Khan.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km
and Panchgani (98 km)
By Rail
For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km)
but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead. For Panchgani,
the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Mumbai-Wathar via
Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)
By Road
From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad
it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and
Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except
during the monsoon, between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai. Also
sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad
Fort.
From Mumbai via Pune, Panchgani is 270 km and via Mahad 266
km, from Pune 98 kilometers and from Mahabaleshwar 19 km.
The State Road Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai,
Mahabaleshwar and Mahad. MTDC runs a regular bus service between
Mumbai and Panchgani.
WHERE TO STAY
Both Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani have reasonable priced bungalows.
MTDC run holiday resorts and hotels.
WHERE TO EAT
The two resorts offer a choice of good food. Gujarati vegetarian
meals, continental, Chinese and Mughlai specialties are served
in hotels and restaurants.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though bicycles and
horseback are recommended for traveling long distances.
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