Mahabaleshwar is a very popular hill station in Maharashtra because of its placid lakes, verdant hills and cascading waterfalls. It is not only famous for its scenic beauty but also for its various temples, spectacular viewpoints and historically significant places. It is a great place for holidaying as it provides ample opportunities for leisure activities such as fishing, boating and trekking. If you feel this just the holiday resort where you would like to go for your next holiday, then you can book tour package and hotel accommodation at Mahabaleshwar with Hill Resorts India.
Location
Mahabaleshwar lies on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is at an altitude of 1372 meters and overlooks the Krishna and Koyna valley.
History
In the early 14th century, Mahabaleshwar was ruled by the Moguls but in the later half of the century a Brahmin dynasty took control of it. In the 15th Century Mahabaleshwar was won by Muslim Kings of Bijapur and Ahmednagar but by the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More was ruling over it. Finally, in the 17th century Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj decided to show his resistance to foreign rule and for this he trained a large army and captured it. After him the Peshwas ruled till the year 1819, after which Mahabaleshwar came to be included in the territory of the Raja of Satara.
One name that invariably finds mention in any conversation about the history of Mahabaleshwar is Colonel Lodwick, who later in his life became a General. He brought a lot of focus to the hill station, which is why a monument was named after him in Mahabaleshwar.
A tour package to Mahabaleshwar includes a tour to Mahabaleshwar temple. The temple in its present state, is surrounded by 5 feet high stone wall. The main temple has two apartments, the inner room, which is the God chamber and the outer room which is the central hall. The temple is dedicate to Lord Shiva and enshrines a 'lingam'. The Hill resort of Mahabaleshwar is named after the presiding deity of this temple, Lord Mahabali, which is also why it is considered a major landmark of Mahabaleshwar.
A tour to Mahabaleshwar can possibly not be called complete without a trip to the cascading waterfalls, such as the Lingmala waterfall (6km), Dhobi waterfall (3km) and Chinaman's waterfall (2.5km).
There is also the Venna Lake, which is 2.5 km long and has boating facilities. Close to the lake are strawberry stalls and people can even go for little horse riding.
Wilson point is the highest point of Mahabaleshwar and has three observation towers, which offer a splendid view especially of the sunrise. There are other points to which offer great view such as, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point and Arthur's Point.
Connaught Peak or the Mount Olympia and Echo Point are few of other places that tourists love to visit.
Shopping
Mahabaleshwar is known for the different kind of berries it produces, such as strawberries, gooseberries and raspberries. You can not only buy these from here, but also get jams, preserves and marmalades that are simply out of this world. The bazaar here is very popular for its leather goods and tribal trinkets. These exotic pieces can be taken for friends as souvenirs or gifts.
Sports & Leisure
In Mahabelshwar tourists can spend their time on fishing in Venna Lake, go on trekking trails, which usually lead to brilliant waterfalls and splendid viewpoints. You can also go for boating on lakes and horse riding by the Venna lake.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from October to June. The Sparkling brooks, the lush greenery and the cool breeze make Mahabaleshwar seem like an oasis to the city weary who need a break from the heat, pollution and stress.