Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station in Maharashtra, India. Here you will find soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys, lush flora and cool crisp mountain air. Mahabaleshwar means 'God of Great Power'. We visited this place in December. The weather was cool and we booked a hotel which had a view of ranges of mountains facing us. Near our hotel there was a temple not a famous one, but a small one probably for the locals nearby. We went for a walk with our cameras to click a few snaps. There were many trees surrounding the temple. On one such tree i saw a monkey with a baby monkey. The monkey was black faced usually known as Gray langurs. I wanted to click their picture but a man who was living nearby told us that they are not one of the friendliest breed and they can snatch away your camera as well. SNATCH AWAY MY CAMERA??!!?? No way! My camera is way too precious to be taken away by a monkey, so i decided not to take a picture. After about 5 minutes the monkey came down from the tree with it's baby on his /her back and ran away jumping through the huge wall. Just when i turned around i saw many other monkeys running from the first wall behind which probably there was a forest and they jumped to the next wall. I was amazed to see so many black-faced monkeys all at time. It was quite an adventurous day!
Places to visit
1) Venna Lake
It is one of the major tourist attractions. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. Here you can see huge numbers of tourists going for a boat ride. Near the Venna lake you can even opt for a horse ride.
2) Mahabaleshwar market
Here vendors sell fresh carrots, corn and super fresh strawberries. There is a fair like atmosphere near the venna lake and you can play various games and kids can enjoy on rides like the giant wheel and dare to drop.
When you actually visit the main market, you'll come across various eateries and chaats that are available. 2 things that you must have is the strawberry milkshake with has fresh strawberries at the top and the strawberry ice-cream. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries and here you get the best strawberries in the world.
3)Arthur's seat
It is named after a British officer Sir Arthur Malet who used to sit here and gaze at the savitri river. He lost his wife and kids in a tragic ferry accident.
4) Kate's Point
Kate's point is located to the east of Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its view of two reservoirs, Balakwadi and Dhom.
5) Wilson Point
It is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It offers a spectacular glance of hills and valleys in all directions.
6) Monkey Point
It is a natural sculpture of stones which look like 3 monkeys.
7) Lodwick Point
General Peter Lodwick was the first Englishmen to set foot on the glorious hills of Mahabaleshwar.
8) Pratapgad fort
This is a fort which is about 20 km from mahabaleshwar, a must visit for history enthusiasts. The fort was captured by the Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj.
How to reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is at Pune 120 km away.
By Rail: Satara
By Road: Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar expressway approx 4 hrs drive.
Places to visit
1) Venna Lake
It is one of the major tourist attractions. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. Here you can see huge numbers of tourists going for a boat ride. Near the Venna lake you can even opt for a horse ride.
2) Mahabaleshwar market
Here vendors sell fresh carrots, corn and super fresh strawberries. There is a fair like atmosphere near the venna lake and you can play various games and kids can enjoy on rides like the giant wheel and dare to drop.
When you actually visit the main market, you'll come across various eateries and chaats that are available. 2 things that you must have is the strawberry milkshake with has fresh strawberries at the top and the strawberry ice-cream. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries and here you get the best strawberries in the world.
3)Arthur's seat
It is named after a British officer Sir Arthur Malet who used to sit here and gaze at the savitri river. He lost his wife and kids in a tragic ferry accident.
4) Kate's Point
Kate's point is located to the east of Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its view of two reservoirs, Balakwadi and Dhom.
5) Wilson Point
It is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It offers a spectacular glance of hills and valleys in all directions.
6) Monkey Point
It is a natural sculpture of stones which look like 3 monkeys.
7) Lodwick Point
General Peter Lodwick was the first Englishmen to set foot on the glorious hills of Mahabaleshwar.
8) Pratapgad fort
This is a fort which is about 20 km from mahabaleshwar, a must visit for history enthusiasts. The fort was captured by the Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj.
How to reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is at Pune 120 km away.
By Rail: Satara
By Road: Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar expressway approx 4 hrs drive.
So interesting. Great post. Thank you!
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