A place for fresh strawberries, this secluded city is one of the most visited destinations for families and friends. The city is in Satara district and popular for strawberry farms. You also get to see waterfalls, hills and dense forests. Do you stay in Mumbai or Pune and have been leading a hectic life? You need a weekend getaway with friends to a place that promises solitude and harmony. Mahabaleshwar is that city. It is a place that is known for adventure trips and activities that will inundate your heart. Located in the southern part of Mumbai, there are a number of viewpoints for your sore eyes. Plan a two days trip to this beautiful location with friends, family or even a solo trip.
Things to do and see in Mahabaleshwar
1. Elephant’s Head Point
People visit this point for the view it has to offer. Not too far from Mahabaleshwar bus stop, you should make it a priority to visit this place when you are on a family trip. The point got its name for the cliffs that look like an elephant’s trunk.
2. Venna Lake
It is not just a lake for your admiration, it is also the point where most people visit to enjoy their boat rides. You get to meet people from every part of the country and Maharashtra when they visit Mahabaleshwar. This Lake was constructed by Shri Appasaheb Maharaja (also knows as Shahaji Bhonsle), the Raja of Satara.
3. Connaught Peak
It is also the second highest peak in Mahabaleshwar. Hence, people like to visit this place whether on a family trip or an adventure trip with friends. Earlier it was called Mount Olympia. The name Connaught Peak was given after the Duke of Connaught visited this peak and fell in love.
4. Panchgani
Many have already heard of this place. What you may not have heard is that the place has been surrounded by five hills that add to the beauty of this already green place. Moreover, the place is known for the sunrise and sunset.
5. Table Land
It is Mahabaleshwar’s highest point. It is also a plateau that is the second highest in entire Asia. The place got its popularity for these two facts.
6. Arthur’s Seat
The irony about this place is that it is the suicide point but known as the Queen of all points of Mahabaleshwar. Honeymoon couples love to go to this point and create some memories.
7. Lingmala Waterfall
For an experience of a lifetime, you must go to Lingmala waterfall that is not less than any point outside India. Be it a weekend getaway or solo trip, you must add this to your bucket list.
8. Mapro Garden
Mapro is the short form of Mahabaleshwar Produce especially strawberry. This garden is quite popular among the tourists for the place shows what Mahabaleshwar is famous for. If you visit this place in March or April, you can attend Strawberry festival held here every year. Make it a plan if you haven’t visited Mahabaleshwar with yet.
9. Krishnadevi Temple
Also known as Krishnabai temple, religious visitors go to this temple for some spiritual experience. Rest like to admire the architectural beauty.
10. Adventure Activities
If you are a fan of adventure and can’t do without it when on a trip with the family, Mahabaleshwar has what you need. You can rock climb, trek, enjoy sight-seeing and more.
Budget
If you have made your plans for visiting Mahabaleshwar, you need to have a budget of Rs 6000 for a two days trip.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar?
Something really exciting about reaching Mahabaleshwar is that you can reach this place from several points; three being Satara, Pune, and Mumbai.
Being well connected with three modes of transport, you can take a bus, train or flight to this place.
If you are in Mumbai or Pune and travelling from there, you can take a car to the place. The distance between Pune to Mahabaleshwar is approximately 117 kilometers which you can cover in about two hours.
The distance between Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is approximately 250 kilometers which can be covered in four hours. Get the best out of our weekend getaway with friends by planning in advance.
There are many more places that you can visit when you are in Mahabaleshwar. A few names out of all are Pune, Lonavala, Matheran, and Khandala. Don’t forget to take a round of the city that never sleeps which is Mumbai.
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from December to February. The weather, however, is pleasant throughout the year for it is at an elevation of 1438 meters from the sea level. During Monsoon, this place gets even more enchanting.