| - Elina Mohanty
She sits on the throne, draped in mist and clouds. The queen
of hill stations in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar stands at an
altitude of 1372 meters, above sea level. Mahabaleshwar, which
means “the god of great power”, is said to be
dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Known for its historical relevance and breathtaking views
of valleys, this hill station is famous amongst the tourists.
The flora and fauna of Mahabaleshwar makes it distinct. The
jungles are thick and houses panthers, deers, Bisons and Bulbuls.
It is also tested of containing ideal 20% oxygen in its air.
Thus it provides ultimate relief to many city-goers eager
to breathe unpolluted air.
Riding through the cities of Mahabaleshwar, one can notice
the stamped architectural designs of British era. Apart from
the old buildings, Mahabaleshwar offers 30 look out points
that overlook the serene beauty of Western Ghats.
Historical relevance of Mahabaleshwar
Situated at the source of river Krishna, Mahabaleshwar was
built by the Yadava king Singhan in 1215.
In the middle of the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao
More, became rulers of Mahabaleshwar,
In the 17th century the great Maratha idol, Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj constructed the impregnable fort at Pratapgad in 1656.
In 19th century, Colonel Lodwick climbed up this hill station
and brought it into focus in the British community. Thereafter,
Mahabaleshwar was declared as the summer capital of Bombay
Presidency.
Places to visit
Temples
Panchaganga Mandir
This temple houses five stone conduits which has waters
flowing from five holy rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri
and Gayatri. These five rivers further join into the cow face
spout. However the most striking feature of this temple is
that river “ganga” flows through one of the stone
conduit every 12 years.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Designed in a south Indian temple style, this temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva and a ‘ling’ worship is
performed here. There is said to be live spring below the
ling.
Hanuman Mandir:
This temple is said to be the resting-place of the saint
Rama Dassa, who taught his disciples including Shivaji Maharaja
here.
Lookout Points
Lodwick Point:
It is called so to commemorate the memory of the English
General. It offers exotic landscape of the Western Ghats.
Arthur’s Seat:
This point offers the most mesmerizing view of the valleys.
Helen’s Point
This point overlooks the points of Panchgani.
Other points include Elphinstone Point, Kate’s Point,
The Window, etc.
Other places to visit
Catholic Church
This old Roman Catholic Holy Cross church must be a definite
visit. Though deserted now, it still maintains its old charm.
Morarji Castle
This castle played host to Mahatma Gandhi in 1945.
Pratapgad Fort
This is 24 Kms. away from Mahabaleshwar. This fort is best
remembered for killing of Afzal Khan by Maratha ruler, Shivaji.
The fort was built in 1656 by Moropant Trimak Pingle, under
the command of the Maratha ruler Shivaji.
Shopping
The narrow streets of this hill station are famous for bazaars
that sell inexpensive shoes, tribal trinkets and leather goods.
It is famous for blackberries, strawberries, jams and jellies.
Presence of medicinal plants and trees offer a wide variety
of natural medicines.
How to get to Mahabaleshwar
Nearest airport is Pune, 120kms.
Nearest railhead is Wathar, but Pune is more convenient railhead.
By Road, Mumbai _ Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 247kms.
Buses ply regularly between Pune - Mahabaleshwar and Mumbai
- Mahabaleshwar.
Where to stay
There are several resorts, hotels and bungalows in the hill
station. Some of them are listed below:
*The Executive Inn
*Hotel Sun City
*Grand Resorts
*Hotel Shanti Villa
*Hotel Mayfair
*Shreyas Hotel
Hotel Satkar
Savvoy Village
*These hotels are 3-5 star hotels.
Several bungalows are found on the Panchgani Road.
Best Time to Visit
Most of the tourists visit the hill station to escape the
summers of the plains. Monsoons have also been a favourable
season for the visit of nature lovers. The ideal time to visit
can be between October to June.
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