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Mahabaleshwar and Pratapgad Blog

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Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar Majestic Hill Station

Mahabaleshwar is a majestic hill station near the city of Satara. It is the most loved place and for all the right reasons. Mahabaleshwar has some ancient temples and beautiful spiritual places which make it an excellent place to visit with your family. Mahabaleshwar hostels are available for the millennials. Mahabaleshwar weather is pleasant throughout the year in the rainy season covered in a blanket of thick fog and mist. During winter it is entirely cold and enjoyable, and during summer it is pleasant offering a chance for Mumbai, Pune population a break from the summer heat. Mahabaleshwar hotels are available for all types of budget.

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Mahabaleshwar Temperature

Summers: In the summer temperatures at Mahabaleshwar from 20-degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. Mahabaleshwar climate during the summer is Mahabaleshwar is hot and dry.

Monsoon: Monsoon is the best time to visit this place. You can see the beautiful valleys green and the mountains full of waterfalls. The rainy season starts in Mahabaleshwar starts in June and ends in September.

Winters: The temperature in winter in Mahabaleshwar is 8-degree Celsius to 20-degree Celsius. Mahabaleshwar temperature makes it beautiful like some of the north Indian destinations.

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Pune to Mahabaleshwar distance

From Pune to reach Mahabaleshwar, it is a distance of 120 km. You have to take the highway to Satara and take a right from the highway towards the Mahabaleshwar road. Depending on your driving speed in the Ghats, it will take around 3-4 hours to reach Mahabaleshwar.

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Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar Distance

From Mumbai to reach Mahabaleshwar, it is a distance of 263 km. It will take around 4-6 hours to reach from Mumbai.

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Mahabaleshwar Temples

  1. Mahabaleshwar Temple 

The Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol here believed to be Swaymbhu, and its spiritual significance is even higher than the 12 Jyotirligams. There are old articles like Damru, Trishul, and Rudraksha kept here. Believed that Lord Shiva still visits the temple and plays the Damru. The temple's architecture belongs to the 16th century. And the architectural style is from Chanda More Rao dynasty.

2. Panchaganga Temple
The Panchaganga Temple in Mahabaleshwar is more than 4500 years old. Panchaganga is a famous sacred spot near the Mahabaleshwar temple. The temple located at a place where seven rivers originate. They are the Krishna, Koyna, Gayatri, Savitri, Venna, Saraswati and Bhagirathi. Out of these first five flow continuously. And Saraswati is said to flow after 60 years, while, Bhagirathi is said to flow after 12 years.

Five rivers flow through the temple is the reason for the name Panchaganga, Pancha means five and Ganga says holy rivers. There are two kundas here; water baths carved out of a stone. Water from these five rivers flows through the mouth of a stone carved in the shape of a cow. Out of them, one Kunda barred off for tourists. The second one is open, and you can wash your feet here.

3 Atibaleshwar Temple
Atibaleshwar Temple near Mahabaleshwar temple at Old Mahabaleshwar. It's an ancient temple. There is a mythological story behind the name Mahabaleshwar as well as Atibaleshwar temple. Locals Believed that there were two devils, namely Mahabal and Atibal. They were evil. To get rid of them, Hindu Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh were prayed. So Lord Vishnu killed Atibaleshwar. But Lord Shiva could not kill Mahabal as he was having the boon of death at will that is Ichamrityu. So Lord Brahma called Mahamaya, who allured him of love and enticed him to die. Mahabal agreed to die but prayed to the Gods that they should stay at that place by the name Atibal and Mahabal so that their names would demons become immortal. Mahabal died, and Vishnu stayed here as Atibaleshwar, Shiva stayed here in the form of Mahabaleshwar, and Brahma as Koteshwar. Name of the city Mahabaleshwar has also originated from Mahabal.

4 Krishnai Temple
A little farther from Mahabaleshwar temple and Panchaganga temple is this popular sacred spot. Krishnai Temple is the source of the Krishna river. The temple built in 1888 and it is on a hill near Panchagana Temple. Behind the Panchaganga Temple is a trail that is well marked but less frequented by the tourists. The temple is old and isolated. But the views of the Krishna River are the most amazing. Krishnai Temple by the ruler of Ratnagiri and is on the hill that overlooks the Krishna valley.

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Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar

Monsoon is the best time of the year as all the valleys and mountains turn green. Many waterfalls are flowing in Mahabaleshwar at this time of the year. Winter is another good time to visit Mahabaleshwar. The weather is cold and gorgeous. It gives you a feeling of being in some North Indian hill station. Summers are the best time for you if you want to escape the heat of Mumbai.

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 Things to do

Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar

1. Ride a Shikara in Venna Lake - The Venna Lake is a beautiful Lake in Mahabaleshwar that is surrounded by hills on all the sides. It is accessible by road, by car. It is a popular tourist spot. You can take a ride on the Lake. The Lake resembles the Dal Lake from Kashmir.

2. Trekking at Vasota - The Vasota fort situated near the backwaters of Tapola, in Mahabaleshwar. Vasota fort established inside the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Nageshwar caves and Vasota trek a popular spot among trekkers and mountaineers. The views of the hills are amazing. Vasota Fort is in ruins, but the jungle trek is well worth it. 

Vasota Fort Trek starting point can only be reached by a boat from Saputara village or Bamnoli Village. The boat ride will take more than one hour on the Shiv Sagar Lake. Vasota Fort Camping is not allowed. Trekkers need to buy forest entry permits from the forest department to visit the fort. It will take you two hours to complete the trek one way. Trek route is open from Sunrise to Sunset all trekkers have to return to their boats before sunset. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renamed this fortress "Vyaghragad" Vyaghra – means tiger, owing to its potent natural defence.

3. Walkthrough historical caves at Rajapuri - The Rajapuri Caves are ancient carved caves in Mahabaleshwar. They are also called Kartikeya Caves, due to the temple of Lord Kartik inside. It is a beautiful set of interconnected caves with a water reservoir beside the caves. 

4. Lingmala Waterfalls - The Lingmala Waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar is the best waterfall. The waterfall runs in the monsoon that is Jun to Sept. There is a small bungalow near the Lingmala Waterfalls. The waterfalls are almost 600 feet high. Lingmala Waterfall cascades with full force. It is a beautiful place to have a dip here in the monsoon. 

5. Rock Climbing - With numerous mountains and rock faces, Mahabaleshwar is the best place for rock climbing. Many mountaineers attempt rock climbing in Mahabaleshwar. If that is your thing too, then you are up for some crazy adventures here.

6. Horse Riding - Mahabaleshwar has many places where you can attempt horse riding. You should hire a horse rider with his horses and go for a ride here in the mountains. You can also plan to visit all the points while horse riding here. Horses are available from popular spots like Old Mahabaleshwar, Venna Lake, Panchgani Table Land.

7. Shop at Town Bazar - Mahabaleshwar has a vast market which is full of artefacts, handmade items, woollen clothes, gambling machines, restaurants, gift shops. There are many hand-woven netted clothes which you can shop in. Even if you don't buy anything a walk through the market will be incredibly refreshing. Buying some souvenirs from here should be on your list. The market is a lot of fun, with various restaurants and posh cafes around. You can go shopping, or you can start eating if you are hungry.

8. Eat fresh Strawberry with cream. - There are many strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar. You will find strawberry plantations due to the exceptional weather conditions of Mahabaleshwar. When you visit it is mandatory to have these yummy Strawberries with fresh cream that they serve here.

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Mapro Garden Mahabaleshwar

Mapro garden is more than what you think about it. It is the most fantastic place. They serve the best food in the whole Mahabaleshwar, so this is the place where you should eat. Apart from that, they manufacture various crushes, sherbets, candies, etc. from fruits and plants. Shopping for these souvenirs is a must when you are here. There is a fun area for the kids to play around. Even grownups will surely enjoy this place. Developed to be like an outdoor restaurant with open spaces to enjoy the beautiful Mahabaleshwar weather.

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Sightseeing around the hill station

Mahabaleshwar is a weekend destination. You should stay here for four to five days to ultimately see most of the significant points. There are numerous sightseeing places and temples. You can plan your trip according to the number of sites you want to visit and the things that you want to do here. Alternatively, you can just spend your time relaxing in a good resort with amazing views.

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Famous points

Famous points in Mahabaleshwar 

1. Elephants head Point - This is a place where the mountain looks like an Elephants Trunk or a Needle Hole. It is a popular point in Mahabaleshwar. The unusual shape of the hill has got it many names. It is the most photographed place in Mahabaleshwar. Popularly called as Kate's Point also.

 2. Venna Lake - The Venna Lake is the most stunning Lake in Mahabaleshwar that is surrounded by hills on all the sides. You can enjoy a boat ride in the Lake and horse ride around the Lake. Venna Lake was constructed in 1942 by Raja of Satara. It has the appearance of Himalayan Lakes. Mahabaleshwar golf course located on the other end of the Venna Lake. Hanuman temple visit is an excellent break while boating on the Venna Lake.   

3. Pratap Singh Park - The Pratap Singh Park a lovely park in Mahabaleshwar by the Venna Lake. The park located beside the Venna Lake. There is an area available for the kids. There are many flowers of different species in this garden. Many trees planted around and it is a well-maintained park. It is refreshing to have a walk around and watching the Shikara on the Lake. Horse riding is available here.

4. Babington point - The Babington point offers the most magnificent views of the countryside. It is located high in the hills. Babington point views span over the valley. You can sit here for hours, and you won't get bored. In the monsoon, you may see some waterfalls in the distant valleys. The clouds come down low, and it is gorgeous to watch nature playing around here.

5. Arthur Seat point - The Arthur Seat Point, which famous as a sunset point in Mahabaleshwar. It provides breathtaking views over the valley, mountains and rivers. Arthur seat located at 1470 meters high. And it is a must-visit point in Mahabaleshwar. There is a ramp which is suspended into the valley and supported by some poles, and This leads you further into the marvellous nature that is available here. Locals popularly call it as Queen of all points in Mahabaleshwar.

6. Tiger Spring - Nature is marvellous at this point, and spring comes out of the earth here. The water is pure, cold and pristine. Famous as tigers would come here to drink this water some years ago. There is a ramp where you can walk towards the spring. Tiger Spring is the place where you will feel the nature's wonders. You can have a picnic lunch with you can sit here for the most exciting lunch.

7. Wilson Point Sunrise Point - The Wilson Point in Mahabaleshwar is the best place to watch the sunrise. The route to this point goes through the forest. The sun comes up from the mountains here, and it is best to reach here early. People come here for jogging or watching the sunrise or taking early morning photos.

8. Sydney Point - The Sydney point in Mahabaleshwar is precisely the point you need to go for that view. Sydney Point place is adjacent to the Krishna Valley. Krishna river flows below and glitters blue, Dhom Lake is a beautiful sight. In the monsoon, it is especially attractive because of the numerous little waterfalls that fall around. And the clouds that come low into the valley.

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Pratapgad Fort

Pratapgad Fort is a popular tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgad located near the city of Mahabaleshwar. Pratap means Valor and gad means fort. The fort has a rich history with many battles fought. Due to the geographic location that made the fort very important to the rulers. It was always engaged in politics and military tactics and campaigns.

Pratapgad Fort information

Pratapgad built on a hill that overlooks an important ancient trade route between the villages - Par and Kinesvar. Pratapgad Fort views in this valley are mind-blowing. It usually takes one day to visit here from Mahabaleshwar.

Pratapgad fort divided into two parts upper and lower part and guarded by tall towers that are 10-12 meters high. There is one tower named Afzal tower. Afzal Khan's body is buried under this tower to signify victory. There is a museum atop the fort and also a shop selling some antique handmade items.

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Pratapgad Fort History

Pratapgad has a long history, and it includes some gruesome battles. Due to its strategic positioning, the Fort of Pratapgad has always been in campaigns and politics. The Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had ordered to build this fort to have control over the mountain Par of pass and rivers Koyna and Nir. The battle between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan at Pratapgad is a very well-known folklore among the people in Maharashtra. It was the first significant test of the Marathas, and it also set the scaffold of the Maratha Empire. A huge statute of Chp Shivaji Maharaj erected here, unveiled by our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

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Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgad distance

Pratapgad Fort is 23 km away from Mahabaleshwar. You can take the local bus to the base of the fort if you depend on public transport. Otherwise, it is best to bring your vehicle and reach the top here.

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