Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude
of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District. The hill
station has a legendary past. The name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a
temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal"
(power) and "Ishwar" (God). But, some say that the name
'Mahabaleshwar', which simply means very mighty God, seems to have a
mythological past.
The British in order to escape the summer heat of the plains and in their
search for cooler pleasant climates, were always looking for mountain tops
and plateau for recreation and change. So it happened that Col. Lodwick
(Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a
contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face
reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point. Thus Mahabaleshwar was "Discovered".
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the
valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days pony rides on the
lanes of Mahabaleshwar, are quite thrilling.
Several charming hill resorts nestle in these mountains. They seem to
belong to the colonial era when people traveled up to these resorts to
escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of the Old
World charm and make an ideal holiday destination. Mahabaleshwar is by far
the best of any holiday spot in Maharashtra for climate, excursions, sports
and many other activities. It is, after all, the "Queen of all Hill
Stations".
Significance
A Delightful Hill Station For The
adventures trekkers, people Who Love Boating And Horse Riding.
Leisure
Shopping
The throbbing and vibrant Bazaar of
Mahabaleshwar offers everything from clothes to slippers, gift items. Madhu
Sagar is famous for its various brands of honey and jams it markets, and it
also runs a bee-keeping museum.
How To Get There
By Road
From Bombay via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is
290-km and via Mahad it is 247-km. The State Transport buses ply from Bombay
and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during
the monsoon, between Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sightseeing tours for
Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
By Rail
Nearest railway station is Wathar at
62-km, but Pune is the convenient railway station at 120-km.
By Air
Nearest airport is Pune at 120-km.
Places To Stay
Being a popular hill station,
Mahabaleshwar is well equipped with excellent holiday resorts and hotels for
accommodation purpose including one MTDC Holiday Resort.
General Information
Location
Situated In The Heart Of Sahyadri
Hills In Satara District, Maharashtra.
Formerly Known As
Also Known As Queen Of All
Hill Stations.
Area
Nearest airport is Pune at 120-km.
Best Time
Like most hill stations,
Mahabaleshwar closes up for the monsoon (mid-June to mid-September).
Mahabaleshwar is generally crowded during the peak periods of summer
vacation - April/May, Christmas - December and Diwali - October and
November. The best time to visit this hill station is from October to May.
Useful Information
Banks / Money Changers
State Bank of India
Bank of Maharashtra
Union Bank of India
Satara District Co-op Bank
Mahabaleshwar Co-op Urban Bank.
Hospitals
M. G. Rural Hospital (Government
Hospital.
Manali
