Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar hill station - Situated in the sloppy mountain ranges of western ghat of Satara district of Maharashtra province, Mahabaleshwar hill station is one of India’s leading holiday resorts cum pilgrimage sites.
With an average elevation of 1453 meters, Mahabaleshwar hills offer a clean, refreshing and soothing environment ideal for vacations, spiritual excursions and honeymoons. River Krishna that flows across the state of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh originates from here.
Mahabaleshwar hill station is home to one of the world’s few evergreen forests. The hill station is well-linked with important cities like Pune and Mumbai. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is in fact only a five hour’s drive. Another famous tourist spot called Panchgani hill station is situated only at the distance of 19 kilometers from here.
History
Old Hindu scriptures are replete with the accounts of Mahabaleshwar and its association with Hindu gods and goddesses. However, the first historical mention of Mahabaleshwar traces back to 1215 A.D. when the king of Deogiri Singham visited the place. Awestruck by the aesthetic atmosphere of the place, the generous king built a small temple and water tank near the origin point of river Krishna.
Later, a Brahmin dynasty invaded the area and took it under its control. During the 16th century, the Maratahas defeated the Brahman dynasty and became rulers of Mahabaleshwar and Jaoli. The legendary Maratha warrior Shivaji spent several years of his life in Pratpgarh fort which he built at about 24 kilometer from the hills.
The Britishers first discovered the hill station in 1819 and later made it their summer capital for it provided them a much needed relief from India’s hot climate.
Centers of attractions
Mahabaleshwar hill station has a number of worth seeing sights. The prominent among them are listed below;
Waterfalls
Mahabaleshwar has as many as twenty beautiful waterfalls such as; Lingmala Fall, Chairman Fall and Dhobi Fall. The Lingmala fall presents a breathtaking sight of flowing water trickling from the top of the cliff with silver streaks and circles of rainbow colors. Chinaman fall and Dhobi fall are also famous for their aesthete and have become favorite picnic spots among visitors.
Wilson Point
Wilson point also known as Sunrise point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It consists of a huge rock with stone-made towers. Wilson point draws a great number of tourists for it gives an amazing view of sunrise.
Bombay Point
If Wilson point is the best place to view sunrise, there is no better place in the world than the Bombay point to watch a sun sets in the evening. The point also gives an enthralling view of Pratapgarh fort from its summit.
Venna Lake
Venna Lake is one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Mahabaleshwar. The lake is spread over a huge area of 25 acres and has trees surrounding it from either side. It is a favorite spot for boating and fishing. Boating, in particular, amidst thick fog in the evening is well appreciated among visitors.
Krishna Temple
A temple of lord Krishna is situated near the origin of river Krishna. The temple holds a special significance among Hindus as it is believed that lord Krishna himself visited the place at the demand of his devotes.
Mahabal temple
The Mahabal temple is the only temple of lord Shiva where he is worshipped not in the form of carved lingam but as a natural rock.
Hanuman Mandir
It is another famous temple here. Hanuman temple is only at a stone’s throw from Krishna temple. It is believed that the famous saint Rama Dassa spent a year in the temple in 1635.
Connaught Peak
Connaught Peak is the second highest peak in the region and is known for giving an outstanding view of Krishna valley and Venna Lake.
Babington Point and Helen's Point
Babington point and Helen’s point are situated at the distance of 4 kilometers from the main market and gives a magnificent view of tiny fields and small huts.
Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s seat is known as the queen of all points and is famous for its picturesque spectacles.
Apart from housing these spectacular sights, Mahabaleshwar hill station is also famous for its world famous resorts and for being an excellent centre of honey production.
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