Mahabaleshwar: The queen of Sahyadris

Perched high in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra at an elevation of around 1,353 meters, Mahabaleshwar is a hill station that has enchanted travelers for over a century. Famous for its rolling hills, strawberry plantations, historic temples, and panoramic viewpoints, this serene retreat is both a nature lover’s paradise and a cultural gem. Whether you crave mist-laden mornings, colonial-era charm, or adventurous treks, Mahabaleshwar offers a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life.
Mahabaleshwar derives its name from the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to have origins in the 13th century during the Yadava dynasty. Later, it became a favored summer capital during British rule, with governors retreating to its cool climate. Colonial bungalows, old churches, and charming lanes still reflect its imperial past, making Mahabaleshwar as much a historical destination as a natural one.
Elephant’s Head point
Elephant’s Point is famous for the beauty and peace that one gets by being there. The greenery around is worth appreciating, and nature around is stunning and gives one a sense of comfort away from the fast moving life of the city. The rock formations at the site are present in a way that forms the trunk of an elephant. It is one of the most visited and famous attractions of Mahabaleshwar which is flocked in by tourists from near and far.
Elephant’s Point got its name from the age prevalent during the British Raj and the Governor of Bombay at the time, Sir Mount Elphinstone. It is believed that it was founded in the year 1930 by Dr Murray who also has an old mansion present nearby.
Today, only the ruins of this hotel are present in the place of which a picnic shed for the tourists is being constructed by the local authorities. The elephant’s point justifies its name and give one a picture of an elephant’s head and trunk. One must surely not miss out on the place.
Chinaman’s falls
A visit to Mahabaleshwar is less or more incomplete without witnessing the tantalizing descend of the Chinaman’s fall, one of the most significant falls in the state.
The place is named after the Chinese prison located in the vicinity. It serves as a perfect holidaying spot enthralling a bewitching experience.
Dhobi waterfall
These set of fascinating waterfalls connect Lodwick and Elphinston point and further join petit road with Old Mahabaleshwar road. Surrounded by greenery and rocks, these are ideal for a surreal experience amidst nature.
Arthur’s seat
Arthur’s seat or Suicide point is also known as the Queen of all points. It offers the most mesmerizing and fascinating view of the dense valleys of Brahma-Arayana and the Savitri river.
The point is a huge table that stands on a natural pillar. On the way up, one can also see window point and Tiger’s spring.
Venna Lake
Venna Lake is a beautiful and scenic lake in Mahabaleshwar and is frequently flocked by visitors from all over India. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar, and its serenity is what speaks for the place. The lake is covered with tall trees and grass all over. Venna Lake is a man-made lake and is not a natural one. It surely is one of the most eye-catching places and is a must-visit for all nature lovers out there.
Venna Lake was built by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj who was the ruler of Satara and a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the year 1942. Appasaheb was the leader in the 19th century, and the ancient tower which is present in the centre is a mark of the history surrounding the place. The lake is spread over an area of 28 acres with a periphery of 7 to 8 km. It was initially built with the aim of catering to the water needs of the city of Mahabaleshwar. The lake has one or two thirths (place of pilgrimage) submerged to nearly 1 to 2 km. Chhatrapati Pratapsihn Garden is present on the banks of the lake.
The lake offers exciting boat rides to the visitors and hence is usually very crowded. Tourists can even opt for horse rides nearby, which are mainly liked by children. People prefer to take a brisk walk to reach here from the market area and bus stand nearby. There are some eateries and restaurants nearby Venna Lake that attracts even more travellers.
Wilson Point
A wide plateau by the name of Wilson Point, tends to be one of the best places in the town to start your day. Catch a breathtaking view of the sunrise from any of the three watch points here. Enjoy the wide sceneries here as this also happens to be the highest points in the town.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Located at a distance of 6 km from the city of Mahabaleshwar; Mahabaleshwar temple is an ancient shrine and an ideal example of the Maratha heritage. Popularly known as the Mahabali, the temple is flocked by tourists and devotees throughout the year to bask in the serenity and tranquillity offered here. The temple is extremely popular among the Hindus, as Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here. Set up amidst the hilly terrain, this picturesque temple glorifies the Maratha Empire and its rule during the 16th century.
The Mahabaleshwar temple near Satara is one of the ancient temples of Maharashtra. It was built by Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century. The magnificent temple is guarded by a five feet wall and has two sections- the inner area and the outer area. The inner part, known as the sanctum sanctorum, has Shiva as the presiding deity. There are many belongings of Lord Shiva in the premises of this temple, like his bed, damru, Trishul, carvings of his sacred bull and Kalbhairav (his bodyguard); that aptly defines his presence here.
The main and central attraction of this temple is the 6 feet long Shiva lingam of which only the tip is visible, depicting the stone incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Mahabaleshwar Temple has a very serene and spiritual environment. Devotees visit the temple around the year to witness the calm and peaceful aura of Lord Shiva. The site has two more temples nearby, namely the Atibaleshwar temple and the Panchganga temple. Mahabaleshwar Temple is quintessential of the authentic Hemadant architectural style of South India.