Are you in search of a place with mist-covered hills, lush green valleys, and awe-inspiring waterfalls that will leave you mesmerized? Look no further! We are referring to Mahabaleshwar, a renowned hill station in Maharashtra. Situated amidst the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra, this delightful hill town is considered to be one of the top places to visit near Pune, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and pleasant climate. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, Mahabaleshwar offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags and prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey as we explore the finest attractions to visit as part of Mahabaleshwar 2-Day Trip.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Located in the Old Mahabaleshwar, the ancient Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple serves as a testament to the glory and heritage of the Marathas. It is one of the popular places to visit as part of Mahabaleshwar tour packages. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built by Chandarao More in the 16th century and is a model of the Hemadant architectural style of South India. Enclosed by a 5-foot wall, the temple is divided into two sections – the inner room and the outer room. Within the sanctum sanctorum, there is a Rudraksha-shaped Shiva linga, believed to be a swayambhu lingam. The temple also showcases Lord Shiva’s Trishul, Rudraksha, damru, and a bed. Notably, there is a square-shaped raised platform where, as per legend, the Maratha king Shivaji weighed his mother Jijabai in gold and then donated it to charity. Additionally, one can also visit the nearby Atibaleshwar temple while in Mahabaleshwar, among the top hill stations near Pune.
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Panch Ganga Temple
Situated near Mahabaleshwar Temple Panch Ganga Temple is another ancient shrine that one must visit as part of the Mahabaleshwar 2-day trip itinerary. It holds great significance as the temple is constructed at the confluence of five rivers namely Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna, and Gayatri. These rivers emerge from the mouth of a cow statue within the temple, hence the name Panchganga Mandir. Originally built by Raja Singhandeo, the Yadava ruler of Devgiri, in the 13th century, the temple underwent further additions by Raja Chandarao More and the Maratha ruler Shivaji. The temple houses a magnificent idol of Lord Krishna and is closely associated with Savitri’s curse on the Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – who manifest as the Koyna, Krishna, and Venna rivers. As a significant religious site, it attracts devotees throughout the year as part of the Mahabaleshwar pilgrimage tours.
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Krishnabai Temple
Krishnabai Mandir is a remarkable Hindu temple situated just a short distance away from Panch Ganga Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar, among the top tourist places near Mumbai. Situated on a hill, overlooking the Krishna Valley, the temple was built in 1888 by a ruler of Ratnagiri. The temple has a Shiva lingam and a beautiful statue of Goddess Krishna. A small stream flows from a cow-face (gomukh) and falls in a Kund or water tank, believed to be the origin of the mighty Krishna River that traverses through Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The temple is known for its intricately carved stone columns and ceilings. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Krishna Valley and the picturesque countryside while exploring this temple as part of their Mahabaleshwar 2-day tour.
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Elphinstone Point
Elphinstone Point, located in Mahabaleshwar, is a scenic vantage point that provides awe-inspiring vistas of the Sahyadri Mountain range. Its name is derived from Mount Stuart Elphinstone, the governor of the Bombay Presidency who discovered this place during the 19th century. As one of the highest viewpoints in the town, it offers visitors a panoramic outlook of the Pratapgarh Fort, Koyna Valley, and the gorge between Elphinstone Point and Arthur’s Seat Point. This location is perfect for finding tranquility and rejuvenation amidst the beauty of nature in Mahabaleshwar, among the top places to visit near Kolhapur. Additionally, visitors can relish the refreshing breeze and capture magnificent photographs with their companions while here as part of Mahabaleshwar honeymoon packages.
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Savitri Point
Positioned between Elphinstone Point and Arthur Seat Point, Savitri Point is a charming vantage point in Mahabaleshwar, one of the premier hill stations in Maharashtra. Known as Suicide Point, this location is identified as the starting point of the Savitri River. Perched on a hill, visitors can relish an unobstructed view of Savitri River and its valley from this spot. Surrounded by dense forests, the point offers an excellent backdrop for photography. Thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, this point is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike year-round as part of Mahabaleshwar Leisure Packages.
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Arthur Seat Point
At an altitude of about 1340 m, Arthur’s Seat Point is a popular viewpoint that one must visit as part of the Mahabaleshwar Tour in 2 Days. The point is named after Arthur Malet, who was the first man to build a house here. Arthur Point is considered as the Queen of all Points in Mahabaleshwar as it offers stunning views of the deep, isolated Savitri Valley on one side and a narrow green plateau on the other side along with Tiger’s Spring, the source of Savitri River. The unique fact about Arthur’s Seat is that this is the only place that clearly shows the geological difference between the Konkan Coast and the Deccan Plateau. This point is also famous for the floating of light objects and the rock formations which are compared with the world-renowned Grand Canyon in the USA.
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Sunset Point / Bombay Point
Sunset Point, also known as Mumbai Point or Bombay Point, is a renowned viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar. Situated at the westernmost tip of Mahabaleshwar, it includes both Lodwick Point and Elephant Head Point. This spot offers a breathtaking view of the sunset over the valleys below in Mahabaleshwar, making it one of the top hill stations near Kolhapur. Bombay Point, the oldest point in Mahabaleshwar, gets its name from its location on the old Bombay Road. It features a spacious area with a bandstand. Sunset Point tends to be quite crowded as it provides the best sunset view compared to other viewpoints in the area. Tourists often engage in activities like horse riding and Choupati games at this location.
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Lodwick Point
Lodwick Point is a mesmerizing viewpoint that lies at an elevation of 4087 feet in Mahabaleshwar. Previously known as Sydney Point, it was renamed Lodwick Point in order to pay respect to General Lodwick, who was the first British officer to climb the hill in 1824. To honor General Lodwick’s achievement, his son erected a 25-foot high pole here that comprises of the head of Lodwick made up of marble at the bottom. This viewpoint renders an unmatched view of Pratapgarh Fort and Elphinstone Point. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
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Venna Lake
Venna Lake, one of the renowned tourist places in Mahabaleshwar, was established in 1842 by Sri Appa Saheb Maharaja, the ruler of Satara. Enveloped by verdant surroundings, Venna Lake spans approximately 28 acres with a perimeter of 7-8 km and is supplied by numerous springs. Visitors to Mahabaleshwar can relish quality time with their loved ones at this serene lake, basking in the cool breeze. Tourists have the option to take a boat ride on the lake or enjoy a horseback ride along its shores. Only rowboats are accessible to tourists. In addition to boating and horse riding, amusement park attractions such as a toy train and merry-go-round are popular among children. Various small eateries dot the lake’s banks, offering a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger cravings.
Kate’s Point & Elephant’s Head Point
Kate’s Point and Elephant’s Head Point are two of the most scenic viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The Kate’s Point area consists of three points: Kate’s Point, Echo Point, and Needle Hole Point, also known as Elephant’s Head Point. Kate’s Point was named after Sir John Malcolm’s daughter, the then British governor. Originally known as Nake Khind, this point is situated at an elevation of 1290 m. Visitors can enjoy views of Dhom Dam, as well as the peaks of Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh, and Mandardeo from Kate’s Point. Adjacent to Kate’s Point, Elephant’s Head Point features overhanging cliffs that resemble the head and trunk of an elephant, hence its name. Tourists can also admire the Sahyadri mountain range from this vantage point.
Lingmala Waterfall
Lingmala Falls is another best place to visit in Mahabaleshwar which will surely make your weekend trip from Pune special. Lies on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune Road, it is formed over the Venna River and is one of the gorgeous waterfalls in Maharashtra. There are two waterfalls, one small waterfall, and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet. These waterfalls offer a charming picturesque image of cascading waters. The mini waterfall is safe & suitable for swimming and playing in the water. To reach the viewpoint of the main waterfall from the smaller falls, a 30-minute trek is required. Although visitors cannot enter the water at the main falls, they can still enjoy magnificent views of the waterfalls from the viewpoint.
Also Read : Stuninng Waterfalls near Pune
Mapro Garden
Mapro Garden, located at Gureghar on the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road, is a renowned tourist destination in Mahabaleshwar. Established by Mr. Kishore Vora in 1959, it has gained immense popularity in Maharashtra for its exceptional production of strawberries and a wide range of processed fruit products such as fruit crushes and squash. Within the premises of Mapro Garden, visitors can explore a small chocolate factory, a nursery, and a restaurant where they can relish a delectable meal. The restaurant offers a variety of popular dishes including sandwiches, pizza, and strawberry cream. Additionally, tourists have the opportunity to purchase locally-made chocolates, syrups, sauces, crushes, jelly, and mocktail mixtures. One of the highlights of Mapro Garden is the renowned Strawberry Festival, which takes place during the Easter weekend in the months of March or April. This four-day festival attracts over 250 farmers from nearby villages who open their farms to tourists. Alongside the farm visits, the festival also features captivating traditional folk performances of Dhol and Lezim.
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