This popular hill resort, in the state of Maharashtra, was once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency, during the days of the British. Situated at an altitude of 1372 metres, Mahabaleshwar has splendid panoramic views of the scenic valley, and of the sea, which is quite visible on clear days. Like other hill stations, Mahabaleshwar closes during the monsoon season. During this period, from mid-June to mid-September, the local buildings are covered with kulum grass to prevent any damage from the torrential rains. During this period, the region receives about 6 metres of rain!!

Prime Sites

• Lookout Points :
  Some of the famous lookout points are :
  1. Elphinstone Point
  2. Babington Point
  3. Kate's Point
  4. Bombay Point

• Waterfalls :
  There are also some beautiful waterfalls, a short distance away, that are worth a visit :
  1. Chinaman's (2.5 km)
  2. Dhobi (3 km)
  3. Lingamala (6 km).

• Venna Lake :
  A major attraction in Mahabaleshwar is the Venna Lake, which has good fishing and boating facilities.

• Arthur's Seat (12 km) :
  Arthur's Seat, 12 km from Mahabaleshwar, looks out over a tremendous drop of 600 metres, to the coastal strip of Konkan.

• Panchgani (18 km) :
  Panchgani derives its name from the five hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m, it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach, that swoops around and bends with abandon, offering splendid views of the river Krishna on one side, and the coastal plains, on the other. Panchgani is the quintessential hill station. It can be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses, and the boarding schools that have been around for a century or more. Amble along the walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation, and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The river Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines. Select a horse from one of the numerous stables and canter along unchartered routes through hidden lovers' routes, to the caves and the Kamalgad fort.

• Pratapgad Fort (24 km) :
  The historic Pratapgad Fort (24 km), built in 1656, by Shivaji to control the rebellious Satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin. Legend has it that Shivaji was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhawani here. It was the site of the famous battle between the Maratha chieftain Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate.

• By air :
  Pune is the nearest airport, 120 kms away.
• By rail :
  Satara Road is the closest railway station but Pune / Mumbai is the normal departure point for Mahabaleshwar,
• By road :
  State Transport buses run from Pune and Bombay. There are also MTDC / private luxury buses, that plies daily in either direction between Bombay and Mahabaleshwar.

• Ripon Hotel
• MTDC Holiday Camp
• Hotel Saraswati
• The Regal Hotel.