Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a cool and scenic place in the Satara district of Maharashtra , and tourists visit it throughout the year. The reputation of Mahabaleshwar as an excellent hill station, which was enjoyed by the British during the British era, continues to this day. Situated in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,372 meters above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is a cool and scenic place for a trip. It is known as the paradise of Maharashtra .

Mahabaleshwar is a town in the Giristhan Municipality of Satara district . It is situated on a high mountain in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is one of the few places in India that is adorned with greenery.

It was the summer capital of the Bombay Parganas during the British Raj , and has an area of ​​137.51 km (52.95 sq mi). Its elevation is 1353 m (4439 ft) above sea level.

According to the 2011 census, its population was 12,737. 

Marathi and Hindi are the languages ​​spoken here. The male/female ratio is 10/9. The literacy rate here is 78%. Children under the age of 6 constitute 11% of the population.

Geographical conditions and climate-                                                                                            Mahabaleshwar city is located at 17.9237 North latitude and 73.6586 East longitude. Its average elevation is 1353 metres (4439 ft). It is 120 km west-southwest of Pune city and 285 km from Mumbai . It is a vast plateau with an area of ​​150 sq km and is surrounded by deep valleys on all sides. Its highest point is 1439 m above sea level, which is known as Wilson/Sunrise Point.

Malcolm Peth, Old area Mahabaleshwar and, Part of Shindol,                                                              This hill town/city has been formed by the combination of 3 such villages.

The Krishna River originates here and flows through the states of Maharashtra , Karnataka , Telangana and Andhra Pradesh . There is a legend that this river originates from the 'Go' mouth near the ancient Mahadev temple in old Mahabaleshwar. There is also a legend that its tributaries Venna and Koyna are said to be Shiva and Brahma. Apart from the Krishna River, 4 other rivers originate from the same 'Go' mouth, but they flow some distance before joining the Krishna River. They are the Koyna , Venna , Savitri, and Gayatri rivers.

Mahabaleshwar's climate is suitable for strawberries . Therefore, strawberry production is done on a large scale in this area. 85% of India's total strawberry production is produced here. Mahabaleshwar is a very beautiful tourist destination.

Tourism importance-                                                                                                                              Situated on the Sahyadri plateau, this place is well-covered with dense forests. The Mahadev temple of Mahabaleshwar here was built by the Yadav king Singhandev in the 13th century . The golden kalasa cut from Afzal Khan's tent was offered to this Mahabaleshwar temple by Shivaji Maharaj . The Mahabaleshwar temple in Mahabaleshwar, the adjacent Jawali valley and Pratapgad all have historical references to the name and achievements of Shivaji.

Hills Near Mahabaleshwar-                                                                                                            Mahabaleshwar receives a lot of rainfall and during the monsoons, the area is flooded. The natural beauty of this place, like Khandala-Lonavala or Matheran, is very attractive. Wilson Point, Arthur's Seat Point, Lodwick Point are some of the famous mountain peaks and are visited by a large number of tourists.

Five rivers originate from the temple of Mahabaleshwar , namely Krishna , Venna , Koyna , Savitri and Govitri . There is a temple of Panchganga here. This place is famous as Mahabaleshwar. The river 'Savitri' is a western river while the other four rivers are eastern. Venna Lake is a big attraction for tourists. There is a large reservoir called Waghache Pani here. It is believed that tigers come here to drink water.

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its strawberries , raspberries, purple honey , and red radishes and carrots . Mahabaleshwar honey is very tasty and famous. Gulkand is also available here in large quantities.

For tourists, there are many places of interest here, 7 km from old Mahabaleshwar, besides 5 temples that showcase the Indian architecture of the past. There are naturally formed places of interest here. During the British rule, some Britishers came here for rest and gave names to some places. It is known as the source of five rivers.

Mahabaleshwar Market-                                                                                                              Mahabaleshwar market is very famous. Here you can find woolen clothes, sweaters, leather belts, leather wallets etc. in various types. Also, chickpeas and lentils are famous here.

1) Panchganga Temple-                                                                                                                                It is the source of 7 rivers, Krishna, Koyna, Gayatri, Savitri, Venna, Saraswati, and Bhagirathi, which is a must-see. The flow of the first five of these rivers flows continuously for twelve months. However, the flow of Saraswati is seen every 60 years. Now it will be seen in the year 2034. The flow of Bhagirathi is seen every 12 years. It will be seen in the Marathi month of Shravan in the year 2016. This temple is 4500 years old. After leaving here, the Krishna river flows independently. There is a separate temple of Krishnabai here.

2) Krishnabai Temple-                                                                                                                                Very close to the back of Panchganga Temple is a temple named Krishnabai where the Krishna River is worshipped. It was built in 1888 by the Konkan king 'Ratnagirion' on a high hill from where the entire Krishna Valley can be seen. This temple has a Shiva Linga and an idol of Krishna. A small stream flows from the cow's mouth and falls into a water tank. The special feature of the entire temple is the stone construction with the roof. There is a swamp near this temple and it is in a dilapidated condition. Very few tourists come here because it is isolated. But from this place you can see a very beautiful view of the Krishna River.

3) Monkey Point-                                                                                                                                          This place is named this way because there are three natural stones here that look like monkeys sitting facing each other and remind us of Gandhiji's words. If you look into the deep valley there, you will see a picture of 3 clever monkeys sitting facing each other on a big stone. This point is on the way to Arthur's Seat Point.

4) Arthur Seat Point-                                                                                                                                    This is a point in Mahabaleshwar, located at an altitude of 1,340 meters above sea level. This place got its name after Sir Arthur . This place is famous for its very natural scenery. It is a beautiful place. There is a very deep valley below.

5) Venna Lake (lake)-                                                                                                                      Mahabaleshwar is famous as a place of rest and tourism. Venna Lake is a major tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, this lake is a must-see for tourists. From there, you can enjoy the view of the lake or even stay in the famous market.

Venna Lake is located on the Mahabaleshwar - Panchgani Road. It is 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar. It is called Venna Lake because the Venna River has created a water reservoir.

Tourists can go on a water safari here. Horse riding is also possible here. There is a dense forest behind this dam. On the neighboring road is the garden of Pratap Singh Maharaj. There are beautiful flowers here. This club comes under the control of the Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council. There are a large number of shops here. Here, a water safari costs 700 rupees (that too for half an hour). For this, 7 people are needed and 1000 rupees has to be kept as a deposit, which is returned after the water safari.

This Venna Lake was created in 1842 by the King of Satar, Chhatrapati Appasaheb Maharaj . The average total area is 28 acres. And the depth is 10 feet.

6) Kate's Point (Nakekhind)-                                                                                                                    This point is on the eastern side of Mahabaleshwar. From here you can see the view of Balkawadi and Dhom dams. The height of this point is about 1280 meters.

7) Needle Hole Point / Elephant Head Point-                                                                                            This Needle Point is located near Kate Point. It is named Needle Hole because it is a natural hole in the rock that looks like a needle and is easily visible. This point looks like an elephant's trunk, hence its fame as the Deccan Trap.

8) Wilson Point-                                                                                                                                            This point is named after Sir Leslie Wilson, who was the Governor of Mumbai from 1923 to 1926. This is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar on the Sindola hill at an altitude of 1439 m. This is the only point in Mahabaleshwar from where you can see both sunrise and sunset. You can see all the attractions of Mahabaleshwar from here. This Wilson Point is located 1.5 km from Mahabaleshwar city, behind the Mahabaleshwar Medha Marg.

9) Pratapgad-                                                                                                                                      Pratapgad is located 21 km from Mahabaleshwar on the Mahad road. On 10 Nov. 1659, the biggest battle between Ch. Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan took place at this fort, due to which this fort has acquired unique general importance. Shivaji Maharaj established this fort in the year 1656. This fort is located at a height of about 3543 feet above sea level. Ch. Shivaji Maharaj had established the temple of 'Tulja-Bhavani' mother at this place. From this fort, hundreds of kilometers of Konkan can be seen.

10) Lingamala Waterfall-                                                                                                                              This waterfall is located near Mahabaleshwar. The water falls from a height of about 600 feet into the Venna Lake. This waterfall is formed by carefully dividing the rock.

History-                                                                                                                                                          Around AD 1215 , when the Devagiri king Rigveda visited old Mahabaleshwar, he built a small temple and reservoir at the site of a spring on the banks of the Krishna river. In the 16th century, the Marathi family of Chandrarao More defeated the previous dynasty and became the kings of Javali and Mahabaleshwar. During that time, the temple was rebuilt. In 1819, the British brought all the hilly areas under the umbrella of the Satara kingdom.

Colonel Lodwick, the local officer of Satar, reached this point in April 1824 with all the soldiers and porters of the division, as well as Indian helpers, which is now known as Lodwick's Point.

Sir Rigveda, Mount Stuart Elphinstone, Arthur Mallett, Karnak, Frere and many others were among the visitors here from 1828. Mahabaleshwar was truly recognized in 1929-30. Before that, it was known as Malcolmpeth, but now it is known as Mahabaleshwar.

Raj Bhavan in Mahabaleshwar is the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra. It is located in an old building called "The Terrace". It was purchased in 1884 AD .

Transportation- Bus route  -                                                                                                                         It is 29 km from Medha city of Javali taluka of Satara district and 33 km from Mahabaleshwar village of Wai taluka. Satara city is 45 km away. To reach Satara district from Mahabaleshwar, there is a route from Mahabaleshwar Kelghar Ghat to Medha and then to Satara, and there is a route from Mahabaleshwar Panchgani to Wai and then to Satara. Buses from Mahabaleshwar depot are always running on both routes to Satara. Mahabaleshwar is connected to National Highway 4. MSRTC buses, private buses, and private vehicles are constantly available to reach Mahabaleshwar from Pune, Mumbai, Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur. Also, Udtare (AH-47, NH-4) Taluka Wai can be reached directly from Kudal via your private vehicle for 43 km.