Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar Over a Long Weekend

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No matter you are traveling for fun, for relaxation or to connect with yourself, the very act of moving out from routine is rewarding. Away from your morning alarms, commutes to work, office emails, routine breakfasts, monotonous office tasks and superficial outings, you need some time out for yourself to indulge in things and activities that interest you. If you love reading books, take time to do it. If you intend to see new places, go out and head for places you haven’t explored yet. If you love photography, just buy that camera and get clicking. It’s a very small life and before you know, it can pass off. So, if you are in to seize some moments, we have with us a remarkable place that will let you do all the things we mentioned and indulge in this beautiful gift called life. Known as Mahabaleshwar, the pristine hill station in Maharashtra will leave you in awe with its innate beauty, serene landscape and refreshing calmness that is all you need to get back to life and work. So, here are the top interesting places to visit in Mahabaleshwar and you can either wait for the next long weekend or call your day sick and leave.

Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar – 2020

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Ask anyone from Maharashtra and they would revere about the magnificent hill station. Located on the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the destination is all about lush green landscapes, meadows, evergreen forests, gardens, viewpoints, temples, forts, waterfalls and more. Because of its location and altitude, Mahabaleshwar also served as Bombay province’s summer capital during the time of the British. Though not many people intend to visit Mahabaleshwar, it is one of the hidden gems in India. Read on to know about the places you can visit in Mahabaleshwar.

Also Read : Top 50 Hill Stations In India

1. Mapro Garden – The One Where the Entire Family Has Fun

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One of the most popular tourist places to visit in Mahabaleshwar has always been the Mapro garden. The best part about the place is that it is one for the entire family. From your kids to grownups and the elderly people in your family, you can find each one of them having a good time. Located at a distance of about 11km from the main region of Mahabaleshwar, you can find this beautiful garden full of interesting things. You can see a chocolate factory, children’s play area, and a small nursery all nestled inside the garden premises.

There is a restaurant inside as well, which serves some lip-smacking refreshments and beverages just in case you get tired or intend to relax looking at a beautiful view in front of you. If you are there in the months of March or April, you can also experience the strawberry festival – a four-day event organized by Mapro. During this time, you can get to taste a range of strawberry-filled delicacies like strawberry dipped chocolates, pizzas, strawberry bhel, and even sandwiches made of strawberries.

• Distance from Airport: 3 hours approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Summer and monsoon
• How much time to spend: Half day
• Operating hours: 8:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5

If a fun-filled family vacation has been long due, this is time to invite every single one of them and head to the Mapro Garden for some beautiful moments with your partner.

2. The Sunset Point – Let the Rays Mesmerize

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If you’ve ever wanted to witness the artist in the creator at work, you need to visit the Sunset Point or the Mumbai Point in Mahabaleshwar. Located on the Old Mumbai Road, the place gets soaked in different hues of orange, red and other colors at the time of sunset. It almost feels like the creator is having a great time experiment with colours on an empty canvas of the sky. This is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for some moments of silence, absorption and uninterrupted time with nature.

Though sunrise and sunsets are daily phenomena, only a few of us cherish it and take time to appreciate the little beautiful things like these. Rest of the time, we are all running towards something and somewhere. For those of you who want to take a few-minute pause from your hasty schedule and cherish life and nature, this is the perfect spot. No matter if you intend to picnic here, get your portfolio of sunset shots captured, spend time with your children or family or simply rejuvenate alone looking at the sun setting humbly in the horizon, you are in for some subtle moments. The tranquility of Sunset point makes it one of the best places to see in Mahabaleshwar.

• Distance from Airport: 3 hours 45 minutes approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Summer
• How much time to spend: Late afternoon to Early Evenings
• Trip Advisor rating: 3.5/5

Calming and absorbing, this place is your free spot for mental rejuvenation and stress relief.

3. Arthur’s Seat – Get mystified by Science!

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India is full of mysterious places and you can experience tons of unique things across diverse regions of the country. If you have witnessed the Magnetic Hill phenomenon at Leh, you know what we are talking about. Something similar that is gravity defying in our very own Mahabaleshwar is Arthur’s Seat. One of the most prominent places to visit in Mahabaleshwar, Arthur’s Seat will surprise you with the fact that if you throw any light-weight object from the top, you can see it coming up again. Legends behind it? None, it’s because of air pressure.

As much as it is interesting to read, it is phenomenal to experience it as well. Apart from this offbeat experience, you can also have a panoramic view of the Konkan coast and that of the sprawling meadows. Peaceful, fun and magical, the place has everything you were looking out on a quick vacation.

• Distance from Airport: 4 hours approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Summer
• How much time to spend: Half day
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Trip Advisor rating: 4/5
• Best Time to Visit: Optional

Offering you amazing views of the surrounding valleys and an even amazing scientific phenomenon to experience, Arthur’s Seat should be on your top 10 places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.

4. The Mahabaleshwar Temple, Amongst Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar

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Built during the 16^th century, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is home to 300-year-old Rudraksha, a bed, a trishul and a damru or the celestial drum. Following a south Indian style of architecture, the Mahabaleshwar temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India and a pilgrimage site to the Hindus. It has two distinct spaces inside the temple premises – one that has a central hall and the other dedicated to the sanctum sanctorum.

There is an interesting legend associated with the temple as well. According to one of them, Shivaji weighed his mother in gold in this temple and gave away the corresponding weigh as charity to people. Once there, you will be amazed by the temple’s architecture and built and wonder how people even managed to get this constructed with no technology in hand. Another one of the places to visit in Mahabaleshwar that needs to be added to your travel list.

• Distance from Airport: 3 hours 35 minutes approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Summer
• How much time to spend: Half day
• Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Trip Advisor rating: 4.5/5
• Best Time to Visit: Optional

Go there to appreciate the architectural excellence of our ancestors and seek the blessings of the first yogi – Lord Shiva.

5. Chinaman’s Falls’ – Exotic and Other Worldly!

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One of the most surreal waterfalls you will come across in your life, the Chinaman’s Falls is exotic, green and tranquil. Falling from significant elevations, the waterfalls seep out from gigantic mountains covered with lush green creepers and forests. The falls gets its name as Chinaman because of the fact that the gardens in the waterfall’s surroundings used to be taken care by Chinese people. The roaring water and the calmness of the environment is sure to give you good vibes for the days to come.

If you are visiting with your family, arrange for a picnic and spend quality time at the location because it gets absorbing by the minute. It is located at a short distance of about 3km from the main area of Mahabaleshwar and is one of the must visit places in Mahabaleshwar.

• Distance from Airport: 3 Hours 45 minutes approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Summer and Monsoon
• How much time to spend Half day
• Difficulty level: Low
• Trip Advisor rating: 3.5/5

You can have perfect photos of you at this tranquil spot and at the same time rejuvenate on the lap of Mother Nature.

6. Velocity Entertainmentz – One for the Adrenalin Rush

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If you feel this list is only for you to passively enjoy and take in moments, here is one that would require to actively create one as well. Located at the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road, the zone for adventure enthusiasts – Velocity Entertainmentz – allows you to indulge in a range of outdoor activities. The place is spread across 10 acres and has diverse sporting options to choose from.

From go-karting and zorbing to drop towers and hanging merry go rounds, this one’s not for the faint hearted. The place also has an amazing restaurant that serves Italian cuisine and a sumptuous range of non-alcoholic beverages and desserts. The thrill seekers can can venture out this tourist place in Mahabaleshwar.

• Distance from Airport: 3 hours 5 minutes approximately
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime
• How much time to spend: Full day
• Operating hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Difficulty level: Low to Moderate
• Trip Advisor rating: 3.5/5

It is that one place that guarantees you hours of non-stop fun and frolic to your entire family.

7. Pratapgad Fort, One of the Popular Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar

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Strategically built on a hilltop, Pratapgad fort offers a spectacular view of the valley below, definitely making it a Place to Visit in Mahabaleshwar that you shouldn’t miss at any cost. Built in the year 1665, during the reign of Maratha empire, this fort has a deep historical significance, having seen the fierce and famous battle- Battle of Pratapgad. Although the fort now lies in ruins, it is its heritage value and the beautiful location is what that draws tourists to itself, till date. The striking Mahadev Temple and Goddess Bhawani Temple located in the upper and lower fort respectively, along with the Afzal Khan Dargah that’s visible from here, are the key attractions.

• Distance from Airport: Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes
• Best Time to Visit: Winters and early summers
• How Much Time to Spend: 2 Hours
• Operating Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

8. Rajpuri Caves

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These historically rich spot located just 10 km away from the main town, is among the best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar. The four ancient caves are enclosed by large kunds with one of them housing Lord Kartikeya temple and another Goddess Ghatjal Devi temple. Three of the caves are interconnected through underground tunnels and even believed to serve as the famous shelter of the Pandavas during the period of their exile.

• Distance from Airport: Approx. 3 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Winters and Monsoons
• How Much Time to Spend: 1-2 Hours
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

9. Lingamala Falls

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A true nature lover’s pride, Lingamala Falls are majestic waterfalls in Panchgani area that make it the must Visit Places in Mahabaleshwar. The serene beauty of the falls can be witnessed after trudging on a charming hiking trail that weaves through a beautiful forest. The region which is apt for simply revelling in the nature’s bounty, is also a wonderful picnic spot and apt for great photography. The months from July to December see this scenic spot, maximum number of tourists owing to its heightened beauty and extremely inviting weather. Monsoons are also the time when the falls become higher and more gorgeous, though more dangerous too.

• Distance from Airport: Approx. 2.5 hours
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoons and winters
• How Much Time to Spend: 2-3 Hours
• Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Recommended Read: 10 Cities To Visit Over A Long Weekend

FAQ’s About Mahabaleshwar

1. How to Reach Mahabaleshwar?

Located in Maharashtra, reaching Mahabaleshwar shouldn’t be a tedious task. You can take a flight, train or a bus from some of the major Indian cities and conveniently reach the destination. The nearest airport is the Pune International Airport, located at a distance of around 120km. The second closest airport is the Mumbai airport, situated at around 270km from the destination. If you are taking the train, the most convenient railway station for you to reach and access will be Pune, from where you can find tons of taxis, cabs and government/private buses taking you to Mahabaleshwar.

2. Can I find Decent Accommodation in Mahabaleshwar?

Mahabaleshwar is a booming tourist place and there are hundreds of hotels and accommodations offering world-class service to their visitors. No matter if you are looking for budget accommodation or lavish resorts in Mahabaleshwar, you can find both and everything in between as well.

3. Which is the Best Time to visit Mahabaleshwar?

It depends on what kind of experience you intend to have. While Maharashtra is equally beautiful during monsoon and summer, you can choose to come down to the place whenever you want to. While the summers can offer you good views from the viewpoints and several activities to take part in, the monsoon can turn the place into a mystical land, where its beauty gets multiplied by manifold.

4. Are there any Adventure Sports in Mahabaleshwar?

If you didn’t know, Panchgani is known as the Switzerland of India and there are options to go for paragliding from here. The beautiful views and experienced gliders will make your memories more special with the activity. But before you go, make sure the season is on and the weather conditions are perfect for a seamless glide.

So, these were some of our recommendations on the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. Plan your trip accordingly and if you have more such interesting places to visit, share them on your comments.