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At
1, 372 metres above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular
and the largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit
for God of Great Power. The first Briton to set foot here was Sir
Charles Malet in 1791. Under General Peter Lodwick and Sir John Malcolm,
the Governor of Bombay, a sanatorium was built in 1828. Mahabaleshwar
was then considered a British territory and was named 'Malcolm Peth'
for some years. The bazaar is still named so. John Malcolm was completely
taken in by the hill-station.
Under British rule, roads were built, following which several resorts
quickly sprang up. Bungalows, churches and the Mahabaleshwar Club
were built. A polo ground and race course were opened. In the 19th
century, as soon as the sanatorium was founded, an open jail reformatory
centre was established. Convicts from China and Malaysia were stationed
here. They were involved in constructing roads, grinding cornflour,
maintaining potato cultivations and other vegetable gardens in the
English resorts. Now, the Public Works Department bungalow stands
on the site of the prison. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of
the Governor of the old Bombay Presidency. The Britishers built various
mansions, cottages and bungalows around the town, lending it a charming,
sophistication.
The place is popular with tourists, especially from Mumbai and Pune,
wanting to take a break from the rush of the rat race. The hill-station
is very crowded during vacations like Christmas & Diwali and in
summers.
Unlike
Matheran, Mahabaleshwar has long motorable roads to its sights and
points. And several taxis stand by to help you on your way. If you're
in a more adventurous mood, you could even hire a pony for the birdle
paths, instead of a vehicle.
Places of Interest
Mount Malcolm :
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. It was built
in 1829 with magnificent architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has
lost a lot of its old charm now.
Catholic Church :
A visit to the old Roman Catholic Holy Cross church is worth a detour.
Although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass
windows are still a sight to behold. This deserted church is now looked
after by a Hindu family.
Mahabaleshwar Club :
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained.
Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its
well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated
by loyal members every year. Fortunately, one facility is open to
visitors; who can use the golf-course whenever they feel like it.
Morarji Castle :
Also worth a look is this old structure. Mahatma Gandhi once lived
here in 1945. Pratapgad Fort :
This is 24 kms. away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 1656
by Moropant Trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha ruler
Shivaji. It was here that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afzal Khan,
was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a great view.
Various Points in Mahabaleshwar :
There are various points around the edges looking out over the flat-topped
ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys below. Almost 1,240 metres
above sea level, Lodwick Point has a great view. There is a monument
in memory of the general, erected by his son. Between Lodwick Point
and Elphinstone Point lies the Dhobi waterfalls. Also on the path
to Elphinstone Point is a small scenic spot overlooking the Koyna
river valley. Elphinstone Point is named after a former Governor of
Bombay. Lying at 1,348 mts above sea-level is Arthur's Seat, overlooking
the beautiful Jor Valley. About a kilometre from this is Tiger's Spring
and, following the same path, you will reach a small ledge known as
'The Window'. The view form here is simply mesmerising.
For those looking for a spiritual experience, there are the Krishna
and Mahabaleshwar Temples. As well as the point of the five rivers
which flow over the Deccan Plateau, namely the Krishna, Koyna, Savitri,
Veena & Gayatri. Mahabaleshwar was considered a holy place with
a strong historical background for centuries. The name Mahabaleshwar
means great ("Maha") power ("Bali"). The place
is still frequented by local devotees. Another interesting temple
is a black stone one, a little ahead from the others, with a lovely
view.
Kate's Point, along Duchess Road, at 1,290 metres is yet another great
point to look over. The Lingmala waterfall, at the top of Venna Valley,
six kms. from the post office, is the most impressive spot of Mahabaleshwar.
The uninterrupted fall descends down, five-six hundred feet from the
cliff.
A little ahead of the falls, Wilson Point stands at 1,435 metres,
the highest point in the hill. South east from this point lies Helen's
Point at the Blue Valley, overlooking the Panchgani and Gaolani Points.
Babington Point overlooks the Koyna Valley. Heading south from this
point is Chinaman'' Waterfall. Falkland Point follows next in line.
Nearby is Carnac Point, named after Six James Rivett Carnac. Yet another
spectacular view is seen ahead at Bombay Point. If you enjoy boating
you will find boats for hire on the Central Yenna Lake next to the
golf course.
Around Mahabaleshwar :
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar,
Panchgani is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts. The name
is derived from the fact that it is located at the centre of five
hills ("Panch" = five, "Gani" = hills). The place
is well known for trekking and other adventure activities. Climb atop
'Table Land', a famous flat-mountain top, from where you can have
a look at the vast plain below. The berry farms here are another tourist
attraction.
More Details
Climate: It has a pleasant
climate throughout the year. In summers, temperatures range between
16 and 20 degrees celcuis and in winters it falls even further.
Languages Spoken : Marathi,
Hindi and English.
Clothing : Since the
climate is pleasant throughout the year, loose cotton attire is preferable.
Although during winters light woollen clothes are advisable.
What to buy :
In Mahableshwar honey and strawberry crushes & jams are very famous.
The place also has a wide variety of chikki (a famous local sweet).
At
1, 372 metres above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular
and the largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit
for God of Great Power. The first Briton to set foot here was Sir
Charles Malet in 1791. Under General Peter Lodwick and Sir John Malcolm,
the Governor of Bombay, a sanatorium was built in 1828. Mahabaleshwar
was then considered a British territory and was named 'Malcolm Peth'
for some years. The bazaar is still named so. John Malcolm was completely
taken in by the hill-station.
Unlike
Matheran, Mahabaleshwar has long motorable roads to its sights and
points. And several taxis stand by to help you on your way. If you're
in a more adventurous mood, you could even hire a pony for the birdle
paths, instead of a vehicle.
