8 Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar: Experience the Simple Pleasures of the Hills

The soulful city of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountain range, which offers it a mystical vibe. The lush greenery paired with the mighty hills and rejuvenating weather makes this place the perfect getaway for couples and families alike. This hill station was the summer capital of present-day Mumbai during the British rule. You’ll understand why, once you explore the places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The picturesque views and the mesmerizing attractions including shimmering waterfalls, mist-covered hills, tranquil lakes, and so on would prepare you to face the stressful city life once again.

Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar: Witness the Poetry of Earth

Mahabaleshwar is the green city of Maharashtra because of the abundant natural beauty it’s blessed with. The serene views as the sun rises or sets here is one that you’d wish to wake up to every day. The rustic yet elegant sophistication of this destination sets it apart from the rest of the hill stations. It’s a complete contrast to the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai, which is why people plan a weekend getaway to this place for a peaceful retreat. Here are the top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.

1. Elephant’s Head Point
2. Chinaman’s Falls
3. Tapola
4. Venna Lake
5. Mahabaleshwar Temple
6. Lingmala Falls
7. Mapro Garden
8. Tiger Spring

1. Elephant’s Head Point: The Most Picturesque Viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar

First on our list is one of the popular tourist attractions in India which resembles an Elephant’s head; thus, the name. Other famous names of this attraction are “Needle Point” and “Elphinstone Point.” The jaw-dropping views from the top of the Pratapgarh Fort and Savitri Valley would enamor you. When you visit this location on your trip, make sure to reach here during sunrise or sunset as the views are absolutely breathtaking during that time. During monsoons, the lush greenery of this place enhances the experience even more, so do add this location to your list of places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.

Best time to visit: July to September

Timings: 9 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 135 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 69 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Sydney Point, Mapro Garden, Pratapgarh Fort, Parsi Point

How to reach: You can reach the parking of this attraction via car and then trek for around 1 km to reach the top

2. Chinaman’s Falls: The Exquisitely Gorgeous Waterfall

This waterfall is among the most scenic waterfalls in this hill station and was named after a Chinese who looked after this attraction in the past. The highlight of this waterfall is that it’s made from the merging of 2 different streams, so the force with which they fall creates a thunderous sound. The Chinaman’s Falls cascade down from the pinnacle of Venna Valley and it’s a sight to behold. The verdant greenery around this place is also a factor in the alluring beauty of this attraction, making it one of the famous places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. A picnic in the vicinity of this waterfall sounds perfect. Places like these are what make this hill station a romantic destination for honeymoon in India.

Best time to visit: July to September

Timings: 6 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 131 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 65 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Koyna Valley, Babington Point, Morarji Castle, Wilson Point

How to reach: You can take a bus to the waterfall or travel via cab or taxi

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3. Tapola: Take a Tour to the Mini Kashmir of India

Tapola, or famously known as Mini Kashmir, is a village in Mahabaleshwar that is famous for its dense forests. The natural beauty here is astounding and offers a nature retreat for those looking to relax away from the bustling city life. You can indulge in trekking, kayaking, paragliding, and much more. It’s ideal for those looking for some peaceful downtime and also for the adventure junkies looking for some thrill. There’s a lot to explore here, such as the Shivsagar Lake, Eco Agro Tourism, Vaisota and Jaigad Forts, and many more such attractions. The pastoral aesthetic and the dense forests add a mystical element to this entire village, which is worth exploring.

Best time to visit: October to March

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 130 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 88 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Shivsagar Lake, Vasota and Jaigad Forts, Kas Pathar, Tapola Lake

How to reach: Hire a cab or drive to Araam Chowk in Mahabaleshwar and then travel down the hill to this village

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4. Venna Lake: A Bewitching Trip to the Lake

Venna Lake is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for couples because of the scenic beauty and panoramic vistas of greenery it offers. This manmade lake was earlier used to cater to the city’s water needs but has now become a tourist attraction with a few pilgrimage sites submerged in it as well. There’s also a garden on its banks, Chhatrapati Pratapsinh, where you can stroll around and admire the beauty of the surroundings. Boating in this lake is among the most famous things to do in Mahabaleshwar, so don’t miss out on that. Simply relaxing by the lakeside is also an excellent way to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Best time to visit: March to June

Timings: 8 A.M to 8 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 131 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 66 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Krishnabai Temple, Lingmala Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson Point

How to reach: You can either take a bus to ST Bus Stand or hire a cab or taxi to reach there

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5. Mahabaleshwar Temple: Witness the Glory of the Maratha Heritage

Mahabaleshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a testimony of the Maratha’s heritage. People from all over the world visit this temple to seek the blessings of the Lord and to marvel at the magnificent architecture. It's among the spiritual things to do in India. There’s a five feet wall protecting the temple, which is divided into two sections: the inner part and the outer part. The inner part, which is the sanctum sanctorum is where the main deity resides and the outer part houses the things close to Lord Shiva, such as his damru, trishul, carvings of his beloved bull and Kalbhairav, his bodyguard. However, the primary attraction here is the 6 ft long shiva lingam, whose tip is the only thing visible to the tourists. So, soak in the serene and spiritual vibes of this place during your vacation.

Best time to visit: October to November

Timings: 5 A.M to 12 P.M and 4 P.M to 9 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 130 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 65 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Elphinstone Point, Pratapgad Fort, Lodwich Point, Mapro Garden

How to reach: You can reach here via a cab or taxi. Driving there on your own is also convenient

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6. Lingmala Falls: Experience a Relaxing State of Mind

You’re in for an absolutely breathtaking view of this sparkling waterfall, which offers a sight of the Dhobi Waterfall and the Chinaman’s Waterfall. The water cascades down a height of 500 ft with gushing sounds that is the only sound in the tranquil and peaceful environment. Don’t get confused by the two waterfalls here. One is the mini waterfall, while the other is the main one. Watching this sight of milky white water falling would transport you into a trance-like state. It’s the perfect location for enjoying a picnic and for clicking aesthetic pictures. So, if you’re looking for places to visit in Maharashtra where you can experience such serenity, then visit this attraction.

Best time to visit: July to December

Timings: 8 A.M to 4:30 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 123 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 62 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Vintage Miles Motorcycle Museum, Wilson Point, Kate’s Point, Krishnabai Temple

How to reach: You can take a bus to Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand and then reach your destination or go via car to the waterfall

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7. Mapro Garden: Delve into the Strawberry Plantations

Mapro Garden is among the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in one day because of the lush strawberry plantations here. Mapro is a famous brand for jams, preserves, squashes, marmalades, and much more. There’s a chocolate factory, small nursery, restaurant, and a play area for children, so you can rest assured that your day here will be a fulfilling one. You can even buy the Mapro products from the retail outlet here for an enriching experience. If you want a more immersive experience, then visit this place during the Easter Weekend in March/April when the strawberry festival is held. Farmers from nearby villages display their strawberry products to the tourists and even distribute them for free.

Best time to visit: December to February

Timings:

Weekdays – 8 A.M to 8:30 P.M

Weekends – 8 A.M to 9 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 118 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 57 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Gureghar Nature Trail, Kate’s Hill Point, Lingmala Waterfall, Krishnabai Temple

How to reach: You can take a bus to the Panchgani Bus Stop and then take a cab to the garden or directly take a cab or taxi

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8. Tiger Spring: A Treat to the Eyes

Tiger Spring is one of the most gorgeous natural beauties of Mahabaleshwar, which is a small stream that provides water the entire year. This thermal spring near River Savitri is believed to have healing properties and spiritual powers. Therefore, people take a dip in the shallow waters here to cure their ailments. In addition to this, the glorious view from the top of the serene Venna Lake and the surrounding hills is a sight to behold. It's one of the Mahabaleshwar places to visit in winter to relax and unwind here as you enjoy the most perfect view of greenery and clear blue skies.

Best time to visit: October to June

Timings: 7 A.M to 6 P.M

Distance from nearest airport: Approx. 12 km from Pune Airport

Distance from nearest railway station: Approx. 42 km from Wathar Station

Nearby attractions: Arthur’s Seat, Monkey Point, Krishnabai Temple, Elephant’s Head Point

How to reach: You can take a cab or taxi to the base of this point and then trek to the top

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These mesmerizing places to visit in Mahabaleshwar are reason enough to take a vacation in the verdant hills of this place. Explore breathtaking views, magnificent temples, indulge in fun activities, and stroll amidst nature. This hill station contrasts with the dizzying pace of the city, which is why it’s the perfect weekend getaway for locals as well as tourists from around the world. So, book our Mahabaleshwar travel packages and enjoy the simple pleasures of this place.

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