How come I haven’t written something on the famous hill station, that too when I lived in Pune and traveled to nearby places and wrote about them. To be honest, Mahabaleshwar is too touristy and I never felt like writing about it.
Travel to Mahabaleshwar won’t disappoint you as it has incredible sights and stunning landmarks to offer. Many people preferred hill station for a quick relaxation or a weekend getaway
With the extended monsoon , I finally decided to go on a road trip to the hill station. The place wasn’t as crowded as I expected it to be and I was quite surprised by its beauty. On my earlier visit to the town, I visited it in the summers and had used public transport, so I couldn’t explore it much. You really need your own transport to explore it to the fullest.
While planning my trip to Mahabaleshwar, what I found missing was a proper 2-day route covering all the must-visit places which can be useful to plan and complete the trip. I did a bit of research on how I can possibly cover Panchgani, Wai and Mahabaleshwar on a 2-day road trip from Pune
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is between April–May and October–November which is also the strawberry season. The second is the monsoon , as heavy rains usually fall from June through to September.
How to reach Mahabaleshwar from Pune and Mumbai
Mahabaleshwar is located around 120 km southwest of Pune and 285 km from Mumbai. Direct buses are available from both these cities to Mahabaleshwar. To explore the hill station, one would need to depend on Taxis and that could be a bit heavy on your pocket.What I would suggest is to rent a bike from Pune and explore the towns of Wai, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar on a 2-day road trip.
Wanna know what all you can do here? Start scrolling!
Top Things To Do In Mahabaleshwar
There are various things to do in and around the hill town of Mahabaleshwar. But we bring you the best ones right here:
- Venna Lake – Ride A Shikara
- Pratapgarh Fort – Unveil The Secrets Of This Mysterious Spot
- Lingmala Falls – Take A Dip
- Mahabaleshwar Temple – Seek The Blessings Of Lord Shiva
- Mapro Garden – Treat Yourself With Strawberries & Cream
- Cheese Factory -we go together like macaroni and cheese
- Wilson Point – Gaze At The Colorful Sunset
- Arthur’s Seat – Admire The Sweeping View Of Mahabaleshwar
- Rock Climbing – Indulge In Exciting Activities
- Elephant’s Head Point – Catch The Bird’s Eye View
- Town Bazaar – Indulge In Shopping
- Wax Museum - life sized statues
1. Venna Lake – Ride A Shikara
The Venna Lake at Mahabaleshwar is one stunning masterpiece of nature. Surrounded by lush hills and trees on all sides, this shimmering lake is dotted with colourful boats or ‘Shikaras’ and offers a memorable experience to visitors. One of the best things to do in Mahabaleshwar is to take a private boat tour on this silken water and enjoy the wonderful views of the bordering hills from a unique perspective. There are a number of eating joints lined up by the lake-side, so don’t worry about your hunger when here!
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Boating Charges:
Row Boat – INR 250 for 30 minutes | INR 500 for 1 hour (for 7 people)
Peddle Boat – Around INR 440 for 1 hour (for 6 people)
Tip: You can also go horse riding near this lake on your Mahabaleshwar sightseeing tour.
2. Pratapgarh Fort – Unveil The Secrets Of This Mysterious Spot
Situated merely 24 km from Mahabaleshwar, the Pratapgarh Fort is an important historical landmark near this hill town that marks the Maratha Empire’s struggle for Swaraj under Chhatrapati Shivaji’s command. A maze of elegant ponds, chambers, and dark, elongated walkways, Pratapgarh Fort is a delightful place for lovers of thrill and adventure in Mahabaleshwar. And the best part – it’s just a road trip away from Mahabaleshwar which makes it one of the top 10 things to do in Mahabaleshwar.
Key Attractions: Stunning Mahadev temple in the upper fort, wondrous Goddess Bhavani temple in the lower fort, and the holy dargah of Afzal Khan in the vicinity.
Location: Poladpur Mahabaleshwar Road, Mahabaleshwar 412806
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
3. Lingmala Falls – Take A Dip
One of the most beautiful Mahabaleshwar tourist places, the Lingamala falls are a nature lover’s delight. You have to walk through the forest and follow a trudged trail to reach it. The falls are located amidst natural beauty, at a great spot for photography and picnic with friends and family. The best time to visit Lingam Falls is between July and December. During these months, Lingamala Falls become one of the most-visited places to see in Mahabaleshwar. Post monsoon the waterfall is much higher, more beautiful, yet more dangerous. The place is frequently visited for adventure in Mahabaleshwar.
Key Attractions: The fact that you get to see three waterfalls in the pack for one. The mesmerizing Dhobi waterfall and Chinaman’s waterfall are also located nearby.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, everyday.
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Location: SH72, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
4. Mahabaleshwar Temple – Seek The Blessings Of Lord Shiva
Mahabaleshwar Temple is known for its serene, pure, and tranquil ambience that calms the soul and the mind. Also known as the Mahabali, this temple is a phenomenal example of the Maratha heritage dating back to the 16th century.
Dipped in the unique Hemadanta style architecture and boasting of the tales of Lord Shiva residing there every night, a visit to this temple should definitely be on your list of Mahabaleshwar things to do. Don’t forget to pray for happiness and peace before the sacred lingam of Lord Shiva.
Timings: 5AM-12PM and 4AM-9PM
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Loctaion: Old Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
5. Mapro Garden – Treat Yourself With Strawberries & Cream
No holiday is complete till you’ve tried the local food of that place. A unique that originated in Mahabaleshwar and is now a blooming brand all over India, Mapro Garden offers an enormous range of delicious food and drink items made out of various berries like mulberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. This enchanting land of strawberries provides the country with probably half its supply of strawberry and strawberry products.
You can take home buckets of these luscious fruits or the delicious products that Mapro Garden makes out of these – jams, jellies, syrups, marmalades, sauces, chocolates, mocktail mixtures, and much more. Don’t forget to try their tantalizing preparation of Strawberries With Cream!
Key Attractions: The Strawberry Festival, where the visitors can eat strawberries to their heart’s delight and enjoy the folk performance of Shivkalin Dhol & Lezim. The 9 days-festival usually takes place in the month of May.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM, evyday.
Entry Fee: The delightful place is open to all for free.
Loctaion: 15/1B, Gureghar, Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Rd, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806
6. Cheese Factory -we go together like macaroni and cheese
You must check out the cheese factory that is located right in the middle of it all, in Panchgani .It's Pure Gold Cheese factory open to the public in Panchgani. Here, cheese is manufactured and sold fresh to you, from the middle of Paradise, The Heritage Village. They sell a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella and cheddar, and different types of cheese spreads including cream cheese, smoked cheddar, pepper jack and more.
The best bit about this place is not just that you can buy cheese but watch it being made as well. You can watch the making of cheese from milk, its maturation in the ripening room, and finally the making of the slices. Within the cafe at Paradise-The Heritage Village, there is a lot that you can devour, including jam, cakes, honey, pizza and of course, cheese. It is located on the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road.
Location:Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar Rd, Bhose, Maharashtra 412805
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
7. Arthur’s Seat – Admire The Sweeping View Of Mahabaleshwar
If you are planning to cover some of the top places in Mahabaleshwar then you cannot miss Arthur’s Seat from your itinerary. This is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar as it gives a magical experience at an elevation of 1340 meters. It is believed that Sir Arthur used to come here and admire the view of Mahabaleshwar.
Location: Satara, Maharashtra 412803
Tip: You can go for this trek up early in the morning to avoid the crowd and to witness pleasant weather.
8. Rock Climbing – Indulge In Exciting Activities
If you are looking for adventurous activities to do in Mahabaleshwar then you will not be disappointed because there are several activities to opt for like rock climbing and ziplining. Whether traveling with your friends or family, you must go to Velocity Entertainmentz that offers all these activities in Mahabaleshwar and is the only place to be.
Location: Village Bhose, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar Road, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412805
Company: Velocity Entertainmentz
9. Wilson Point – Gaze At The Colourful Sunset
The highest point in Mahabaleshwar, Wilson Point provides splendid views of the stunning hills and greenery all around. But more than the views of lush greens, this point is popular for its breathtakingly beautiful views of both the sunrise and the sunset. In fact, it’s one of the very few places in India where both of these can be seen. One of the most scenic locations in Mahabaleshwar, a visit to the Wilson Point surely makes up for one of the best things to do in Mahabaleshwar in December.
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
10. Elephant’s Head Point – Catch The Bird’s Eye View
Elephant’s Head point, as the name suggest, is a piece of mountain which uncannily resembles the shape of an elephant’s head. It is also popular as the needle point and is one of the most romantic places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for couples. Quite a popular place to visit in Mahabaleshwar, it’s an ideal spot for picnic in fresh air, with abundant sun and scenic beauty surrounding the hill-top. It is a cool and calm place with amazing views from the top. Out of all the Mahabaleshwar tourist places, this one is the most recommended one.
Key Attractions: The spectacular view of the Sahyadri Range from is mesmerizing to say the least. Also, the echo point is quite popular among couples and fun-seekers.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, everyday.Entry Fee: None, except the fees of your hard-work to trek.
Loctaion: Satara, Maharashtra 402303
11. Town Bazaar – Indulge In Shopping
Traveling to a new place and not indulging in shopping is like a crime. So, you must include shopping in your Mahabaleshwar bucket list because you will find a nice place to shop, that is, Town Bazaar. The locals here sell a variety of handicrafts, chikki and Kholapuri chappal.
Location: Town Bazaar, Mahabaleshwar
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
We hope this has solved your problem of what to do in Mahabaleshwar. Now escape to Mahabaleshwar and engage in these spirituous and exciting adventure activities in Mahabaleshwar for the most unforgettable moments of your life. Know of any more things to do in Mahabaleshwar? Pop them in the comments below.
12.Wax Museum - life sized statues
Wax museum In Mahabaleshwar. (At Village Moleshwar), Kas Mahabaleshwar road, have 10,700 different desigs of candles including many Life style Statues made out of Wax. The most unique thing about this Museum is that the candles and statues are made By Blind People.
Timings :10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: INR 500 per person
Address: Moleshwar Kas - Mahabaleshwar Rd,
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahabaleshwar
Q. What is the specialty of Mahabaleshwar?
A. Mahabaleshwar is famous as the grower and producer of various kinds of berries like strawberries and mulberries in abundance. In fact, the popular company Mapro, which happens to be India’s leading producer and distributor of processed fruits was born in Mahabaleshwar itself!
Q. What can we do in Mahabaleshwar?
A. There are plenty of things that you and your companions can do in Mahabaleshwar.
1. Ride a shikara over the magnificent Venna Lake
2. Go jungle trekking in Tapola
3. Wander amidst the mysterious Pratapgarh Fort
4. Take a refreshing dip at the Lingmala Falls
5. Seek Lord Shiva’s blessings at Mahabaleshwar Temple
Q. How many days are enough for Mahabaleshwar?
A. 3 days are sufficient to cover the famous scenic spots in and around Mahabaleshwar. All the tourist places here will hardly take more than an hour to explore.
Q. Which is better Mahabaleshwar or Panchgani?
A. There really isn’t any comparison between the two as they’re both equally beautiful. There are a plenty of exciting things to do in Panchgani as well as Mahabaleshwar. It’s just that while Mahabaleshwar is more crowded and touristy, Panchgani is more quaint and peaceful. So, if you’re looking for some thrill and adventure, you can choose to visit Mahabaleshwar, but if it’s a chilled out and laid back holiday that you want, then you should head to Panchgani.
Q. Is Ola available in Mahabaleshwar?
A. Yes, you will easily be able to hail an Ola cab to get around in Mahabaleshwar. You can also hire a Meru cab, Savaari Taxi service, or take a bus to commute in and around this city.
Q. What can I buy in Mahabaleshwar?
A. Some of the popular things to buy in Mahabaleshwar are –
1. Strawberries
2. Wooden items
3. Leather footwear
4. Farm fresh carrots and radish
Q. When is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar?
A. The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is between the months of December to February. It is the best time to enjoy activities like mountain trekking and rope climbing and witnessing the scenic beauty.
Q. What is the famous food of Mahabaleshwar?
A. Mulberries, carrots, strawberries, corn and cherry sized tomatoes are some of the popular food you must try in Mahabaleshwar.
