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Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar At a height of 4500 feet (1372 Metres), it was established as a health resort in 1829 AD. Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit for God of Great Power. The first Briton to set foot here was Sir Charles Malet in 1791. 

 Sir John Malcolm, the first governor to visit Mahabaleshwar in 1828, established Mahabaleshwar in 1829. 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 was built. A Polo Ground and race course was opened. In the 19th Century, as soon as the Sanatorium was founded, an open jail reformatory centre was established. It was a jail for Chinese & Malay convicts from 1834 to 1864. These prisoners introduced cultivation of red potatoes, strawberries and weaving of cane and bamboo baskets. 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.
Sightseeing's
  • 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.
  • Pratapgad Fort : This is 24 Km 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.
  • Morarji Castle : Also worth a look is this old structure. Mahatma Gandhi once lived here in 1945.
  • Various Other Points : There are various points around the edges looking out over the flat topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys below. Almost 1240 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 waterfall. 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 1348 metres above sea level is Arthurs Seat, overlooking the beautiful Jor Valley. About a Kilometres from this is Tiger's Spring and, following the same path, you will reach a small ledge known as "The Window". The View from here is simply mesmerizing. 
  • 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 1290 metres is yet another great point to look over. The Lingmala waterfall, at the top of the Veena Valley, 6 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 1435 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's Waterfall. Falkland Point follows next in line. Nearby is Carnac Point, named after Sir James Rivett Carnac. Yet another spectacular view is seen ahead of 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 adventurous 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. 
  • Climate : It has a plesant climate throughout the year. In Summers, temperatures range between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius and in winters it falls even further.
  • Languages Spoken : English, Marathi, Hindi.
  • Clothing : Since the climate is pleasant throughout the year, loose cotton attire is preferable. Although during winters light wollen clothes are advisable.
  • What to Buy : In Mahabaleshwar honey and strawberry crushes and Jam are very famous. The place also has a wide variety of Chikki (famous local sweet)
Air Nearest Airport is Pune - 120 Kms.
Rail Nearest Railhead is Wathar, but Pune - 120 Kms is the convenient railhead.
Road Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar via Pune : 290 Kms.
Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar : 19 Kms.
Pune - Mahabaleshwar - 120 Kms. Aurangabad 348 Kms, Kolhapur 176 Kms, Panaji 438 Kms.
   
Area 140.04 Sq Kms
Altitude 1372 Mts
Summers 17 - 22 Deg Centigrade
Winter 10 - 21 Deg Centigrade
Rainfall 663 Cm June to Sept
Season October to May
STD Code 02168 (95-2168 from Mumbai)
 

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