Magnificent scenic "points", the perennial springs, streams, and waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year round superb climate, drew the English and others to Mahabaleshwar like honey bees to sweet nectar. Now it had become an attractive popular hill station of world renown.

It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for strawberries and mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April-May). The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. A late winter evening boat ride through the slight fog is well appreciated. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking.

Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular with picnickers. The former can be reached by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.

Located in the Satara District of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is also known as the queen on all Hill Stations due to its enchanting scenic beauty. About 120 km from Pune, Mahabaleshwar has the most evergreen forest of the world. Mahabaleshwar with a very cool climate once served as the summer capital of Bombay during the British rule. Never too hot because of the heights. Never too cold bacause of the nearness to the arabian sea. Still today it sustains its romanticism and is thus a favorite honeymoon spot.

Mahabaleshwar is situated at a height of 1372 m above the sea level. Vast green plateau of about 150 sq. kms. The place derived its name from the three Sanskrit words Maha, Bal and Ishwar meaning Great, Power and God respectively. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit.

The city serves as a perfect destination for excursions, sports or just relaxing. Besides some excruciatingly beautiful waterfalls and many view points, the view of the sea and the valley adds a new flavor to Mahabaleshwar.

Nestling in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the western ghats of Maharashtra are the cool misty resorts of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Away from the crowds and noise of the city, these twin resorts are an ideal holiday destination.

Several little known but charming hill resorts nestle shyly in these mountains. They seem to belong to the colonial era when people traveled up to these resorts to escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of the old world charm and make an ideal holiday destination.

Among the hill resorts of the state, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are very popular. Tucked away in the Satara district, they are best approached from Pune. Spared the commercialization that has affected the hill resorts of north and south India, the two resorts offer a clean, calm and thoroughly refreshing alternative. And, perhaps the only place in the country which offers a myriad activities-boating, fishing, horse riding, trekking and playing golf on the gorgeous nine-hole golf course built on the edge of a cliff!

Overlooking the Krishna and Koyna valleys, Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of 1372 meters opens up a whole world of picturesque delight. With an air of unspoilt beauty, it is a paradise for nature explorers and peace lovers, as also for filmmakers and producers. The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar retains its quintessential charm, despite the increasing crowds that visit the town. Numerous majestic mansions built during the days of the British, still stand as monuments of the Raj.

The climate of Mahabaleshwar is dry and pleasant and best in all the seasons. Nestled in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra at 4501 ft above sea level is the cool, misty resort of Mahabaleshwar. It shows some of the most striking vistas of the Western Ghats. Away from the crowds and noise of the city, it is an ideal holiday destination. It seems to belong to the colonial era when people travelled up to the resort to escape the heat of the plateau. It still retains some of its old charm and is hence, very popular. Tucked away in the Satara district, it is best approached from Pune & Mumbai.

Mahabaleshwar is a gift of the British and General Lodwick was the first European who took appreciable efforts for its development as a hill station. Numerous majestic mansions built here are evidence enough of the British rule.

The history of Mahabaleshwar tells mythological tales of its birth written in Skandapuran, a holy Hindu epic. Mahabaleshwar could be called the "land of five rivers", as the holy streams of Krushna, Koyna, Venna, Gayatri and Savitri emerge from here. Picturesque viewpoints, serpentine paths, cascading waterfalls and a beautiful expanse of calm water combined with modern amenities make Mahabaleshwar the most sought after hill station in the Sahyadris

A visit to Pratapgad Fort, 24 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, adds a historical dimension to the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani holiday. Made famous by the Maratha leader Shivaji, the fort built in 1656, saw a decisive encounter between him and Afzal Khan, a general sent by the ruler of Ahmednagar to subdue the rebel. Afzal Khan was killed in the clash and Shivaji established himself as a significant force in the contemporary power politics.

Pratapgad is 900 mts. above sea level. It was built in 1656 AD by Moropant Trimbak Pingale at the command of Shivaji Maharaja to dominate the road system of the empire. Pratapgad holds an ancient statue of Shivaji called Bale killa as well as Mahadev and Hanuman temples and a garden. There is a splendid view of the lush green valley and the forts Raigad and Makarandgad can also be viewed. On the east and the south the hills have steep slopes covered with dense forest in contrast with rocky west and the north. The hills gradually descend to the valleys separating Mahabaleshwar and Kineshwar range on the east and the Konkan valley on the west. Pratapgad has the honor of being an authentic Maratha fort. From a distance it looks like a round-topped hill, walls of the lower fort forming a kind of bend or crown around the brow. The road leading to the gateway lies through a small, but thick forest.
The famous temple of Goddess Bhavani is on the eastern side of the lower fort. It consists of a hall and a shrine. The shrine, made of black stone, is the image of the goddess and over it is a small spire or shikhar.
An equestrian bronze statue, of Chhatrapati Shivaji was erected in the fort in 1957. The 17-foot statue is placed on a square edifice, which is 10 feet high. And, a little away from the fort, is the dargah of Afzal Khan.
The fort stands a silent testimony to the past that resounded with warlike cries, the clashing of swords, the clanging of shields and the final joyous cries of victory.
As varied as the different parts of the state of Maharashtra, a Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani-Pratapgad Fort experience offers a secluded sanctuary… with all the elements of adventure, scenic sights, and a restful holiday, away from the crowds one finds at other hill resorts. Truly, a holiday with a difference!

Mahabaleshwar's 30 exotic viewpoints provide one with a spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of the points derive their names from some former Britishdignitary and are situated in the 10-kilometer radius of the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar. Some points can be reached by motorable roads, whereas other can be reached on foot

The highest point of Mahabaleshwar is the Wilson Point. It is located at the height of 4170 ft above the sea level and is also known as Sunrise Point. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. It is a major attraction for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.

The Connaught Peak, Elphinstone Point and the Marjorie Point offer magnificent views of the Sahyadri hills.

Arthur's Seat is the only place from where the geographical distinction between coastal Konkan and the Deccan plateau could be observed. A short climb from Arthur’s Seat opens at the panoramic view of the tiger spring.

The other scenic attractions are Chinaman, Lingmala and Dhobi Falls. Just a stroll around the city markets will help you shed all your tiredness.

Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman's waterfall. Helen's point is about a kilometer's ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny fields and neat little huts.

Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak, one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their best.

 Hunter Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders. The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak.

The jungle of Mahabaleshwar is thick & produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants. The wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, & wild boars. Deers & bisons are found in the brahma aranya area. Panthers are rare. The famous bird in the urdu poetry, Bulbul is found everywhere in the plateau. The weather of Mahabaleshwar & healthy & contains an ideal of 20% oxygen which is often agumented in foggy weather of late summers & early monsoon, when the pleateau is covered by thick mist. The water contains a meager percentage of iron which helps to increase hemoglobin in the blood. An evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest. Honey & chikki, channas, waling sticks. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries , goose berries & muberries. Vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, raddishes. Boating in Venna lake.

The name is derived from the 5 hills that surrounds the place. The drive through the landscapes, coastal area and farms to Panchagani is extremely beautiful and it is treat for the eyes. Easily accessible, this place is again a perfect weekend getaway from the hustle-bustle of city life. Sometimes described as the Switzerland of India or the Kashmir of Maharashtra, Panchgani is about 18 km from Mahabaleshwar on Wai road. Situated at an altitude of 1334 mts, it lies just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. It is the first hill town one reaches from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road. It gets name from the five hills around it. The climate of Panchgani is salubrious, cool, exhilarating and comparatively dry. Annual rainfall hardly exceeds 70 inches or 1800 mm. It makes Panchgani almost unrivalled as a sanatorium.It is famous today for its berry farms and orchards.The water of Dhom Dam keeps farms and rice fields irrigated all the year round.
Table land offers the panoramic view of Panchgani itself. It's largest in Asia, a small plane can land here.It is situated 60 meters high on the eastern side of the town. It protects Panchgani from strong winds, heavy rainfall and makes this hill station enjoyable all year round. It is a favourite playground for school children.

Panchgani was founded in 1853 by John Chesson who was sent out by the East India Company to find a suitable place where the wives and children of the officers of the Company could reside instead of going back to England frequently. Since then, Panchgani has been an educational center and hill resort.

It has the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding schools that have been around for a century or more.

Flocked by viewpoints, Panchgani is full of wonders, as it overlooks the scenic magnificence of the Krishna Valley, which extends many kilometers from east to west its numerous hamlets, cultivated fields and sparkling rivers.

The view from Tableland, a flat mountain peak measuring about one square kilometer, exposes the mysterious valleys and the miniature looking plains on all sides. The Caves, Kamlagad fort, Municipal Garden and the Children's park add to Panchgani's unending beauty. The walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation, offer many delights and unravel many a secret. Visitors can select a horse from one of the numerous stables at the resort and canter along uncharted routes through hidden lover's lanes, to the caves or while away their time at the bazaar. Like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is known for strawberries, blackberries, jams and fruit jellies. Also available are the famous Mahabaleshwar shoes, pith flowers, exclusive saris shawls, readymade garments, eye-catching decorative items, leather goods and tribal trinkets.

The Devil's kitchen, situate to the south of Tableland is a place of mythological interest. According to one legend, Pandavas resided here for some time during their exile. Pandavgad caves near Wai are believed to have been built by them and bear their name.

Near the Octroi Naka, lies Sidney Point, a flattened area on the apex of a conical hill. From here one can see Wai and the Sanatorium in the distance and also the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. Parsi Point and Graves Point are located on the Panchgani Mahableshwar road and offer a view of the Krishna Valley. Six kilometers away are the Rajpuri, caves, located in a temple of Kartik Swami, son of Lord Shiva.

Panchgani has the Moral Rearmament Training Center founded by Mahatma Gandhi's nephew Raj Mohan Gandhi. Its modern structures stand distinctly in the Victoria surroundings. A visit to the Center means a beginning of a new moral awareness. MRA consists of hostels, conference rooms and a multipurpose auditorium.

• All Grade A hotels have Swimming pool, AC or Non-AC Rooms, & are 3-5 star hotels.

• Grade B hotels do not have a Swimming pool, & offer AC or Non-AC Rooms.

• Grade C hotels are economy grade hotels & offer simple clean rooms at reasonable tariffs.

Hotel Fountain (Veg)

Swiss Country Resort

Saj Resort

Brightland Holiday Village

Hotel Pratap Heritage

Ramsukh Resort  Veg ***

Ishwar In Resort

Hotel Gautam (Ecotel Resort)

Hotel millenium Park Panchgani

Valley View Resort

Hotel Poonam 

Hotel Dremland