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Hill Stations
In India
Mahabaleshwar
MAHABALESHWAR (Introduction)
The
highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra
, Mahabaleshwar is situated at 1372 meters around Lake Venna,
Mahabaleshwar
is Sanskrit for God of Great Power. It was summer capital of Governor
of the old Bombay Presidency.Covering 10 sq km. There are 30 valley
viewpoints with panoramic vistas scattered around the hill station
and their access roads make for shady, pleasant walks and treks.
The area has strong historical connections with Shivaji, the heroic
Maratha warrior king.
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 rat race. the hill-station is very
crowded during vacations like christmas & Diwali and in summers.
MAHABALESHWAR
(Places to See)
Mount
Malcolm:
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was
built in 1829 with magnificient architectural skills. Unfortunately,
it has lost a lot of its old charm now.
Catholic
Church:
A visit to the old Raman 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 166 by Moropant trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha
rular Shivaji. It was here that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afjal
Khan, was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a great view.
MAHABALESWAR(Excursion)
Panchgani
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.
MAHABALESHWAR
(Travel Information)
By
Air: Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120
km and Panchgani (98 km)
By
Rail: For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62
km) but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.
For
Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Mumbai-Wathar
via Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)
By
Road: From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290
km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from
Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services
except during the monsoon, between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai.
Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad
Fort.
From
Mumbai via Pune, Panchgani is 270 km and via Mahad 266 km, from
Pune 98 kilometers and from Mahabaleshwar 19 km. The State Road
Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad.
MTDC runs a regular bus service between Mumbai and Panchgani.
MAHABALESHWAR
(Accommodation)
Both Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani have reasonable priced
bungalows. MTDC run holiday resorts and hotels.
LOCAL
TRANSPORT
Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though bicycles and
horseback are recommended for traveling long distances.
MAHABALESHWAR
(When To Visit)
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to June
and best time to visit Panchgani is September to May.
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