11 must visit places in Mahabaleshwar

• Aga khan palace

It has significant historical landmarks.

This monument is in Pune, Maharashtra.

Historical background: This was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan iii. Initially it served as Aga Khan family summer Resort. In 1942, this place was used as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi during Quit India Movement.This place also served as a camp for British soldiers during World War l.

Architecture: Mix of Italian and Islamic architectural style made in over 19 acres of land containing beautiful arches, domes and minarets.

This palace has been converted into a museum which displays photos and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi family.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (all days open).

Entry fee: approximately ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children and ₹50 for cameras.

• Mahabaleshwar Temple

Ancient Sanatan Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (also called as “Mahabaleshwar” lord with great power) It is believed to be a powerful spiritual Centre attracting devotees and pilgrims from all over India.

This temple is surrounded by the lush greenery and Majestic Western Ghats.

Main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Linga and Goddess Parvati in the form of a pindi. Other deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lord Durga.

Historical background:it was built in the 16th century by Chandra Rao More.

Architecture: Typical Hemadpanthi style of architecture characterized by simple  elegant designs, use of basalt (local black stone) for construction in carving and sculptures on wall and pillar.

Festivals celebrated here are Mahashivratri (February/March), Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September) and Navratri (September).

• Shri Panchganga temple

This beautifully carved temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and known for its architecture.

The temple is situated at confluence of 5 rivers Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and Koyna.

It is believed that Lord Krishna wash away the sins of the Pandavas.

The temple complex has a sacred pond, a garden and a resting placce for devotees.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Tourist can experience the blessings and spiritual essence of this temple.

• The strawberry Garden and the famous Strawberry milkshake

Best time to visit is during December to April.

It is beautiful strawberry Garden filled with strawberry plants and visitors can enjoy here activities like strawberry picking, strawberry milkshake made up of fresh strawberries and can buy strawberry products like Jams, Juices and Chocolates.

Strawberry milkshake is must try drink when visiting a strawberry Garden made up of fresh strawberries, milk and sugar.It is fresh refreshing drink on a hot day.

• Mapro garden

It is beautifully decorated Garden filled with strawberry, Roses and other plants. This garden is owned by a Mapro company which is famous for its strawberry and other fruits related to juices  and products. It is spread over 25 acres of land and is home to over 30000 strawberry plants.

Tourists can enjoy strawberry picking,boating and can relax with peaceful view of surrounding.

Mapro Garden is also famous for fountain show.It has a restaurant and in this restaurant double cheese sandwich is must try cuisine here. Also has a store where people can buy Mapro products after trying.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry fee is ₹50 per person.

• Hollywood Wax Museum

This is famous tourist attraction in Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar.

It is Wax Museum featuring life like a replicas of Hollywood stars, Bollywood stars and other famous personalities.

This Museum contains an aquarium which has more than 50 species of aquatic animals.

It also offers a 3D show.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday closed)

Entry free ₹500 person.

Photography is allowed but not flash.

• Panchgani market

It is a bustling market place in Panchgani, Maharashtra. It is famous tourist attraction for shopping, dining and experiencing the local culture.

Shopping fresh produce like fresh juice, vegetables,  local Handicrafts, Antique jewelry, pottery and Textiles,take home memories in form of keychains, Magnets and postcards will be fun and enjoyable.  For dining one can enjoy from various varieties of street foods like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Bhelpuri to variety of cuisines from Maharashtrian to International in local restaurants.

• Pratapgarh Fort

This fort is popular destination for tourists  who are keen to know Maratha history.

Historical background: this fort was built in 1655 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire. This fort was constructed to Defend The Maratha Kingdom against Mughal Empire. 

Fort complex consists of Lower fort and upper fort where the walls of lower fort are 10 meters high and the walls of upper fort are 7meters high.

Main attractions are Bhavani temple which is beautiful temple of goddess Bhavani, Abdul Khan’s Tomb where Afzal Khan, a Mughal general who was defeated by Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Pratapgad Museum has artifact weapons and other things related to Maratha were kept.

Trekking takes almost 2-3 hours to complete.

It is an Aspiring monument showcasing the rich history and architecture of Maratha empire must visit destination for history adventure stickers and natural lovers.

• Venna lake

It is a picturesque lake located in Mahabaleshwar, Pune. It is famous tourist spot for nature lovers. The interesting fact about this lake is that it is a man made lake created in 1948, surrounded by greenary all around.

It is about 10 to 15 km from Mahabaleshwar town.

Boating is a popular activity that happens in Venna Lake by renting rowboats, pedal boats or motor boats.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to change). The  charges are betweenRs 500 to 1500 per person depends on type of boat and duration.

Other activities are fishing (although fishing with prior permission is allowed), Horse riding, other playful activities like Parachute gliding.

By combining your visit tho this lake with boating and other activities will help creating a memorable experience here.

• Wilson point

Also known as sunrise point, one of the famous view point in Maharashtra.it is a highest points in Mahabaleshwar Standing and elevation of 1438 M that is 4710 feet about sea level.

It is must visit place for nature lovers and photographers.

Panoromic view which offered by this point is  stunning 360 degree view of a surrounding landscape including Sahyadri mountains, valleys and nearby villages. Sunrise and Sunsets are mostly crowed but the view that one get here during this time was truly unforgettable.

Trekking from Mahabaleshwar town to this point it takes around 2 hours to trek and it is on a moderately difficult side but offers amazing views of surrounding landscape.

It is named after Sir Leslie Wilson (Governor of Bombay in 1923 to 1928) Best time to visit is during early morning and evening in summer (March-May) and during monsoon (June-August)

• Kate’s point

Also known as Elephant’s head point (naming is because the rock structure ressembles an Elephant’s head)and is famous view point in Mahabaleshwar. It offers turning view of surrounding landscape. This point is named after Kate Poynton, the daughter of a British officer who was first to discover this place.The formation of the structure is due to natural erosion and weathering of Basalt rock. This point offers amazing view of the Krishna Valley, the Dhom dam, and the surrounding Hills.One can also see famous Savitri point from here.