The land of strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is located in the beautiful hills of a western ghat in Maharashtra. This town in Satara district appeals to many tourists due to its picturesque rivers, cascading peaks, and the presence of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. It is also a holy pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees as the river Krishna originates from here. Formerly a summer capital of the British during colonial rule, the top tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar include ancient temples, lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, and valleys. The amazing hill retreat boasts of being one of the most splendid evergreen slope stations in India and the fact is much agreeable as well.
It is a great sought weekend getaway site for people belonging to Mumbai and Pune due to the top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The three villages that make up Mahabaleshwar are Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, and a region of the Shinola village. Situated about 4500 feet above sea level, the plethora of places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for friends make it a great holiday spot. Visitors get enchanted with its exquisite green beauty and grand monuments that have stood still, spectating numerous folds of history to give it a more mesmerizing touch.
There are many intimate and romantic places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for couples as well. This spot sees all niches of travelers. The places of interest for tourists are called “Points” in this city as most of them are at the end of mountains. As it was once the summer capital of the Bombay region during the British rule in India, the city has British influence in its architecture. Boasting zigzag roads surrounded by a rich green vista all around it that looks straight out of a Bollywood movie, this city is popular for its strawberry fields, and hence also called ‘The Land of Strawberries’.
Top Attractions:
Elephant’s Head Point: A beautiful scenic point on the hill-top, offers a beautiful, eagle-eye view of this particular hill station. A perfect spot for you to click photographs and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Mahabaleshwar Temple: One of the revered temples of Lord Shiva. This shrine dates back to the 16th century following the Hemadant style of architecture. It is believed that Lord Shiva visits the temple premises every night.
Pratapgad Fort: This fort also goes by the name ‘Valour Fort’. This fort, built atop a mountain, has historical significance due to the Battle of Panipat that took place in the year 1659. It is listed as one of the top tourist destinations in Mahabaleshwar.
Krishnabai Temple: This temple is supposedly the source of the Krishna river. Krishnabai Temple was built in the year 1888 on the hilltop that watches over the Krishna valley.
Roman Catholic Church: The Roman Catholic Church lies in the Main market. The church was built in the earlier days of town planning, making it one of the oldest buildings in town.
Venna Lake: The lake is listed as one of the many beautiful spots of Mahabaleshwar. Built in the year 1842 by the king of Satara, it continues to be in pristine condition.