Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is a spectacular hill station, which is situated in the Western Ghats. Being laundered in the mighty ranges of Sahyadri, it has earned the name of Queen of the hill stations of Maharashtra. Experts say that it is infact the largest hill station in Maharashtra`s Sahyadri range. It is an integral part of the district of Satara and lies almost one hundred fifteen kms southwestern part of Pune. It rises to an approximate height of 1372 metres or 4438 feet above the sea level.

Mahabaleshwar is positioned approximately to a height of 17.92° N 73.67° E. So far as the climatic conditions are concerned, due to high altitudes, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra experiences cool climatic condition. It rains like cats and dogs from the months of June to September. Best season to visit the place is between March to May. Etymogically, the word Mahabaleshwar has been derived from the Lord Shiva, popularly known as Lord Mahabali. A `self-originated lingam`, in the shape of a rudraksha is placed at a shrine of the temple of Gokarna. It was believed to be the most consecrated one among all the other 12 `jyothirlingams`.

There is a historical significance behind it. Tracing back the findings of the historians it is said that Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra originated in the early years of 1215. However it was the British rulers who built this place as a gorgeous `health resort`. In the year 1828, the then Governor namely Sir John Malcolm had constructed a sanatorium here. Interestingly during the British period it was called the Malcolm Peth. It needs no mentioning that it got its name from the Governor.

Demographical updates of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, also enable one to identify the characteristics of the place in a better way. In this regard a special mentioning may be made of the Census report of India. It was issued forth in the year 2001 and throws some light on certain aspects like literacy rate, population status etc. According to this report, the total population of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra has been enumerated to be 12,736. Out of it, male populace constitutes 55 %. In comparison female populace is less and thus constitutes 45 %. In Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, children who fall into the age group of less than six years constitute 11 % of the population.

Literacy rate too acts as vital information. As per this report, the average literacy rate of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra constitutes 78 %, which is even higher than 59.5 %, India`s average literacy rate. To be specific, male literacy rate constitutes 84 %, while the rate of female literacy also is no less insignificant thereby constituting 71 %.

Places of Interests of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
The cultural heritage of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is highlights in the plentiful of its magnificent palaces, temples and buildings. To add to it, the exotic scenery also has drawn the admiration of tourists and nature lovers. In other words Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is a perfect instance of blending heritage with scenic beauty of nature. To catch a glance of these stunning locales thousands of enthusiastic tourists and visitors visit the hill station. Important places of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra are as follows:

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is famous for several points, offering picturesque view of the locale. There are nearly thirty viewpoints, which all have derived their names from distinguished British rulers. One can either walk down or board on vehicles and reach these points. Famous points of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra are as follows:

Lodwick Point
It has got its name from General Lodwick, who is believed to be the first person to go to the place as early as 1824. His son has raised a monument there in his fond memory. Lodwick Point rises to a height of near about 1,240 m.

In between this point and the next one, people also gets captivated by the beauty of the cascading Dhobi Waterfalls.

Elphinstone Point is a place of interest of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. It got its name from the then Governor of Mumbai namely Sir Elphinstone. Dr. Murray first identified it in the beginning of eighteenth century. The shape of this point is unique. If any one observes this point it resembles the head and trunk of an elephant. It has proved to be an ideal picnic spot.

Arthur`s Seat is a significant point of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Experts opine that it is one of the best among other points. It rises to a height of nearly 1,348 m. To the tourists it offers a panoramic view of the Jor Valley. Other points like Marjorie point, Savitri point and the Castle Rock Point are worth mentioning. They rise from Konkan valleys and are situated en route to Arthur`s Seat.

Tiger`s Spring is situated at a distance of 1 km away from here. It is believed to be the origin of the River Savitri originates from this spring and ultimately leading to a tiny ridge right underneath the Arthur`s Point. It offers a picturesque locale.

Another significant place of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is Kate`s Point, which rises to a height of nearly 1,290 m and drops down to the Krishna Valley. Near this point is the Echo Point is located in the vicinity. It is called so as one can hear his voice echoes from here.

No trip becomes complete without visiting he famous Lingmala Waterfall of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. It runs through the Venna valley.

Rising to a height of approximately 1,435 m , Wilson`s Point, is the highest point in the whole of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. It treats the tourists with beautiful scenery. To catch the aura of rising sun 3 observation towers have been built erected. It is also identified as the Sunrise Point.

Connaught Peak is another tourist attraction of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. In fact it is the second highest point. Other points of less significance are Gaolani Point, Helen`s Point, and Babington Point. To the southern side of Babington Point one finds Chinaman waterfall. Falkland, Carnac and Bombay Points also are found.

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra also is thronged with a multitude of temples. All the pious devotees visit the popular Krishna Temple. Some people also identify it as the Panchaganga Temple. Panchaganga signifies 5 rivers. As per the Hindu mythology these are the 5 sacred rivers namely Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri. They all flow in the near by. Evidences are found which throws light on the origin of this temple. While the shrines situated here dates back to the prehistoric period, it is believed that A Yadav King built this temple as early as thirteen century. Much later i.e during the sixteenth century it was further reconstructed. Further restoration was done in the nineteenth century.

In the close proximity one finds Hanuman Mandir. It is worth visiting. This temple also houses the `Samadhi of the famous sage Sant Rama Dassa of the sixteenth century.

Other temples like Sri Rama Temple and Mahabal Temple are some of the significant places of interest of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.

Historical Monuments also have attracted the attention of a number of tourists who visit Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.

Catholic Church is a significant locale of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. The wonderful windows made up of stained glass are special attraction.

Mount Malcolm is a significant building, which was built in the beginning of eighteenth century.

Morarji Castle is a place of interest of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. People said that Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for some time in the year 1945.

Venna Lake is another place where a large number of tourists visit in great jubilance. It encompasses a large area covering twenty-five acres of land. Facilities like boating and fishing are done here.

Pratapgad Fort is another place of interest where tourists from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra visit every now and then. It lies at a distance of nearly twenty-five kms from the place. It was constructed during the domination of Shivaji, the Great Maratha ruler as early as sixteenth century.

Another attraction is Afzal Khan`s tomb, the courageous general of Bijapur. The common saying is that Great Maratha Shivaji murdered him inside this fort. Also a temple is found, which deserves a due mentioning. Bhavani Mata is its principal deity.

Panchgani is another hill resort, which lies at a distance of nearly nineteenth from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. From Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra one could enjoy the fun of viewing various points like Sidney Point, Parsi Point and the Graves Point. There are several strawberry farms that are located here. Going to those farms and buying fresh fruit and jams also are added attractions.

Tapola is a place of interest. It appeals to the tourists due to its scenic beauty. . Every year people use to go there for picnicking. It also is the panoramic view of meeting point of the rivers like Koyna and Solshi rivers and also the large Koyna Dam.

Accommodation in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra is located in the lap of Mother Nature with its bounty of mountainous ranges, wonderful lakes and green parks. Naturally it becomes a favorite destination of tourists from all over the country. Even the tourists from foreign countries also pay visit the place again and again. Access points of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra too is quite developed thereby providing easy accessibility with other places apart from the state itself. Roadways, flights and railways ways suffice the needs of people to a great extent.

Airways are the important means of communication. The closest airport is at Pune which Is situated at a distance of nearly one hundred and twenty kms from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.

One also can get access to Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra via railways also. Railway station of Wathar is the closest one. It is situated almost sixty-two kms from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Also people also board trains from Pune station in order to go to other places of India. In fact Pune railway station lies at a distance of near about one hundred and twenty kms away from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.

Networks of roads also help people of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra to establish communication with other areas as well. Mahabaleshwar is two hundred ninety kms away from the city of Mumbai through Pune. Through Mahad, Mahabaleshwar stretches as far as two hundred and forty-seven kms. Unique networking system of roads connects Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra with important cities like Pune and Mumbai. Special conducted tours are also organized for tourists to various places of interests. For that reasons arrangements of all kinds of land transports are done.

Accommodation in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Exquisite locales, marvelous points, mountains and temples have made Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra an ideal destination for nature lovers and tourers. Hotels in Mahabaleshwar are wide-ranging starting from lavish and expensive hotels, with all the modern services available, to low costs budget hotels.

Some of the important hotels of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra are as follows:

Bright Holidays, Mahableshwar
Valley View Resort, Mahableshwar
Hotel Dreamland, Mahabaleshwar
Pratap Heritage Hotel, Mahabaleshwar