Beautifully located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, the panoramic mountain city of Mahabaleshwar is touted as one of the best hill stations in India. Known as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra, it is counted among the favourite places to visit near Pune and Mumbai. The quaint hill station is famous for its picturesque vistas, salubrious weather, rolling green hills, serene lakes, gurgling waterfalls, ancient architectural splendor, and of course, chikki and juicy strawberries. It served as the summer capital of the Bombay presidency during colonial rule and was referred to as Malcolm Peth, and offers several tourist activities and attractions to avid travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar
If you are planning to visit this hilly retreat for a relaxing vacation, here are some of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
1. Mapro Garden
Located at Gureghar in Mahabaleshwar, a visit to Mapro Garden is one of the best tourist attractions here and is famous for its processed strawberry products such as fruit crushes, jams, syrups, squashes, etc. Besides, the garden park also produces several other products such as honey, marmalades, chocolates, gulkand, and a lot more.
2. Pratapgarh Fort
Pratapgad Fort is a large hill fort located near Mahabaleshwar and is one of the best heritage places to visit near Mumbai owing to its historical significance and unprecedented scenic views. Counted among the prominent hilltops in Maharashtra, you can see scintillating valleys, lakes, beautiful clouds, and the whole town from the mountain top of the fort.
3. Wilson Point
This is the highest vantage point in Mahabaleshwar that gives a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise and sunset. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the whole city and is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar for nature lovers and shutterbugs.
4. Venna Lake
Surrounded by tall green trees on all sides, this enchanting man-made lake was constructed in 1842 by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, the Raja of Satara. The lake is spread across 7-8 km and serves as the perfect picnic spot for a fun-filled time with your loved ones. You can enjoy different activities here including paddle or row boating, horse riding around the lake, rides, and toy trains for children.
5. Chinaman's Falls
Named after a Chinese prisoner who used to cultivate the fields adjoining the waterfall, Chinaman's Falls is one of the popularly visited sights in Mahabaleshwar and one of the best waterfalls here. The gushing waterfall descends down from an impressive height against the backdrop of lush greenery and the tranquility of the surrounding environment of the hill station.
So, don't wait any further to explore the surreal beauty of Mahabaleshwar first-hand. Plan a short trip to this captivating hill station and embark on a blissful journey of exploring its lofty hillocks, flowing rivers, winding roads, and a multitude of natural splendor!
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