Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 1,372m (4500 feet) in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar was established as a health resort in 1829 AD. It was a jail for Chinese & Malay convicts from 1834 to 1864. These prisoners introduced cultivation of red potatoes, strawberries & weaving of cane & bamboo baskets. Prime attractions of Mahabaleshwar include exotic viewpoints, lake and water falls.
How to reach
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 250 kms, Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms. Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms. Nearest airport and major railhead is Pune, 120 km. There are regular buses from Pune during the day and from Mumbai during the day & overnight buses to Mahabaleshwar.
Weather
Never too hot because of the heights and never too cold because of the nearness to the Arabian Sea. Duration of higher temperature is short.
Best Seasons
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is from October to May. Hotels are open round the year. Monsoon starts in mid June and ends in mid September.
Near By Places
from Mahabaleshwar
Bhandardara ( 179.48 Kms )
Mumbai ( 148.18 Kms )
Shirdi ( 173.37 Kms )
Maharashtra - Destinations