asianaffairs-Feb 2008
                                 
India Tourism

Mahabaleshwar: Maharashtra's Cool Getaway

  Mahabaleshwar is one of Maharashtra’s best-known holiday destinations, but few know that this vast green plateau of about 150 sq. km., set amidst the Sahyadri Hills in Satara district, was initially established  as far back as 1829  as a health resort! And with good reason. The air around here is said to contain an ideal 20 percent oxygen and experts say this percentage rises significantly when the climate is misty, as in the late summer or during the monsoon. The water, too, contains iron, which, according to locals, helps increase the blood’s hemoglobin count.
   The man reputed to have thought up the idea of developing Mahabaleshwar as a health resort was Maharaja Pratapsinha of the princely state of Satara, whose reign extended from 1818 to 1839. And he is said to have had the backing of Sir John Malcolm, the Scot who was the Governor of Mumbai from 1827 to 1831, in his endeavour.
   The best way to enjoy your stay in Mahabaleshwar famous for its many commercial as well as medicinal trees and plants is to simply walk around. You could see the odd fox, jackal or wild boar, as well as wide variety of birds. The forests are full of fruits like strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and mulberries.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:-
Wilson Point: The highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 4,710 feet above sea level, it presents a panoramic view of the vast plateau carpeted in green. There are also other vantage points, quaintly named as Connaught Peak, the second-highest point, Baghdad Point, Babington Point, Elphiston Point, Marjorie Point, Northcote Point, Falkland Point, Fitzgerald Point, Gaolani Point, Boar’s Head and Castle Rock  all of them well worth a visit.

Arthur's Seat: It is the queen of all points. Some compare the stratification of rocks here to the world famous stratification of rocks of the Grand Canyon in Colorado. Close by is a spring known as Tiger’s spring, said to be the source of the river Savitri.

Venna Lake: Spread over 28 acres, this lake, a popular boating spot, was constructed by Appasaheb Maharaj, the king of Satara, in 1842. Fed by perennial springs, the area surrounding the lake is full of greenery and flower gardens. A visit to the Bee Keeping Centre nearby is also recommended.

Pratap Gadh: Some 25 km. from Mahabaleshwar stands the majestic Pratap Gadh, site of a fort that also houses the tomb of Afzal Khan. The Bhavani temple situated here is also worth a visit.
Panchaganga Mandir: Hindu mythology has it that five holy rivers  Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri  make a token appearance here in the five springs in the vicinity of the temple.

Shri Shankar Mandir: This is the temple where the Maratha King Shivaji is believed to have weighed his mother Jeejabai in gold, with the gold then being given away in charity.

Shri Krishnabai Mandir: Another ancient temple with attractive carvings on the stone columns and the ceiling. The view of the Krishna valley from the temple is simply breathtaking.

TOURIST INFORMATION

How to reach
By Air: Nearest airports are Pune at 120 km and Mumbai at 300 km.
By Rail: The closest major railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Pune, 120 km.
By Road: An excellent road network links Mahabaleshwar to all major towns and cities in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit: Mahabaleshwar is a year-round destination. But being a hill station, it is, of course, a great place to get away from the heat of the central Indian summer.

Accommodation: There are numerous hotels and resorts in Mahabaleshwar  both private and government-run  and to suit every budget.

For more on India tourism, visit:
www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
www.mshwar.com
www.indiatourism.com
www.hcilondon.net

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