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Information about
Mahabaleshwar |
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Mahabaleshwar is
situated at an altitude of 1372 meters above sea level. Mahabaleshwar is the most popular and largest hill resort in
Maharashtra. This place is a symphony of 30 exotic view
points. Mahabaleswar in Sanskrit means the God of Great Power.
Mahabaleshwar was considered a holy place with a strong
historical background for centuries. This place is still
visited by local devotees. Mahabaleshwar derives its name from
a deity, who is worshipped at the old Mahabaleshwar temple.
The place is popular with tourists. The hill-station is very
crowded during summers and Christmas and Diwali break.
Panchgani has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In
summers, temperatures range between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius
and in winters it falls even below. Marathi, Hindi and English
are the various languages which are spoken here. The most
delicious jams, fruit jellies, honey and strawberry crushes
can be purchased from here. The place also has a wide variety
of chikki (a famous local sweet). |
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History of Mahabaleshwar |
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The first British
to set foot here was Sir Charles Malet in 1791. Under General
Peter Lodwick and Sir John Malcolm, the Governor of Bombay, a
sanatorium was built in 1828. Mahabaleshwar is then considered
a British territory and was named ‘Malcolm Pet’ for some
years. The bazaar is still named so. Under British rule, roads
were built, following which several resorts quickly sprang up.
Bungalows, churches and the Mahabaleshwar Club was built. A
polo ground and racecourse were opened. In the 19th century,
an open jail reformatory center was established. Convicts from
China and Malaysia were stationed here. They were involved in
constructing roads, grinding corn flour, maintaining potato
cultivations and other vegetable gardens in the English
resorts. Now, the Public Works Department bungalow stands on
the site of the prison. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital
of the Governor of the old Bombay Presidency. The British
built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around the
town, lending it a charming, sophistication.
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Tourist
Attractions in Mahabaleshwar |
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The main tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar are the
Mount Malcolm, Catholic Church, Mahabaleshwar Club,
Pratapgad fort, Lodwick Point, Mahabaleshwar Temple
and Lingmala waterfall. |
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Mount Malcolm
The Mount Malcolm was the most famous building
in the olden days. It was built in 1829 with
magnificent architectural skills. Now, this
place has lost its old charm.
Catholic Church
The old Roman Catholic Holy Cross church is
practically falling apart, but its stained –
glass windows are still a sight to behold.
This deserted church is now looked after by a
Hindu family. |
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Mahabaleshwar Club
The Mahabaleshwar club was built in 1881 and
is still flourishing and well maintained. Only
members of the club can stay here. It is very
popular for its well-tended roses and lovely
jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated
by loyal members every year. The golf course
is open for all the tourists.
Pratapgad fort
The Pratapgadh fort is situated about 24 kms.
away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in
1656 by Moro pant Trimbak Pingle under the
order of the Maratha ruler Shivaji. It was
here that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afzal
Khan, was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a
great view.
Lodwick Point
The Lodwick Point is situated about 1,240
meters above sea level. Lodwick Point has a
great view. There is a monument in memory of
the general, erected by his son. |
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Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahabaleshwar Temple is the famous temple in
Mahabaleshwar. This temple is visited by
various devotees from all over the country.
Lingmala waterfall
The Lingmala waterfall is situated at the top
of Venna Valley. This uninterrupted fall
descends down at six hundred feet from the
cliff. |
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How to get there |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is situated in Pune, about 120 kms.
from Mahabaleshwar.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is situated in Pune, about 120
kms. from Mahabaleshwar.
By Road:
Mahabaleshwar are directly connected by road to Mumbai,
Pune, Satara, Nasik, Nagar, Sangli, Kolhapur, Goa and Surat
etc. |
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