Pratapgarh Fort near Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

About Mahabaleshwar Tourism

Mahabaleshwar is both a city and a municipal council in the Satara district in the state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats range of India, which spreads from north to south along the Deccan Plateau. The hill station is at an elevation of 1,353 metres above sea level.

Mahabaleshwar lies 285 km south-west of Mumbai and is bound by valleys on all sides. It is a plateau measuring an area of 150 square kilometres.

Mahabaleshwar constitutes three villages – Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ Mahabaleshwar and some part of the Shindola village. The river Krishna originates from the mouth of the legendary statue of a cow in the temple of Mahadev situated in Old Mahabaleshwar and flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Four other rivers also flow from the mouth of the cow, before they merge into the Krishna; these are Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri and Gayatri.

The destination was ruled by various dynasties including the Mauryas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Adil Shahi, Shilahar, Marathas, Peshwas and Satavahanas. The history of Mahabaleshwar dates back to 1215, when king Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar. A temple and a water tank were constructed by him at the source of the Krishna. This area was invaded by a Brahmin dynasty in 1350.

In the 16th century, the Maratha family of Chandarao ruled over the city. Later, in the 17th century, Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar were taken over by Shivaji Maharaj, who constructed the Pratapgad Fort in 1656. The city also witnessed the imprints of the British, who included the destination in the territory of the Raja of Satara in 1819.

Getting around Mahabaleshwar is not a problem for tourists. Travellers can hire a taxi or board a bus to explore the city and its attractions. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries and mulberries. Tourists can enjoy 'strawberries with cream' from January to February and 'mulberries with cream' from April to May. Also, strawberry milkshake and vada pav made here is a must-try for tourists. The city also produces fresh jams and marmalades, which can be bought. Tourists can also buy fresh honey from the various bee farms in the city.

The moderate climate of Mahabaleshwar makes it destination tourists can visit any time of the year.