Nestling
in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the western ghats
of Maharashtra are the cool misty resorts of Mahabaleshwar
and Panchgani. Away from the crowds and noise of the
city, these twin resorts are an ideal holiday destination.
Several little known but charming hill resorts
nestle shyly in these mountains. They seem to belong
to the colonial era when people traveled up to these
resorts to escape the heat of the plains. Many of them
still retain some of the old world charm and make an
ideal holiday destination.
Among the hill resorts of the state, Mahabaleshwar
and Panchgani are very popular. Tucked away in the Satara
district, they are best approached from Pune. Spared
the commercialization that has affected the hill resorts
of north and south India, the two resorts offer a clean,
calm and thoroughly refreshing alternative. And, perhaps
the only place in the country which offers a myriad
activities-boating, fishing, horse riding, trekking
and playing golf on the gorgeous nine-hole golf course
built on the edge of a cliff!
Overlooking the Krishna and Koyna valleys,
Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of 1372 meters opens up
a whole world of picturesque delight. With an air of
unspoilt beauty, it is a paradise for nature explorers
and peace lovers, as also for filmmakers and producers.
The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency,
Mahabaleshwar retains its quintessential charm, despite
the increasing crowds that visit the town. Numerous
majestic mansions built during the days of the British,
still stand as monuments of the Raj.
MAHABALESHWAR
Mahabaleshwar derives its name from the presiding
deity “Mahabali” whose shrine at the old
Mahabaleshwar Temple is a major attraction for worshippers
and tourists.
Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of
cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff
into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow
colors. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are
popular with picnickers. The former can be reached by
the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path
connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A
boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake
Vena entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers
of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.
Mahabaleshwar’s 30 exotic viewpoints provide
one with a spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating
landscapes. Most of the points derive their names from
some former British dignitary and are situated in the
10-kilometer radius of the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar.
Some points can be reached by motorable roads, whereas
other can be reached on foot
Wilson Point is the nearest and the highest point in
Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare rock with three observation
towers erected at different spots. It is a major attraction
for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.
Babington point, two kilometers from the bazaar offers
a beautiful view of the Koyna valley and Chinaman’s
waterfall. Helen’s point is about a kilometer’s
ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes one
into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting
view of tiny fields and neat little huts.
Bombay point is one of the earliest known points in
Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors rush to the peak
to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the peak,
one can also see Pratapgarh and Makrandgarh at their
best.
Connaught peak and Hunter Point are situated off the
Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is the second
highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view
of the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known
as Mount Olympia, and was a favorite spot for riders.
The Duke of Connaught was so enchanted by its majestic
view that he could not resist the temptation of associating
his name with the spot. Hence in 1880, Mount Olympia
became Connaught Peak.
From here one can see Old Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston
Point to the north; Pandavgad and Krishna Valley to
the east. Hunter’s point approached from Old Mahabaleshwar
Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.
On the way to Arthur’s Seat one comes across
Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and also Castle
Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan
Valley, which are some 500 meters below the level of
the Koyna Valley. The ravine between these points is
the rise of Savitri River which rushes down 700 meters
straight from here.
Favorite picnic spot, Elphinston Point, named after
the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston, was discovered
by Dr.Murray in 1830. Arthur’s Point, named after
Arthur Malet, is Mahabaleshwar’s most famous point
overlooking the densely forested valley. It is interesting
from this point, to watch a straw hat or a handkerchief,
tossed down, sailing attractively in the air like a
spread-out parachute!
While going to Arthur’s Seat, one comes across
a small stream called the Tiger Spring. Till this day
people believe that tigers and panthers frequent this
place to quench their thirst.
Lodwick Point is named after a General who reached
this point in 1824. He was the first European to set
foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the top
of the promontory has been erected in his memory. Beyond
Lodwick Point is the extreme end of the mountain range
known as Elephant’s Head. It is only 12 feet to
the Koyna Valley below. From Lodwick’s point,
the overhanging cliff looks like an elephant’s
head and trunk, and hence the name.
Kate’s point on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune road,
gives a commanding view of the Krishna Valley. Near
Kate’s point is the Echo Point, which, true to
its name, echoes the words of the speaker.
PANCHGANI
On the way to Mahabaleshwar from Pune,
Panchgani is a picturesque little town in the shade
of groves of casuarinas and silver oak. Protected from
harsh winds by a tableland on one side and high cliffs
descending into a valley on the other, Panchgani has
a pleasant, bracing climate throughout the year. Panchgani
is also an ideal base for some good trekking from where
one can explore several mule tracks that lead through
the now thinning forests.
The hill resort derives its name from the five hills
that surround it. At an altitude of 1334 meters it is
just 38 meters below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 meters
translate themselves into a breathtaking 19 kilometers
approach that swoops around bends with carefree abandon,
offering attractive views of the river Krishna on one
side and the coastal plains on the other.
Panchgani was founded in 1853 by John Chesson who was
sent out by the East India Company to find a suitable
place where the wives and children of the officers of
the Company could reside instead of going back to England
frequently. Since then, Panchgani has been an educational
center and hill resort.
It has the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can
be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings,
the Parsi houses and the boarding schools that have
been around for a century or more.
Flocked by viewpoints, Panchgani is full of wonders,
as it overlooks the scenic magnificence of the Krishna
Valley, which extends many kilometers from east to west
its numerous hamlets, cultivated fields and sparkling
rivers.
The view from Tableland, a flat mountain peak measuring
about one square kilometer, exposes the mysterious valleys
and the miniature looking plains on all sides. The Caves,
Kamlagad fort, Municipal Garden and the Children’s
park add to Panchgani’s unending beauty. The walkways,
thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation, offer
many delights and unravel many a secret. Visitors can
select a horse from one of the numerous stables at the
resort and canter along uncharted routes through hidden
lover’s lanes, to the caves or while away their
time at the bazaar. Like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is
known for strawberries, blackberries, jams and fruit
jellies. Also available are the famous Mahabaleshwar
shoes, pith flowers, exclusive saris shawls, readymade
garments, eye-catching decorative items, leather goods
and tribal trinkets.
The Devil’s kitchen, situate to the south of
Tableland is a place of mythological interest. According
to one legend, Pandavas resided here for some time during
their exile. Pandavgad caves near Wai are believed to
have been built by them and bear their name.
Near the Octroi Naka, lies Sidney Point, a flattened
area on the apex of a conical hill. >From here one
can see Wai and the Sanatorium in the distance and also
the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. Parsi Point and Graves
Point are located on the Panchgani Mahableshwar road
and offer a view of the Krishna Valley. Six kilometers
away are the Rajpuri, caves, located in a temple of
Kartik Swami, son of Lord Shiva.
Panchgani has the Moral Rearmament Training Center
founded by Mahatma Gandhi’s nephew Raj Mohan Gandhi.
Its modern structures stand distinctly in the Victoria
surroundings. A visit to the Center means a beginning
of a new moral awareness. MRA consists of hostels, conference
rooms and a multipurpose auditorium.
PRATAPGARH FORT
A visit to Pratapgad Fort, 24 kilometers
from Mahabaleshwar, adds a historical dimension to the
Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani holiday. Made famous by the
Maratha leader Shivaji, the fort built in 1656, saw
a decisive encounter between him and Afzal Khan, a general
sent by the ruler of Ahmednagar to subdue the rebel.
Afzal Khan was killed in the clash and Shivaji established
himself as a significant force in the contemporary power
politics.
Pratapgad has the honor of being an authentic Maratha
fort. From a distance it looks like a round-topped hill,
walls of the lower fort forming a kind of bend or crown
around the brow. The road leading to the gateway lies
through a small, but thick forest.
The famous temple of Goddess Bhavani is on the eastern
side of the lower fort. It consists of a hall and a
shrine. The shrine, made of black stone, is the image
of the goddess and over it is a small spire or shikhar.
An equestrian bronze statue, of Chhatrapati Shivaji
was erected in the fort in 1957. The 17-foot statue
is placed on a square edifice, which is 10 feet high.
And, a little away from the fort, is the dargah of Afzal
Khan.
The fort stands a silent testimony to the past that
resounded with warlike cries, the clashing of swords,
the clanging of shields and the final joyous cries of
victory.
As varied as the different parts of the state of Maharashtra,
a Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani-Pratapgad Fort experience
offers a secluded sanctuary… with all the elements
of adventure, scenic sights, and a restful holiday,
away from the crowds one finds at other hill resorts.
Truly, a holiday with a difference!
GETTING THERE
By Air: Pune is the nearest airport
both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and Panchgani (98 km)
By Rail: For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is
Wathar (62 km) but Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.
For Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km).
Mumbai-Wathar via Pune (312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)
By Road: From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290
km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses
ply from Mumbai and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates
daily bus services except during the monsoon, between
Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai. Also sightseeing tours
for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
From Mumbai via Pune, Panchgani is 270 km and via Mahad
266 km, from Pune 98 kilometers and from Mahabaleshwar
19 km. The State Road Transport buses ply from Satara,
Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad. MTDC runs a regular
bus service between Mumbai and Panchgani.
WHERE TO STAY
Both Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani have
reasonable priced bungalows. MTDC run holiday resorts
and hotels.
WHERE TO EAT
The two resorts offer a choice of good
food. Gujarati vegetarian meals, continental, Chinese
and Mughlai specialties are served in hotels and restaurants.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Taxis and rickshaws are easily available
though bicycles and horseback are recommended for traveling
long distances.
WHEN TO VISIT
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is
October to June and best time to visit Panchgani is
September to May.
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