A Full Day Trip to
Mahabaleshwar

When you live in a city like Mumbai or Pune you want a quick gateway to escape city life's tensions and strain. Thankfully there are several places near these two cities where one can spend a fabulous weekend. Mahabaleshwar is an example. It is merely 300 kilometers from Mumbai and 150 kilometers from Pune. Mahabaleshwar offers great sites to refresh and unwind.

There is so much to do explore and experience at Mahabaleshwar that you will be short of time. Let us compile an itinerary for one day from the morning to the evening.

Morning in Mahabaleshwar

Start your day early. Rise at 5 am to catch the sunrise at Wilson Point which is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 1439 metres. The three observation towers offer a 360 degree panoramic view. The sunrise here on a clear morning from October to February is one of the most spectacular experiences in Maharashtra.

After sunrise head to Venna Lake. The morning atmosphere is peaceful with mist cool air and quiet surroundings. Rowboat rides are available from 7 am at Rs 500 per boat for 1 hour. The strawberry stalls near the lake open early and a fresh strawberry snack is the perfect Mahabaleshwar morning experience.

Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar which opens from early morning. The ancient Shiva temple from the 16th century is serene and uncrowded in the morning hours.

Afternoon in Mahabaleshwar

Post lunch the afternoon is for the main viewpoints circuit. Shared taxi sightseeing covered in our packages typically covers these points together:

• Arthur Seat — Queen of Points Queen of Points at 12 km from market and 1340 metres altitude. Panoramic Konkan views. Most celebrated viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar.
• Malkam Point, Eco Point and Parsi Point are grouped viewpoints along the same road each offering unique valley angles.
• Monkey Point named for the wild monkeys with views of Koyna Reservoir in the distance.
• Kate Point and Echo Point at 6 km from Venna Lake. Krishna valley views and the famous 50 metre echo rock.

Evening in Mahabaleshwar

Arrive at Sunset Point also called Bombay Point by 5:30 pm which is 30 minutes before sunset. This is the unmissable finale of any Mahabaleshwar day trip. Shades of orange red and gold flood the Sahyadri sky as the sun sets over the Konkan valley.

After sunset head to the main market. Town Bazaar is lively in the evenings. Shop for strawberry jam mulberry products fresh strawberries handicrafts and tribal trinkets. Then dinner at one of the excellent restaurants where not just Indian and continental food but authentic Chinese Thai and Parsi food is also available. You will never be disappointed with the mind boggling places and stunning landmarks Mahabaleshwar offers.

Mahabaleshwar or Panchgani

If time allows a Panchgani day trip at 28 km from Mahabaleshwar adds Table Land Panchgani Asia 2nd largest volcanic plateau with horse ride Rs 750 for 45 minutes, Mapro Garden and Rajpuri Caves to your itinerary. Both are covered in our 3N 4D package.