Nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Mahabaleshwar is filled with numerous enchanting and mystical locations. It is gifted with evergreen forests, serene lakes, salubrious weather, rolling hills and sparkling waterfalls. Besides, it also houses green valleys and high cliffs, making it a perfect tourist destination to have a rejuvenating time in the lap of nature.
Mahabaleshwar is home to several breathtaking tourist attractions that not only soothe the senses but also heals the soul. Keeping that in mind, if you are planning to explore some of the hidden gems of Mahabaleshwar, then here is a list of places that you can follow to guide you in your exploration.
Elephant’s Head Point
Elephant’s Head Point is termed as one of the most beautiful viewpoints within Mahabaleshwar, known for the breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is also popularly known as the Needle’s Point. This place is called Elephant’s Head Point because it resembles the head and the trunk of the elephant. Besides, it is a perfect destination for nature lovers to praise the serene beauty of Mahabaleshwar. With lush green forests and the picturesque view of the mountain in the backdrop, this place is a spectacular tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar that you just cannot afford to miss.
Lingmala Waterfall
Located amidst green surroundings, Lingmala Waterfall is famous for its awe-inspiring beauty. Situated right beside the forest bungalow of Lingmala, this place offers a beautiful view of the Lingmala waterfall along with the Dhobi and Chinaman Waterfall. The water level here is almost 500 feet from the cliff and can be best viewed during the rainy season when the area is flooded with water. There are two waterfalls situated on this site – a mini waterfall and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet and contributes immensely to the beauty of this location.
Panchgani
Situated at an altitude of 1334 meters, Panchgani is popular for its various sunrise and sunset points and picturesque views of the mountain. Besides, it also has verdant green valleys, the strawberry garden, the luscious berries that collectively add to the enchanting views of this location. Panchgani has derived its name from the five hills that form the Sahyadri mountain ranges. The scenic backdrop of the hills along with the coastal plain makes this place look stunning. During the colonial period, the British treated this place as a summer resort.
Pratapgad Fort
Built during the 17th century, Pratapgad Fort is a historical hill fort in Mahabaleshwar. This fort was constructed by Chatrapati Shivaji. Located in the district of Satara, Patapgad fort rises above 3500 feet from the ground. This hidden gem of Mahabaleshwar offers a commanding view of the surrounding areas. Moving inside the fort, there is a 60 years old Shivaji statue placed at the centre of the fort. Afzal Tower, Bhawani Temple and a cultural library are the other major highlights of Pratapgad Fort.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is not just an ancient shrine but a perfect example of the Maratha heritage. Situated 6 kilometres away from the city, the Mahabaleshwar temple is visited by tourists throughout the year. It is also known as the Mahabali Temple and has Lord Shiva as the presiding deity. The major attraction of the place is the Shiva lingam which is 6 feet long and the peak of it represents the incarnation of Lord Shiva in stone form.
Arthur’s Seat
Also known as the Suicide Point, Arthur’s Seat in Mahabaleshwar offers a beautiful view of the verdant green valley of Brahma-Arayana and the Savitri river. It is named after the tragic incident of Arthur Malet whose wife and daughter drowned in the Savitri River. This point in Mahabaleshwar is called the Queen of all points as it offers the most fascinating views of the entire place. Six viewpoints namely Arthur’s Seat, Tiger Sprint Point, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Malcolm Point and Window Point collectively made up this place.
Tapola
Renowned as ‘Mini Kashmir’, Tapola in Mahabaleshwar has some of the most delightful scenic beauty which makes it a perfect destination for a back-to-nature experience. This place is filled with many unknown forts such as Jaygad and Vasota which are situated near the Tapola river. There are also some nameless islands that you can explore on your getaway to Tapola. Besides, jungle trekking at Tapola is also a good option that you can engage in for a thrilling experience.
From the picturesque mountains to fascinating waterfalls, Mahabaleshwar shines through its many hidden gems located in the various parts of this small town. So, if you want to unravel these hidden gems in Mahabaleshwar, then book the best Mahabaleshwar hotels at the earliest and make a trip to these destinations without much delay.