Today, Mahabaleshwar is a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit. It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for strawberries and mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April-May).

The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. A late winter evening boat ride through the slight fog is well appreciated. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake. The Mahabaleshwar city market and the S.T. bus stand is about 2KM from the lake and makes for a nice walk during the day. Most tour operators include the Venna lake in their tours. Most buses, private vehicles will stop at the Venna lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.

With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking.

Main Attraction

Mount Malcolm: This was one of the most famous buildings and occupied an important place during the British rule. Mount Malcolm was built in the year 1829 with outstanding architectural skills and till date it enchants its visitors with its inescapable charm.

Catholic Church: Among the other things to watch in Mahabaleshwar, this old Roman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a visit. Its impressive architecture and stained-glass windows are still the sights to behold.

Mahabaleshwar Club: This club is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar and was built in the year 1881. It is well-preserved and is flourishing quite well. Only members of the club are allowed to stay here. It is very popular for its well-tended roses and fine jogging track.

Pratapgad Fort: This legendary fort was built by the eminent Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1656 in order to be in command of the rebellious rulers of Javali basin located nearby. This place is also the site of the historic battle that took place between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, who was the ruler of the Bijapur Sultanate. Mahabaleshwar is also home to several scenic points that are located here such as the Lodwick Point, Elphinstone Point, Kate's Point, Wilson Point, Helen's Point, Badington Point, Falkland Point and Carnac Point. For the pilgrim tourists Mahabaleshwar is an important stopover due to the presence of splendid temples such as Mahabaleshwar Temple and Krishna Temple. Besides, an excursion from Mahabaleshwar would take you to Panchgani which is a picturesque hill station and is ideal for adventure activities like trekking and hiking.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar is from October to June. The cool breezes in the summer months of the hill resort work magic on the stressed and sun scorched souls of the plains.