27 Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar : Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do

Bound by valleys on all sides, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau situated 120 km from Pune and 285 km from Mumbai. The place is well-known for its peaks, points, waterfalls, cascades, valleys, caves, and temples that narrate the stories of decades ago. Since river Krishna originates here; it is the place for pilgrimage wherein temples here spell legendary stories and beliefs. The town was developed as a hill station by the British Colonial Rulers and they used the place as their summer capital of Bombay Presidency.

Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar

1. Lingmala Waterfall

Located at top of the Venna Valley, Lingmala waterfall is divided into one mini and main waterfall formed by the River Venna. You can view the Lingmala forest bungalow near to the waterfall. The waterfall originates from the height of about approximately 600 feet. You can also view other two waterfalls – Majestic Dhobi Waterfall and Chinaman’s waterfall.

Location: Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | 6 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand | 6.4 kms Mahabaleshwar Fountain Heliport | 123 kms from the Pune Airport (via NH48) | Wathara is the nearest railhead to the waterfall and it is 60 kms from Mahabaleshwar

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM all days of the week. (Best time to visit the place from the month of July to October)

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person and INR 10 for still camera

• 2. Kate’s Point

Named after the then British Governor’s daughter Ms. Kate, it is one of the must-seen tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar for its scenic beauty of floating clouds and the super view of Sahyadri Mountain Range. You can also view the peaks of Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh, and Mandardeo. Located at an altitude of 1292 m, the earlier name of this Point is Nake Khind.

Location: Radha Nagar, Khadakpada, Kalyan, Mahabaleshwar | 7 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timing: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM

Entry fee: INR 10 per person

3. Elephant’s Head Point

Elephant’s Head Point in other term called Needle Hole Point, which is a popular vantage point in Mahabaleshwar. The name itself defines that overhanging cliffs look like the head of an elephant and its trunk. You can see the rock formation naturally with a hole in between the rocks, thus called as Needle Hole Point.

Location: 7 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand |  Mahabaleshwar is 120 km from Pune Airport |  the nearest major city is Satara which has Railroad too.

Timings: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM | Entry Fee: No entry fees

4. Chinaman’s Falls

The falls got the name from Chinese those who cultivated gardens close to the falls in decades ago. Located in the south of Koyana Valley, the falls are tailor-made for visitors with 500 feet height. The water flows from two different origins and cascades down into one stream. You can also view this waterfall from Babington Point and the best time to spend time here is monsoon season.

Location: It’s just 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timings: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM | Entry Fee: Free

5. Dhobi Waterfall

Dhobi Waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and rocks, which is the best picnic spot just after the rainy season. The waterfall drops down into a valley and joins the River Koyana. You can get good resorts here to enjoy the serene climate, the waterfalls face the famous Elphinstone Point.

Location: It’s just 3 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand (via Old Mahabaleshwar – Petit Road) | 54 km from the nearest major city Satara.

Timings: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM | Entry Fee: Free

• 6. Arthur’s Seat

Encompassed with 6 points (Arthur’s Seat, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Tiger Spring Point, Window Point & Malcom Point) Arthur’s Seat Point is popularly known as Queen of the Points, has its original name as Madhi Mahaal.

The name Arthur’s Seat is termed after Arthur Malet, who lost his wife & daughter in an accident in the River Savitri used to sit here and stared the river.

It is 1470m from the sea level, and the special about this point is ‘floating of light objects’, which means if you throw any light objects such as cap, paper cup, beverage bottle et al, it comes up again back to you because of air pressure.

Location: It is 13 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand and 7 kms from Old Mahabaleshwar.

Timings: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM | Entry Fee: Free

• 7. Venna Lake

Constructed by the Raja of Satara Shri Appasaheb Maharaj in 1942, the lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. You can go for boating and also try horse riding near the lake, and you can witness numbers of eateries lined the banks of the lake.

With the periphery of 8 km, the lake caters to the needs of Mahabaleshwar city and you can see Chatrapati Pratapsihn garden on the banks of the lake and a mythology fact says that the lake has about 2 submerged Thirths within in it.

Location: It is just 2 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand & City Market

Timing: 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM | Boating Club will be opened till Sunset only.

Entry fee: No entry fee to visit the lake | For Boating: INR 250 (30 mins) & INR 500 (1 hour) for Row Boat (Max. 7 persons) | INR 440 (1 hour) for Peddle Boat (Max. 6 persons)

• 8. Lord Mahabaleshwar Temple

Built by Chanda Rao More in 16th century, the temple with Hemadant Architectural Style is dedicated for the Lord Shiva. The black-stone linga (sanctum sanctorum) is 6 feet long self-originated (‘Swayambhu’) and its 500 years old. This temple has more significance than that of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

It is still believed that the Lord Shiva visits the temple, hence 300 years old articles – the Trishul, Rudraksha and Bed are kept ready for Him. You can see a small square-shaped raised gold platform given by the Maratha King Shivaji equal to the weight of his mother Jija Bai. You can visit other two temples – Atibaleshwar temple and Panchganga temple at the same place.

Location: It is just 6 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timing: The temple is open on all the days for devotees

Entry fee: No entry fee to visit the temple | Charges apply for Pooja as per Temple Board.

• 9. Wilson Point (Sunrise Point)

Situated at the height of 1439m from sea level, Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. You can experience a serene sunrise (& sunset) from this point, hence the name Sunrise Point.

With broad plateau, the point has 3 watch-towers each at different spots. ‘Sindola Hill’ is its original name, termed after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Bombay Governor.

Location: It is just 2 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timing: 06.00 AM to 08.00 PM | Entry Fee: Free

• 10. Elphinstone Point

It is one of the highest points in Mahabaleshwar, it overlooks two valleys – Rivers Koyana on left & Savitri on right. You can witness the ravine that lies between Elphinstone Point and Arthur’s Seat.

It was discovered by Dr. Murray in 1830 and it got the name from Sir Stuart Elphinstone, the then Bombay Governor.

bIt is 10 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand | 5 kms from Old Mahabaleshwar | 3.21 kms from Arthur’s Seat & 11 kms from Frere Hall

Timing: 09.00 AM to 06.00 PM | Entry Fee: Free

• 11. Pratapgad Fort

On the command of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, his minister More Tirmal Pingale built this mountain fort in 1656, to stop the rebellious satraps. The famous historic battle between Chatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan took place here. The fort has two parts – upper fort (on the hill top) and lower fort (east & south sides), the eastern side has strong outwork and the southern part is rocky. You can still witness maze of ponds, long dark walkways and chambers in this fort.

You can visit the Bhavani temple which is dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, and it is believed that Goddess Bhavani blessed Chatrapati Shivaji with a shining sword. You can also visit Afzal Khan’s tomb here.

Location: It is 21 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Mahad Road)

Timing: Open all the days | 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM – Entry fee: Free

• 12. Connaught Peak

The second highest peak in Mahabaleshwar, Connaught Peak is at the altitude of 1400 m from the sea level. You can enjoy the serene beauty of Venna Lake and Krishna Valley from here. Added to that, you can witness Panchgani & Pasarani Ghat in the east and Pratapgad in the west. Connaught Peak is one of the most listed places for the trekking lovers.

The Peak is named after the Duke of Connaught’s (cousin of the British King George V) visit in 1880. The former name of this Peak was Mount Olympia.

Location: It is 5 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timing: 09.00 AM to 06.00 PM all days | Entry fee: Free

• 13. Babington Point

The most famous point in Mahabaleshwar situated at a height of 1294 m above the sea level. It is an alluring site that provides a wide-angle view of lush greenery and attractive landscapes. Visitors to this place will have a scenic view of Solshi & Koyna Valley and Chinaman’s Waterfalls. You can also view a Bishop tank with the stream of water.

Location: Tapola Road, Birwadi, Satara, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | Babington Point is just 2.5 kms from the main market of Mahabaleshwar | 4.2 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Tapola Rd) | 2.9 kms from Mahabaleshwar St Bus Depot | 1.8 kms from Mahabaleshwar Fountain Heliport

Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days of the Week (Best time to visit this point is 10:00 AM- 03:00 PM)

Entry Fee: Free

• 14. Kamalgad Fort

One of the highest square hills citadel located at a height of over 4511 feet above the sea level, near Wai Taluka in Satara district and also called by the name of Bhelanja or Kattalgad. The history of the fort is still unknown. In the earlier days, it was administered by Marathas later it became a part of the British Empire. It is surrounded by steep rock and only can be reached through a trekking and climbing. The Fort provides wonderful views of the magnificent Dhom Dam.

Location: Kamalgad Fort is 41 km from Panchgani and 59.8 km from Mahabaleshwar St Bus Depot (via Panchgani –Mahabaleshwar Rd) | 127.1 km from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM (all days of the week)| Entry Fee: Free

• 15. Velocity Entertainmentz

The largest amusement park founded in 2008 famous for racing located in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road. It is India’s only professional mountain Go-Kart Track with 450 m length, 6 m width, & 5 corners. You can enjoy many games and rides that suit all age groups of people. The park has two restaurants – Temptation and Palladium.

Location: Bhose Panchgani Road, Satara, Mahabaleshwar | Velocity Entertainmentz is approximately 13.7 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Bhose- Mahabaleshwar Rd/Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Rd | 14.7 kms from Mahabaleshwar Hill Top Helipad | 116.6 kms from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: 9.00 AM – 9.00 PM (all days of the week)

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee | Charges applicable for Games/Rides ranging from INR 50 to INR 600 (varies from ride to ride)

• 16. Wax Museum

Here, you can enjoy beautifully carved wax statues of noted personalities, International celebrities and many others. You can witness 10,700 different designs of candles. The candles and wax statues in this museum are made by differently-abled artists and you can even buy candles. The wax statue of famed musician A.R Rahman holding the Oscar is in the museum.

Location: Mahableshwar Road Meghna Food Studio, Nakinda Bus Stop, Avakali, Mahabaleshwar | 9 kms from Mahabaleshwar City Busstand | 119 kms from Pune International Airport (via NH 48)

Timings: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM all days of the week

Entry Fee: INR 300 per person

• 17. Helen’s Point

Helen’s Point is a stunning place for its everlasting sceneries, lush greenery and waterfalls. It is also called as Blue Valley. You can enjoy beautiful Krishna River along with modest huts, deep valley and stream of waterfalls from this point. It is close to North Coat Point, Robbers Cave and Gavalani Point. River Solshi starts from this point with a small stream of water.

Location: Near Robbers Caves, Mahabaleshwar | You have to trek for 1 km to reach this point | 120 kms from Pune Airport

Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days of the week

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

• 18. Rajpuri Caves

Rajpuri Caves is quite most famous for ancient inscriptions. It is believed that Pandavas stayed here when they barred from their own country and also it has other belief that Lord Karthikeya used this cave for holy ceremonies & penance. You can visit four caves surrounded by several ponds here. The water in this pond is believed holy that it will cure all diseases and evils.

Location: It’s 7 kms from Panchgani Bus Station (via Khinger Rd) | 25.3 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Rd) | 26.2 kms from Mahabaleshwar hill top Helipad | 115.8 kms from Pune Airport Departure

Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days of the week | Entry Fee: Free

• 19. Carnac Point

Carnac Point is an attractive mountain peak famous for the splendid view of sunset that is blocked by the steep rock face of the Bombay Point. During the British rule, the Governor of Bombay Presidency Sir James Rivett Carnac got mesmerized by the enchanting view of this point, as a tribute to his love for nature the point was named after him. The point offers picturesque view of lush greenery, beautiful landscape and pristine blue sky.

Location: 1.8 kms from Panchgani (via Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Rd) | 1.9 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Lodwick Point Rd)

Timings: 06:00 AM- 08:00 PM all days of the week | Entry Fee: Free

• 20. Lodwick Point

Lodwick Point lies at a height of 4087 feet above the sea level, in the earlier days; it is called as Sydney Point. In the remembrance of British officer Lodwick who had climbed the mountain in April 1824, his son built the memorial pole of about 25 ft. This view point offers an unparalleled view of Pratapgarh Fort and Elphinstone Point.

Location: 1.9 kms from Mahabaleshwar (via Lodwick Point Rd) | 3.5 kms Mahabalehwar St Bus Depot (via Lodwick Rd)| 3.2 kms from Mahabaleshwar Hill Top Helipad | 132.3 kms Pune International Airport (via NH 48)

Timings: 06:00 AM- 08:00 PM all days of the week | Entry Fee: Free

• 21. Parsi point

Parsi Point is one of the most famous viewpoints situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar at the entrance of Panchgani town. In the earlier days, it is the most favorite spot for Parsi Community and that is the reason why it is named as Parsi Point. Picturesque viewpoint provides the excellent views of the breathtaking Krishna Valley and Dhom Dam backwaters. You can enjoy the serene sunrise and sunset sights.

Location: Ganeshpeth, Panchgani, Maharashtra | 2 kms from Pachgani Bus Stand | 17 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Depot (via Panchagani – Mahabaleshwar Rd) | 17.7 kms from Mahabaleshwar Fountain Heliport | 113.3 kms from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM of all the days. (Best time to visit Parsi Point is from the month of December to February)

Entry Fee: No Entrance Fee (Parking Charges may apply)

• 22. Panch Ganga Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Panch Ganga Temple is a religious site located near Mahabaleshwar temple. In the 13th century, the temple was built by Yadava King Singhandeo at the convergence of five rivers Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. These rivers emanate from Gaumukhi (Statue of Cow) inside the temple, which is called as Pachganga Mandir. It is believed to be 4500 years old temple.

Location: 6 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand | 198 kms from Pune Railway station | 7.6 kms from Mahabaleshwar Fountain Heliport | 130.7 kms from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: 05.00 AM to 12.00 PM & 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM all days of the week

Entry Fee: Free

• 23. Krishnabai Temple

Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the temple was built using the black stone in 1888 by the King of Ratnagiri based on the Hemadpanti style. A small stream of pristine water flowing from the mouth of Gomukh falls into the river. Right behind Panchganga temple, there is a small and well-marked trail that takes you to Krishnabai temple.

Location: Chota Pul, Gangapuri Rd, Danebazar, Ganpati Ali, Wai, Mahabaleshwar | 300m from Mahabaleshwar temple and 1 km away from Panchganga temple | 6 kms from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand | 7.6 kms from Mahabaleshwar fountain Heliport | 130.8 km from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM every day.

Entry Fee: Free

• 24. Moraji Castle

Built by the British in 1829, Moraji Castle is a historical place that reflects Old Colonial British style. At the time of India’s Freedom Struggle, Mahatma Gandhi stayed in this place during his visit to Mahabaleshwar. Visit to this castle flashes the colonial architecture, the hilly terrain all around, and a lovely road trip.

Location: Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | 32 km from Khed Railway Junction | Approximately 2.1 km from another famous tourist spot called Elephant’s Head Point

Timings: 10.00 AM to 06.30 PM every day.

Entry Fee: Free

• 25. Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau is also called as Kas Pathar, is a huge volcanic lateritic plateau located in Satara district and is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wonderful biodiversity. This place contains more than 850 species of plants. It is situated at a height of 1200m and approximately 1000 hectares in the area. The entire region is covered with beautiful flora and fauna, also a famous picnic place among nature lovers during the late monsoons.

Location: 24 km from Satara | 41.7 km from Mahabaleshwar | 50 km from Panchganiu | 37.1 from Mahabaleshwar Fountain Heliport | 145.9 km from Pune Airport (via NH48)

Timings: Three slots per day, every slot contain 1000 visitors (Time Slots – 7.00 AM to 11.00 AM, 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM, and 3.00 PM to 6.00 PM)

Entry Fee: INR 100 per person (3 hours) | Free for below 12 years and above 65 years.

• 26. Falkland Point

Falkland Point is a clean plot of land located in dense forest and also called Bombay Point. The point is named after Sir Falkland, Governor of Bombay President during British rule. The point offers the splendid views of Koyna Valley and Makarandgad fort. The place is well-known for its lovely natural environment.

Location: 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Depot (via SH72) | 131.3 km from Pune International Airport (via NH 48)

Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM all days of the Week | Entry Fee: Free

• 27. Bhushan Mahamuni

Bhushan Mahamuni is an important holy place to visit in Mahabaleshwar and also called by the name of Shree Kshetra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, you can see the base Swayambhu Shivalinga which is the convergence point of five rivers – Krishna, Gayatri, Savitri, Koyna, and Venna. You can also visit the Aati Baleshwar temple and Panchganga temple.

Location: 6.6 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

Timings: 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM all days of the Week (Best time to visit this place from the month of June to January)

Entry Fee: Free

• How to reach Mahabaleshwar?

The only way to reach Mahabaleshwar is by road. Volvo, as well as government-operated buses to Mahabaleshwar, ply from Mumbai and Pune on a daily basis. You can also hire a taxi or drive to the hill station by yourself. The road journey takes around 6 hours from Mumbai (266 km) and 3 hours from Pune (121 km).

Visiting Mahabaleshwar during March to June & December to February leaves you unforgettable memories in your tour history. As one of the tourist attractions places, with curvy roads, strawberry farms, and pleasing weather conditions. Apart from only sight-seeing, you must try tasting Corn Pattice, which is a delicious eatable added with natural grown carrots, mulberries, and strawberries.