Mahabaleshwar

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Yes, finally for all the people who are keen on going to a Hill Station, this is THE place. Clean, very natural and calm place. Government has taken care of this place. It is good that shooting of movies is not allowed here like its allowed in Panchgini. Just imagine, you wake up early in the morning and you see cool and calm beautiful greenary infront of you. Isn't is amazing? And if you are staying in Ramsukh resort, you feel like you are in heaven. Be there. And always remember, whenever you go to a spot for the first time, do keep a guide, otherwise you won't enjoy site seeing. This guide will cost between 20-40 rs. After a month, the season will be over. But whenever you get a chance, DON'T MISS IT...

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We (my friends and I), visited Mahabaleshwar in April 2003 and stayed at the Shreyas Hotel located opposite the ST stand. We opted for an all-inclusive deal i.e. Ac Cottage and meals at (what we now consider), an atrocious price. The only nice thing about Shreyas hotel is its garden with lots of flowers and birds that visit it. The service is atrocious, food is barely edible and the menu is monotonous. It would be criminal to stay at Shreyas hotel.

Site seeing:

Only Pratapghad fort is worth a look-see. All other “points” are time-wasters and if you happen to use a taxi, a means of relieving you of a lot of money.

Local Transport:

If you have it, take your own. If you are a couple, ask for a share taxi. The driver will find another couple willing to share the cost’s of a local sight-seeing trip.

Local purchases:

Strawberries, Mulberries, gooseberries, Raspberries are usually visible. When buying strawberries, make sure you buy it by the Kilo (a good price is Rs 55/kilo)

Honey:

Believe it or not, at least four independent local sources informed us that Mahableshwar does not produce honey any longer. This is because the pesticides used to protect the strawberry crops killed the bees in the region a long time ago. Today, honey is purchased from government agencies of Assam by the M.S. Khadi & Village Industries Board and resold under their brand name.

Most “Appeary” honey sold in shops at Mahableshwar, is made from jaggery and sugar. If you look at it closely, it looks like black sludge. So if you must buy honey at Mahableshwar, make sure you buy it from M.S. Khadi & Village Industries Board located at five minutes walking distance behind the ST stand. It may not be locally produced but at least it’s real honey!

Telecommunication:

If you use a pre-paid sim card for your mobile, make sure you carry a refill as the chances of getting one in Mahableshwar are next to none. Alternatively, we did see a fair number of STD booths.

Cash:

Carry lots of it! Mahableshwar does not accept credit cards and we did not see any ATM’s anywhere.

Conclusion:

Mahableshwar is a nice place to go either to put your feet up and relax or (I was told), for trekking specially in the rains. Before you go, make sure your hotel is a good one as it can easily ruin a nice vacation. Don’t rely exclusively on your travel agent. Ask your friends about experiences they had.

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Mahabaleshwar

The city life getting too much for you?? Feel it’s a long time since you breathed oxygen?? Want to get away from all the noise and the kaamwalli bai?? Well then Mahabaleshwar is the perfect getaway for you.

It is Maharashtra’s most popular and one of the most beautiful hill stations. No wonder it was the summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the British Raj. The climate is perfect being 4500 ft above sea level it’s never too hot and because of it’s nearness to the sea never too cold!!!!! can’t get better than that.

History

Mahabaleshwar was discovered by accident by Colonel Lodwick while trekking in the jungle with his dog!! There is Lodwick point named after him. Later in 1829 it was established as a health resort.

During the period 1834-1864 it was a place where Chinese and Malay convicts were jailed. There is a waterfall named Chinaman’s waterfall where they cultivated potatoes and strawberries.

Places to go and see

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the impressive view of the valleys and the beautiful Venna Lake. There are many lookout points; some of the famous one’s are the Bombay point, Elephinstone point, Babington point and Arthur’s seat. There are many waterfalls too like the Chinaman’s waterfall, Dhobi’s waterfall and Lingmala’s waterfall

Apart from the points and the waterfalls there is also a bee keeping centre and polo ground which is at times used as a helipad and to learn car driving!!!

There is the majestic Pratap gadh fort which is 25kms from Mahabaleshwar.

Table land comes on the way to Mahabaleshwar which is supposed to be the largest in Asia. It’s famous for its view of the valley and the various games stalls and horse rides.

So you can see mahabaleshwar offers something for everyone. And so it’s a complete package in it’s self

My Experience

My first trip to Mahabaleshwar was during my summer break in college with my family. I am a die hard nature fan and I fell in love with the place. It’s a trekker’s paradise. There are so many places to go and you can decide your own trail. It’s the best place to blend with nature. I go to Mahabaleshwar every summer the best time is May- June.

We usually drive from Mumbai to mahabaleshwar (300kms) but there are MTDC luxury buses from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. There are also many State Transport buses from Mumbai and Pune.

The beauty of a place lies in the experience it gives you. Mahabaleshwar gave me many, hope it gives you too.

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''Mahabaleshwar'' people feel cold when some one just takes this name. Yes it's right it is so much hard to survive there in Mahabaleshwar specially in Winter.

It Had been so long I had been there. It's so much near from me it's only 50 Kms. aways from Satara. I love to go there. I was there before two year in the seasone of Rain. really that was a differet experience that dwelling there in other seasones. My friend ranged on my cell in the morning and said Bunty we are going to mahabaleshwars r u coming. those days were rainy and that's right my family was not ready to send me bcoz as usual I was to go on my bike. but I went there with my friends. I told my family that am going to Satara and from there I left for Mahabaleshwar. that was the thing. The rain was going crazy on the head. when we reached there in Mahabaleshwar the time was 8:30 Am and we were hungry that time. so we were looking for a hotel but we find so much hard to get food on that morning so we manage on taking 2 Cutting (Tea). well that was a great experience. that taught me how to drive and don't take in fast decision. well when I was there I was not only to drive but also not able to see the road properly and wothout forgt everyting. The vehicle coming from front I was only to see that when tat comes so near to me. but that was a cool and great experience. we were unable to see all Spots we had been to Old Mahabaleshwar really a sexy cool and quiet place was that I liked that spot only. Other all spots are so long from each other. that's the bad thing of that it takes so long to reach from one place to another place but it so much nice. u have to go there but on't go in Cold or rainy seasone otherwise u will not enjoy that okay. Go in summer vacation and don't forget to visite Satara the place am from.....

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Mahabaleshwar is a good place to be in during summer and immediately after monsoon. Personally I prefer Panchgani which is 30-min drive from M'war bec it is more peaceful and less congested..even the hotels are reasonably priced. u get excellent 'parataha' near the Panchgani bus stand. During monsoon, M'war becomes foggy and inaccessible but Panchgani is clear and stayable . we stayed at Hotel Aishwarya at Panchgani. one can hire out a taxi for a day.. it very romantic during monsoon. MTDC hotels are expensive and dirty, food is horrible best to avoid. Papaya and strawberries are available in plenty and cheap. u can trek down to Pratapgad

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I have travelled in almost any season to Mahabaleshwar. I have travelled by car from Pune. You can also take a luxury bus from Pune leaving every hour or so. They are also neat.

Best time to travel is in rainy season. The climate is really good during that season. You actually travel through clouds while on road.

I would recommend MTDC resorts to stay. Only one description of these resort...''Hassel free''. You get good Jams and jelly sweets. If you go during winters...late Jan ..you can actually pick strawberrys from the farms.

Horse riding is not as enjoyable as compared to Matheran. Bit polluted than Matheran.

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Mahabaleshwar is a Sanskrit word and meaning of it is “God of Great Power”. This famous hill station is having centuries old history. In olden days this place was famous for spiritual activities because of Mahabaleshwar and Krinshnabai Temples. Krishnabai Temple was built in 13th century by the king of Yadava Dynasty Raja Singham. Many renovations have taken place with the help of kings and The Great Maratha King Shivaji was one of them. Inside the temple there is a stone carved Cow’s Head (Gomukha). Water flows out by the Gomukha and as per the belief of the people, this water is from the five holy rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri. This temple is also known as “Pancha Ganga Temple”.

Today most of the people go there to get relief from the mental and physical stress due to very hectic city life. In this process we do visit those two temples but it is very sad to see very disorderly crowd. On the way to the temple there are many small shops dealing with handicraft items mostly coming from other places even from remote states like Tripura.

People normally like to visit this place during summer to get relief from unbearable heat. During summer temperature is around 25’ Celsius. However, through out the year you can see hundreds of tourist especially during Dewali and Christmas Holidays. I prefer to go there during Monsoon and Winter. During monsoon I get a chance to walk through the cloud when it embrace the mountain. During winter this place is quite cold and best time to move around by cycle. Weather conditions in these two seasons to some extent resemble to that of Shillong.

There are some very popular tourist spots and almost every visitors go there as a part of sight seeing tour. These places are –

1. Wilson Point– This spot is at an altitude of 1435 meters from the sea level. This is also known as Sunrise Point from where one can witness sunrise and panoramic view through out the day.

   
   




2. Kate’s Point- Named after the daughter of the founder of today’s Mahabaleshwar Sir John Malcom. This place is famous for a huge rock stand grandly on the hill at an altitude of about 1300 meters. River Krishna flows like a ribbon at the foothill. Peaks of Kamalagarh, Pandavgarh, Mandhardeo and Dhom Dam can also be seen from here.

   
   




3. Arthur Seat– Also known as Queen of all spots because of picturesque surroundings. This point presents the view of valley of Savitri. Brahmaranya – a huge forest is located in this valley. Forts of Raigad can be spotted from this point.

   
   




4. Bombay Point is for Sunset lovers. During sunset thousands of tourist and locals will gather there and make that place as polluted as it could be. Car parking is one more problem because at the end of the day all tourists in Mahabaleshwar reach there. I never liked that place

   
   




5. Veena Lake – This 2.4 km long lake attracts tourist for boating. Greeneries around the lake make it an ideal place to relax on a lazy summer afternoon. There are lot of shops for fast food and games just near the lake, which remain open till late evening. Pony riding is another attraction.

   
   




6. Elphinstone point – This point overlooks two valleys of Koyna and Savitri. Fascinating view of Ranges of Syhadri from this point is mesmerizing.

   
   

There are about 30 points like Marjorie, Northcote, Lodwick, Babington, Panchgani, Falkland, Helen, Connaught Peak etc. There are few waterfalls famous for their breathtaking view during monsoon.

Shopping –

Mahabaleshwar is the major producer of strawberry in this country. You can buy fresh one at a bargained price.

There are few food processing units around Mahabaleshwar. Few show rooms are located near the bus stand. On the way to Panchgani these units are located and there are counters to sale fresh products.

Small local market sales handicraft collected from different part of the country. There is a shop in front of the bus stand near the petrol pump where you can get commodities like chocolates, cold drinks, biscuits, books and some useful daily requirements. There is a counter for people like some of us with good stock of spirits. I think they have a counter for medicine.

Hotel & Food –

There are many hotels to suit all kind of budget but rates are higher during vacations / holidays. From April till Dewali rates are quite high. There are many restaurants and you can get all types of food.

Transportation –

There are taxies for sight seeing. However, we prefer cycle. Be careful while riding on the narrow zigzag roads because of tourist taxis or drunken young drivers. Best time for moving around Mahabaleshwar is morning and evening and a bicycle ride make it more pleasant.

For going to Bombay, Pune, Panchgani or Wai plenty of buses including private luxury coaches are available. During tourists seasons it is better to go for advanced booking.

Nearby areas those may be clubbed with Mahabaleshwar trip –

Tapola– Known as Mini Kashmir. This is backwater of Koyna Dam is about an hour drive from Mahabaleshwar. There are tourist bus services from bus stand of Mahabaleshwar. It attracts tourists for motorboat ride on the backwater of Koyna dam.

Panchgani is few kilometers from Mahabaleshwar on the way to Pune. This place is famous for huge Tablet Land and boarding schools. Devils kitchen, Sydney Point, Meherbaba Caves are few places of tourists’ interest. From the Table Land one can see panoramic view of the Deccan Plateau. On the Table Land one can go for pony riding and horse cart riding.

Dhom Dam– Further down the hill on the Pune road there is a town Wai. One can go to the dam from this town. Wai is well connected to Mahabaleshwar by buses and from there one can hire an auto. Dhom dam attracts tourist for water sports. Speedboats, water-scooters, cycles are available there at a reasonable cost. There are motorboats that can take about 10 persons to the convergence of Krishna, Venna and Koyna. Morning is the best time to go there. Caretakers are there to help the tourists. You can carry your food with you. Ganapati temple of Wai is very big and famous.

Pratap Garh– Its about 25 km from Mahabaleshwar at an altutude of 1200 meters. This gigantic fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. Tomb of Afzal Khan who was killed by Shivaji is located there. Temple of Bhavani Mata and Statue of Shivaji are inside the fort.

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Mahabaleshwar is located on the Mountain Range of Sahyadri at an altitude above 1300 meters. It’s about two and half hour drive from my place and should not take more than six hours from Mumbai. If you are traveling from Mumbai by Mumbai – Goa highway than you have to take left turn at a place called Paladpur. Ghat section starts after that which calls for skill driving. At present road is quite wide still one should not take risk. During monsoon, there is always possibility of landslide, take care.

Avoid traveling after sunset on the ghat section of Mumbai road. One may not get any help because there may be none nearby. It will be a very frightening experience if someone has to spend the night on that road. During monsoon, there is possibility of landslide at any time so keep your eyes open.

I always prefer to go to Mahabaleshwar during monsoon instead of Lonavala.

Wish you a nice and safe monsoon holiday.

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MAHABALESHWAR

it was march 02 when me and my friends decided to go to mahabaleshwar .

the hotel selected was ISHWAR INN ,a 3 star hotel .

we were 8 of them and the three nights four day package was for only for Rs 1500 .

IT INCLUDED SITE SEEING AND TRIP TO PANCHGANI ,AND

A SEE AT THE MAPRO FACTORY ,FOOD AND OFCOURSE STAY.

OUR EXAMS WERE JUST OVER AND THE SAME DAY WE LEFT IN AND AIR CONDITIONED LIMO.

THE TRIP WAS QUITE INTERESTING .

THE FOOD WHICH WE WERE SERVED IN HOTEL WAS ALSO QUITE HYGENIC . THE POINT WAS THAT WE ENJOYED A LOT

BECAUSE THIS WAS THE OFF SEASON ,THERE WERE NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE HOTEL ALSO AND THE RATES WERE LOW .

I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WAS JAIN OUT THERE AND THE HOTEL DID

SATISFY OUR DEMANDS .

THE HOTEL WAS HUGE AND IT HAD A LOT OF THINGS TO KEEP US BUSY .

WE ENJOYED SWIMMING OUT THERE ,THEN THERE WAS A BADMINTON COURT ,TABLE TENNIS CARROM.

WE CLICKED ALOT OF SNAPS AT THE TABLE TOP ,MAPRO FACTORY AND AT CERTAIN POINTS .

THE PART WHICH I DID NOT LIKE WAS THAT OUR HOTEL WAS FAR AWAY FROM THE MARKET ,AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET A TAXI OUT THERE AND EVEN IF WE GOT ONE THEY CHARGED US ALOT .

I WOULD RECOMMEND A GROUP OF FRIENDS TO GO ON AJOURNEY LIKE THIS . THEY WOULD ENJOY IT LIKE WE DID .ON THE WHOLE THE TRIP WAS COOL .

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We, Mumbaites (people staying in Mumbai erstwhile Bombay - prefer ourselves to be referred to or rather pride by this name), are perpetually short of time, money and of course, then also fall short of enthu to go on a holiday. For us Holiday means planning, planning and only planning for long or short tours away from the hustle - bustle of this city. Quite often we begin to accept the fact that ''Man proposes and God disposes'' till we take time out to relax and plan our holiday. Yes, we need to actually relax even to plan our holiday!!

Now, you want to go on a holiday within a small budget??How often have you thought of going to Hill Stations as a big hole in your pocket??? But again relax!! You need not wait till you have collected a large amount of cash that you can afford to spend on holiday. Within a decent budget, you can have a good, memorable holiday. Though there are other places around Bombay, one of the places that I would recommend is Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar - It is a place where one can go for honeymoon or a holiday with your family or could be a picnic with friends. There are quite a few buses going to Mahabaleshwar from Bombay everyday. It is about eight hours away from Bombay by Road. This place has some old temples and a fort but are now ruined and not really worth mentioning. It has a few ''points'' where tourists like to go for sight seeing.

In case you plan to go to Mahabaleshwar, I would like to give details of a hotel where we had stayed during our visit. It is very close to the Main Market and Taxi & Bus Stand … about 10 min. walking distance!! The name is ''Giri - Vihar '' a lesser-known hotel in Mahabaleshwar. It was earlier known by the name - Ramakrishna Bhavan. However, the place is really worth staying. It is a family-run Hotel and the ambience and serenity is that of a ''House''. You wouldn't feel like you are in a hotel. There is a small family temple, for the religiously inclined, where ''Aarti'' is performed twice a day. It is a very quiet and peaceful place.

There are small gardens with Slide, See-saw, etc. for children to play and a Swing for elders too!! Perfect place to relax after Dinner!!!

Rooms…two types avail … Room costs include Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast with Tea/Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon Tea/Coffee with light snacks and Dinner. Breakfast is served in the Room but no Room Service for Lunch and Dinner. A Huge Dining Hall is available for the purpose.

Deluxe Rooms - Suitable only for couples on honeymoon/holiday. It is a Room attached to a Verandah. The Verandah has a decent sofa set and a centre table … a perfect place to have your morning tea/coffee and relax. The Room has a Double Bed, a small wardrobe to keep your belongings, fancy lights, a small side table, beautiful artefacts, etc. Cost would be Rs.1500/- per day per person.

This room is not recommended for couples with children, since the Double Bed is not big enough to accommodate all three. You can ask for an extra bed at an additional cost (Rs. 200-300) per Bed. But then the place gets too cramped up. It would be better to go in for the Economy Room.

Economy Rooms: Again two varieties here, one with three Single Beds and the other with Four Single Beds. Both are suitable for small families or for picnic groups. These rooms are also attached to verandah. Verandahs are the same for all the rooms but the Rooms in this range are very plain without fancy lights, artefacts, etc. Cost would be Rs.900/- and Rs.1200/- respectively.

Most Important Part of the Holiday - FOOD - yummmmmyyyyyy (sorry if I am exaggerating but the food is real good - taste, quality as well as quantity) What I have not only heard but also seen is that the owner of the Hotel personally goes on these inspection rounds in the Kitchen. He ensures clean, hygienic conditions and tasty food (yes, he actually tastes the food and sees to it that the proportions of all ingredients are perfect!!)

Food is available only as a Thali and no a la carte menu and is bit towards Maharashtrian side. Secondly, no choices here; whatever is available will be served; a kind of binding is it?? but then they also offer variety everyday so I think its ok;Not a single item was repeated for the five days that I stayed there; so no regrets at all And yes, you would not feel like having anything once you go out into the market. Why?? Your stomach is already full after having their lovely Lunch;and yet somehow you cannot help but imagine what you would get for Dinner. You get my point, right?

Breakfast is the usual simple kind such as Poha, Upma, Sabudana Khichdi, Toast Sandwich with Tea/Coffee. Milk if required is charged extra.

DINING HALL

There is this huge ''Dining Hall'' where Lunch and Dinner is served during the timings fixed for the purpose. Tables are arranged for different size of groups.

Lunch/Dinner includes, two vegetables, one variety of ''Usal'', Salad, pickles, Papad, Phulka/Puris (u have a choice here), Plain Rice/Dal or Khichdi (another choice!) all this unlimited and ends with a sweet dish (mostly indian) - no second helping here.

A small Ice-cream parlour (if you can call it a parlour that is) is right outside the Dining Hall where you get varieties of ice creams at an additional cost. It is fun to have ice cream even during the biting cold and chilled weather. Don't you think so?

Last but not the least - costs involved:

Considering that a couple would stay in the Deluxe Room of this Hotel, a five-day holiday at Mahabaleshwar would come to a max. Rs.18000/- (Includes Bus Fares - Ex Bombay, Room charges, Food, and two days Sight Seeing). Obviously does not include Shopping Costs. You get lovely items made of Jute and Cane material. Wall Hangings, Hand Bags/Purses, Serving Trays, Fruits Trays, etc. at very reasonable rates. For e.g. Handbags range between Rs.40 and Rs.100 depending upon the size. Fresh strawberries and juices, jams made out of these are very famous.

Considering all the Pros, it is definitely worth a one-time try. It is risky to go during monsoons (mid-June to mid-sept.)since it experiences heavy rains (six metres)Must not be matter of concern for Adventurous souls right??

I am sorry, I cannot provide you with costs involved for children b'cos my child was about 1 and 1/2 year old when we had been there and we only had to pay for milk that we used to order for him. Roughly, I can tell is that only food is charged at half the normal rate for children below a certain age.

We first opted for the Deluxe Room but found it too small and moved to the Economy Room next day. We managed to save our money and at the same time enjoyed our stay at the Hotel.

Tip: If you are going as a family (one or two children), I would recommend the three - bed Economy Room since the Room is big enough and all the single Beds can be put together on one side so all can sleep comfortably.

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Hi Folk's

Yes I had been to Mahableshwar, but as usual with my younger

nephew as hubby was busy, busy busy, anyway I went through a tourist

agents office which is just located opposite the Shopper's stop at

Andheri.

I had got our hotel and everything booked through them but believe me

I regretted it later,as I was charged Rs11500.00. And accordingly it was not at all worth, so

my advice would be should you want to, please go through someone you can trust.

If not my trip was good. The name of the hotel was Rajesh Hotel.

But not at all worth the money spent.

Go and book in yourselves I was shown photographs of something and got something else.

Anyway the trip started opposite shopper's stop itself about 2and half hrs late, we

waited from 8.30pm and the bus came in at 11.30, after arrival we got down and took

a cab to the hotel checked in ,rested a bit and from next day went out sight seeing.

Coincidentally I got a Marathi speaking driver so he took us to all the places meant to

be seen.

But believe me if in Mahableshwar you want to taste anything eat and drink the fresh

strawberries juice, it was marvellous and the climate excellent, should anyone ask

me to build a house I would prefer this place.

It's a very good place, especially for honeymooners, I mean seeing the climate it's

good and quiet no hubble bubble no disturbance of any kind, go with family and kids

I enjoyed with all small kids around me and never even felt the loneliness.

And most important my nephew enjoyed himself the most. They showed us where the film industry do their

shootings, as well as to some points where if you threw something it came back to you by the gravity

of the steep hill.

But if you want to have a nice and cool place this is the best, and quite a lot of people have their

cottages in this place.

I bought a lot of Jams and some juices from there you get good walking sticks out there I bought one

for my mum who likes it a lot, as she uses it now.

But I would advice if you have not gone do go, it is a nice place for holidays, stay out there for a

week so you get to see things nicely.

Book a hotel, but do not ask agents to make all arrangements as people themselves told me over there

it becomes cheaper if you come on your own and not through agents.

By the way you book your bus tickets, and go there and do the rest, as people let out bungalows

find out if not the Indian Tourist office is safer, then the agents.

Go out and Enjoy Mahableshwar,great climate, good sites,and the best strawberry juice nothing can beat that.

I would advice Mahableshwar any day.

So Enjoy Mahableshwar.

Bye Sushama

Look I hope next time I type it out better so all can find

an easy way to read, sorry I sincerly apologise to all

corcerned.

Bye Sushama

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Mahableshwar in the rains !!!!!

a sight worth experiencing ....i had been to mahableshwar in the month of august and september. there was rain all around and there was mist .

it felt and looked that we were somewhere close to heaven with all the mist enveloping us and creeping into the hotel rooms from every possible crack or space.

try not to avaoid the rains in mahableshwar and u will have a great time.

go out when it is drizzling and the mist is around u ....take a walk around the place , in the market where u r not able see more than a few centimetres ahead due to the mist.

the place is absolutely quiet and empty during the rains.

go to the lake and take a boat ride in the cold mist and cuddle upto ur partner .

go to all the various points across the place ...and watch the clouds gliding past near you ...

in the valley u can see the city of bombay and the sea ...a sight for sore eyes.

if the sun comes out and u see the valleys , suddenly u feel like u r watching the grand canyon.

there r lots of things to see , various points to visit , hot chana and makai to eat , strawberrys and other syrups to be boought and absolute peace , quiet and calm to be enjoyed.

also all hotels have a relatively quiet time during the monsoons so they pamper u by making food of ur choice and serving it hot for u.

and the rain and the mist add to the lure ....

actually looking back I think it shud be a prime destination in the monsoon and not during the summer months.

its the perfect family place , a great place for a big group and absolute heaven for couples ( the rains play an important part )

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Mahabaleshwar is not closed in the monsoons.

It is open for those who want to enjoy the misty monsoon magic.

In fact if you can stay indoors during the extremely heavy downpours which are tried to be kept at bay by a special protection made from rice stalks and rushes outside the houses, then you can really enjoy the monsoon magic that unfolds in Mahabaleshwar.

If you can withstand the fungus,the smells and the dampness inside the houses and on the clothes, then you can enjoy what Mahabaleshwar has to offer in the monsoon months beginning June to August end.

It is monsoon, the rain comes after the clouds have darkened.

You rush for cover under the leaking trees.

Unfold an umbrella or wear your raincoat and go slop about in the puddles and the flowing water.

It is not hot all day. You can move around in the cool weather. Only carry some umbrellas,raincoats and wear rainy shoes or slippers made of rubber or plastics or polyurethane.

Smell the snaily smells.

Watch the trees and leaves cleaned by the rain.The forests look much greener.The mist suddenly envelops you. It is not mist actually, it is the clouds themselves moving past and enveloping everything.

Get back to the hotel and enjoy the hot crisp 'pakoras'-''onion,potato or cauliflower slices wrapped in gram flour and fried in oil'', along with hot steaming tea/coffee and watch the clouds move across the valley. Sometimes the breeze comes and grows in to a strong wind swaying the trees.

The balsam and other annual monsoon plants are blooming.the green grass has grown like a luscious carpet.

Get up in the morning and watch a clearing among the trees and see a herd of sheep and goats huddled together out in the open. A shepherd and a fire, with wisps of smoke rising and swirling and mingling with the low clouds.

Go to the Arthur's seat point or other points when the sky has cleared a bit or the clouds have gone.

The hills across are a lush green and on top you see a carpet of orange-yellow.

The wild flowers are blooming.

Try to peer in to the distance and see whether you can see Bombay(Mumbai) and the sea.( Leave it for the clear months if you can't see-come then).

Walk down to any of the falls like the Lingmala and see the real beauty of the falls strengthened by the heavy monsoon rains.

The trees are now laden with moss and ferns.

Go to the Venna Lake -it is full of water.

Enjoy a boat ride in the mist and the rain.

Your beloved, if by your side, will come closer to you and give warmth.

Eat the corn cobs warmed on the charcoal fires by the side of the lake.

Or eat the american corn frankies or pakoras.

The turnips and red radishes are available too.

Have a horse ride.

Look at the strawberry fields- are they flowering or fruiting?

If you can't go out maybe your hotel room has the cable television programmes-watch them or play indoor games and snuggle up in the blankets and enjoy a good nights sleep.

Wake up to the monsoon magic of Mahabaleshwar, with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

(Time taken from Pune about two and half hours to three hours. From Mumbai five and half to six hours via Khandala and Pune, by road).

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I visited Mahableshwar just last week (week before Christmas) and really enjoyed it. It is the strawberry season (although you do get them throughout the year) and really gorged on strawberries.

I and my family (husband and kid) stayed at Brightlands Holiday Village. I found that this hotel is the most expensive (1600 per person per day without food) in Mahableshwar. It is not really worth it since you spend most of the day outside. Stay here only if you like swimming (they have a nice swimming pool) and have a lot of money to spend. They also have a nice discotheque. Also, the service is good. If you dont really care about the above things, stay at other hotels like Vimal Gardens, Shreyas etc. which are cheap and really value for money. We had only one meal at Brightlands. Even the food was too expensive. Also, you get better food elsewhere. Try Grapevine on Masjid road for great Parsi and Thai food. Also try VG's restaurant for cheap Parsi food (the Dhansak is great!).

I really liked horse-riding at the Polo ground and boating on Venna lake. However, they are enlarging the lake and the lake does not look as good as it did two years ago due to the construction work going on. Still, do go for a boat ride. While at the lake do not miss the veg. frankies and the strawberry with cream available near the lake. Yummy.

Do go to Panchgani and visit Century Sherbaug if you have kids. It gives them a nice exposure to nature. It has a very beautiful rose garden (much better than Mapros) and also lots of birds like turkeys and swans which the kids can mingle with. They also have animals like rabbits etc. There is also a nice childrens park.

Do NOT go to the table land unless you like horse riding. There is nothing there except a vast dusty area. Nothing much to see.

I do not recommend seeing a lot of points unless you are the trekking type (I enjoy trekking but with a small kid, its impossible). The must-see points are Kates point, Elephant point and Parsi point.

Seeing the Mapro factory etc. is a waste of time. Also, buying all the jams etc. is o.k. but the quality is not so good. The only thing is that you get a variety of flavors. Quality is so-so.

I do recommend Wilson's chocolate walnut fudge that you get in the market. Window shopping at the market is fun.

Overall, I think that the best thing is to relax, eat good food at Grapevine etc. and enjoy the great weather and the strawberries. Do not spend a lot of time in watching points etc.

Do take woollens in winter since it gets chilly in the evenings.

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I have visited here for four times before. it's a very nice hill station to visit in any time in a year.

in the summer, it has a cool weather though sun is roaring in the sky.

in the monsoon, there are watery clouds playin touch-n-go with the hills and trees.

there is very sheavering weather in the winter season.

our body get very cold though wear a lot of warm clothing.

this hillstation is best for all type of picnics like college, honeymoon, family tour etc.

accomodations available here are suited for all catagory of visitors i.e. ordinary, midium and luxurious living.

visitors may see all the points by travelling in their own vehicles cause vehicles can reach nearest to the point.

there are all types of lunch homes and restorants also to suit all type of visitors.

we can hire a Guiding person to get the information of roads and points with them.

the goods sold in the market of m'bleswar is costlier as compare to the rates of mumbai.

but we must buy the handicrafts and wall-hangings from here as they are very nice and attractive and artistic.

MAIN POINTS TO VISIT :Bombay point,Elphinsten Point,Monkey Point,Elephant Head,sunset point and venna lake.

i liked this hillstation very much and I shall visit here again soon.

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