May 24, 2004 03:25 PM
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(Updated May 24, 2004 05:27 PM)
I had a grueling time at work last week, so this weekend we decided to take a break and go to Mahabaleshwar.
The word Mahabaleshwar is derived from two hindi words ? Mahabali(Lord Shiva) and Ishwar.
Mahabaleshwar is a small hill station located in Western Ghats, 120 Kms by road from Pune. We hired a taxi from Pune for a day and started early in the morning for Mahabaleshwar.
The ascent to Mahabaleshwar starts from Wai, which is a good picnic spot. On way to Mahabaleshwar, we crossed Panchgani, which is famous for its tableland and boarding schools. Finally we reached Mahabaleshwar at 9:30 A.M.
We started our tryst with this lovely town with Venna lake. Rains have already started in Mahabaleshwar and it was a very pleasant day. The cool breeze, descending clouds, sun playing hide and seek? All in all it was a perfect day for boating. Venna lake is primarily used for water supply to the town. These days a new dam is being built on the lake to stop flooding of waters in rainy season.
From there we moved on to see few points which are key features of any hill stations. Personally, I feel that they all look same, with may be a little change in panorama. I am a nature lover, so I can look at the valleys and mountains and clouds taking various shapes for eons. But these hill stations are always overcrowded and all you get is a peek. No wonder I loved Dalhousie so much. It was peaceful, and far from maddening crowd.
Castle Rock overlooks Savitri valley. It gives a clear view of meandering Savitri river.
Arthur's Seat is the most popular point of Mahabaleshwar. The hills from this point look like a canvas where mother nature generously painted with rich green colors. It highlights the sculpting abilities of natural forces. Corroded rocks look so beautiful, our very own Indian Grand Canyon.
Wilson Point/Sunrise point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. At the time of sunrise, the sky looks beautiful with vivid colors of crimson and orange.
Elphinstone pointThis point gives picturesque view of valley with koyna river on left on and savitri on the right.
Bombay Point is the popular sunset point. It faces Pratapgarh fort and gives a view of Koyna valley.
Lodwick Point is named after Lord Lodwick who developed Mahabaleshwar into a known hill station.
After these points we decided to go to Pratapgarh Fort which is 24 Kms from Mahabaleshwar. It was the most enjoyable part of the day for me. I am always interested in knowing history of Indian kings and Pratapgarh trip was very informative.
Pratapgarh fort was built to commemorate victory of great Maratha King Shivaji over Afzal Khan, who was general of Adil Shah of Bijapur. Afzal Khan came to Maratha kingdom with standing army of 60,000. He sent message of peace to Shivaji and asked him to come and meet him to sign a treaty. But Shivaji suspected his intentions and cleverly planned an attack.
At different places he hid his men and went to meet Afzal Khan. He wore a Baghnakha(a glove with nails of a tiger). When Afzal Khan hugged him, he tried to put dagger in Shivaji?s back but Shivaji was too quick for him and killed him with the Baghnakha. He beheaded him and brought his head as trophy to the fort. The fort is located on a high hill and it took 2 years to complete.
Till 1957 there was no concrete way of going up the fort. In 1957, when Pt. Nehru came to unveil the statue of Shivaji, the fort was made approachable by good road and 450 steps were built from the gates to the interiors.
The fort gives you a peek into genius of the people who designed it. The fort is actually divided into 2 main areas ? The Big fort(Bada Qila) and the small fort(Bal Qila). The main gate of the outer fort is designed in such a way that it becomes difficult for anybody looking from distance to find the exact location of the door. It looks as if it?s a continuous wall.
In old days, enemies brought elephants to break down the doors of forts. A straight path was required for the elephant to gain momentum and then hit the door. The door of this fort was so strategically placed that it was just after a small curve, so there was no stretch where elephant could move and hit.
There are 3 observation towers in the fort. Highest of which gives a spectacular view of 3 districts of Maharashtra ? Satara, Ratnagiri and Raigadh. The wind rustles softly as you stand gazing at the green valleys on top of the great fort of brave maratha king.
While returning we stopped at Mapro Garden, famous for strawberries and strawberry products. I had a gala time there gorging at succulent strawberries. Mapro garden has fun facilities for children. So while you shop, the kids can have great time.
Mine was a day?s trip, so I couldn?t cover the whole town. But being so near to Pune, it is a perfect weekend getaway. And I plan to go there once the rains are in full swing. I am sure I will see it from entirely different perspective?
