This time we (Me and my husband) were looking for a destination which we can visit in two to three days of short time span. My hubby suggested Mahabaleshwar but I was little skeptical due to rains. However, we decided to go and started our journey on 19 september this year from Mumbai, it took us 6 hours to reach Mahabaleshwar which is approximately 280 kms from mumbai through Mumbai pune expressway. Road trip to Mahabaleshwar is indeed a treat to the eyes and soothe the soul.
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| Amazing view leading us to our destination |
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| you can see many small springs flowing down the mountains |
Mahabaleshwar is located at an elevation of 4,439 ft bound by valleys on each side. Mahabaleshwar served as the summer capital of Bombay province during the British Raj. It is one of the most popular getaways in Maharashtra.
If you are going through Panchagani you need to pay entry toll only which is Rs 5 and in Mahabaleshwar there are three to four joints where local governing bodies ask you to pay toll for entry tax and pollution tax. Make sure to take the receipt and keep them safe as they are valid for 7 days and might be asked for as you travel from one tourist point to other.
On reaching MTDC resort where we booked room online in Mahabaleshwar welcomed us with heavy showers and fog.
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| Fog Covered MTDC Resort |
MTDC Resort is just beautiful situated spread over 40 acres amidst lush green forest. It is quite away from market area but it is the charm of the place which rejuvenate us with the nature 's love. We stayed in the Heritage suite which cost us Rs 3750 + 19% tax. Heritage rooms are very nice, clean and big. Apart from the main room there is a small dressing room beside the bathroom. Only issue we had there was the food, it was not good. They also have room service for which we paid Rs 10 extra for it. You can order from PWD restaurant also but both these retaurant are managed by same manager.
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Heritage suite at MTDC Resort
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Wooden roof gives a rich look to the Room
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It was still raining. So, after having lunch we took rest and planned to vist wilson's point in the evening which is famous for sunset thinking by that time rain will stop. When we woke up still it was raining heavily. However, we freshened up quickly and stepped outside. My husband drove car towards Wilson's point, halfway it was so hazy that we can barely see anything. We decided to return back as its of no use to go to that place as hardly anything was visible and raining crazily. We went to PWD restaurant which is close to MTDC Resort and binge on some hot Pakoras and ginger tea. Pakoras and your loved one are all you need to enjoy the monsoon season. Apart from the crazy rain the weather was insanely romantic and good place to visit during monsoon with your partner. After having pakodas we went back to our resort. We decided to go back to Mumbai next day as it was raining heavily and visibility was poor due to fog.
Next day we woke up and still it was raining hard. We decided to get ready and check out from the resort. Check out timing of MTDC resort is 9 AM. We started from the resort around 8:30 AM. Thankfully, by the time we were having breakfast rain become milder. Before going back to mumbai we planned to take a chance and check out some of the tourist points. Our first destination was Mahabaleshwar temple which is located in old Mahabaleshwar and is approximately 8 kms from the city. Mahabaleshwar temple houses a Mahalinga in the shape of Rudraksha and believed to be self-bodied (Swayambhu). There is another temple named Panchganga temple just opposite to Mahabaleshwar temple. You can visit both at same time. Panchganga temple is build at the confluence of five rivers Krishna, Veena, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. Ahead of the outlets of five rivers there is beautiful carved Gaumukhi from which water from five rivers flow out. Photography inside both the temples is prohibited. However, people were taking photographs. There was a complete chaos in Panchganga temple as every body was so busy in taking photos inside temple premises regardless of the temple care taker who was stopping them to do so.
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| Panchganga Temple |
There is a souvenir shop in between the two temples where you can shop for some handicrafts. Price is fixed in this shop. I bought a wooden candle stand from there. There are some small shops too outside the temple. There are few eating joints downstairs the temple.
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| Shops outside the temple |
After taking god's blessing we move towards Arthur Seat point. Arthur Seat point is the point where Sir Arthur (Goverenor of Bombay Presidency from 1841 to 1846) used to sit and stare at the Savitri river where his wife and child had drowned. Let's Photographs do the rest of the talking.
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| Arthur Seat Point |
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| Mahabaleshwar Map |
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| The place was giving a spooky feeling |
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| Hunting Point in the Arthur Seat location |
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| Way to Arthur Seat Point |
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| Tiger Spring Point |
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| Tiger Spring Point |
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| And finally to the Arthur Seat point |
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| Fog engulfed Arthur Seat point |
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| Only we can see in dense fog was this |
On reaching to the final point Arthur seat point, we were mesmerized by the view it was like we were floating on the sky covered with fog. When my husband asked me to go there for a pic I was somewhat horrified by the fact that I was not knowing at what height we were and what is beyond that fog as it was my first trip to Mahabaleshwar. Finally. I went there and it was exciting to stand there.
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| Finally I am here |
As we were heading back to the parking area, it started raining heavily. So, we cancelled our plan to visit Elephistone point and started our drive back to Mumbai.
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| On our way back to Mumbai and its raining |
On the way we just stop near Veena lake. It was looking as it was submerged in the fog with overflowing water giving us goosebumps. During monsoon there is no boating in the lake. It is best to visit Veena lake during winters.
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| Fog clad Veena Lake |
On reaching Panchagani we stopped in the market to buy some fruit crush as we just skipped Mapro garden which is a famous spot, located between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.
In Panchgani we then stopped by Paragliding point which is a huge area with some Breath taking, Picturesque views. The wind was blowing hard against us as we reach Paragliding point, it felt like we will fly with the gust of wind. Weather in Panchgani was better than Mahabaleshwar and thankfully we were able to witnessed the pristine environment. Generally tourists visit these (Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani) twin hills station together. Panchagani is approximately 20 km before Mahabaleshwar.
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| View from Paragliding Point Panchagani |
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| Dog enjoying the view |
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| View from Paragliding Point Panchagani |
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| View from Paragliding Point Panchgani |
After a halt in Panchgani we again started our journey to Mumbai. It was raining on our way back to Mumbai also. Finally, reached Mumbai around 7 PM and surprise it was raining here too.
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| On our way back to Mumbai |
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| Rain followed us to Mumbai |
Before going to Mahabaleshwar I was skeptical about our trip but all those doubts were worthless. I enjoyed alot and this trip was one my memorable and adventurous trip. I will suggest you guys once to visit Mahabaleshwar during monsoon to witness the heavenly beauty of the place with your loved ones.
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