We too a small Weekend Getaway from Surat, Gujarat to Mahabaleshwar, and yes,. it was indeed pleasing and worth a 2 day stay to cover up all the sightseeing points. Important Mahabaleshwar points would be the beauty of the Sahyadri hills and Koyna Valley.
So we took a long bus journey all the way from Surat to Mahabaleshwar at Wai and from there got in a Van taxi to transfer us to the top at Mahabaleshwar St station. We travelled in November and from then to June you won't get the sight of the waterfalls yet it's the most peak season due to festivals. Here's the Video Vlog of Trip to Mahabaleshwar.
What to see in Mahabaleshwar - Mahabaleshwar Points of Interest
1. Mapro Garden
If you are fans of all those yummy Mapro Syrups and Crushes, then you can't miss out the Mapro Garden, which is where all these are made. The place has lovely ambience of the strawberries, plants and a cafeteria specially with baked goodies and also a special store which offers the fresh packed crushes and syrups.
2. Hill Points Mahabaleshwar
There are several hilltop points of Mahabaleshwar that are worth a Visit like the Echo Point, Kate's Point, Wilson point, Babington Point, Arthur's Seat, Kings Chair, Sydney point, Elephants head, and more which are easily accessible with a proper tourist cab and they know exactly how to make sure you see the best of this points.
3. Lingmala Waterfalls
If you go after monsoons or during the season you can see the beauty of the Lingmala Waterfalls which fall of a tall cliff of the Sahyadri Hills. Other than that you can still have a sight of the Small Lingmala falls which are located just 0.5km from the entrance and yes they are perfect for enjoy a foot walk in the stable or slow moving water with red stones on the ground. They are shallow waters and you can have fun here.
4. Venna Lake
The place is the first attraction you come to witness once you reach the toll of Mahabaleshwar and the lake is perfect for all year round to have a lovely morning or evening boat ride. Choose you way of riding the boat and enjoy the scenic view of the lake. You can have snacks and meals here, there are many stalls and kiosks offering amazing Maharastrian snacks and also packed snacks. It's close to the Van Vihar garden just a couple of footsteps up the road. You can also have a Horse riding experience at Venna lake.
5. Sunset Point inMahabaleshwar
Both these points of Mahabaleshwar are beautiful for a view of the sunset. We definitely didn't miss this one at Lodwick point and yes, it's welcoming the night saying goodbye to the sun a real experience which we captured on our Mahabaleshwar Travel Vlog. See Video for real Live Experience. Also view sunset at Bombay point.
6. Mahabaleshwar Market
Who wouldn't be interested in a Market which serves crushes and syrups, peanuts, Footwear, artefacts Mink Blankets, shawls and much more. Enjoy your meals here for veg or non veg which are real tasty and affordable as you can choose from a a variety of places to eat at Mahabaleshwar Market. In the mornings you will find vendors on the street with Fresh berries, do grab one or two bowls for a fresh taste of Mulberries, raspberries or strawberries.
7. Pratapgadh & Old Mahabaleshwar
These two places are for the Historic Explorers, and would love to visit them for a view of the Marathi Historic era of Pratapgadh and Old Mahabaleshwar Temples. Place of Shiv and the rivers how Mahabaleshwar Got it's Name.
8. Tapola - Koyna Valley Backwaters
The place is known to be Mini Kashmir for it's beauty of Valley and Back water Tapola lake vision. You can enjoy a couple hours here and also take a river ride experience with different water sports. There some Resorts you can stay here and Experience Camping at Tapola Lake.
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
- Sightseeing at Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
- Paintball Fight (Opp. Mapro Garden)
- Lake River Boating
- Buy Mapro Products
- Strawberry picking or Strawberry garden walks
- Visit Mahabaleshwar Market
- Camping at Tapola Lake
Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Best option would be close to the Market or a Resort which has facilities to take cabs and visit points around. Best Place we stayed was at the Shreyas Hotel Nr. St Station Mahabaleshwar and was the best, Saket Plaza, which falls in budget or Go for Resorts like Citrus Resort, Bella Vista Resort or Somewhere at Panchagani too.There are many Hotels in Mahabaleshwar you can choose.
Where to Eat in Mahabaleshwar
Our Personal Suggestions where we had Non Veg, Desserts, Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks.
1. Sizzler Place - Shreyas Hotel Restaurant & Bar - Dinner
2. Meghdhoot Restaurant and Lounge - Mahabaleshwar Market
3. Bagicha Corner - Dessert
4. Royal Garden - Panchgani
5. Mapro Garden Cafeteria - Strawberry Cream Ice-cream
6. Little Italy - Continental - Italian
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar
By Busses you can reach here easily and without much tiredness. Or drive your Cars up here if you are in Mumbai or Pune. Buses from Mumbai and Pune will take you directly up Mahabaleshwar, where as other state buses are not permitted up there but will have to change with taxi at Wai.Travelling in for sightseeing or from one destination to another take the government cabs which are cheapest and very affordable, See how the have packages for one day sightseeing and half days in our Video.
