Mahabaleshwar: Heartland of Strawberries
Mahabaleshwar is among the most famous hill stations in India, with a population of over a million people. Mahabaleshwar is a popular weekend getaway destination for people from adjacent metros searching for places to visit near Mumbai and Pune and travelers from all over India and worldwide who include it on their travel schedule as a must-see destination in their itinerary.
In addition, it is just a half-hour trip from Basilica Resorts, which allows Basilica guests to be comfortably away from instances of congestion that might occur in Mahabaleshwar while being within an approachable distance of many Mahabaleshwar attractions. Although the weather in Mahabaleshwar is good throughout the year, the summer season is the most favorable time to visit the city. Summer days are pleasant and windy from March through June, with temperatures averaging in the low 70s.
Best Time To Visit Mahabaleshwar
From November through February, the greatest time to visit Mahabaleshwar is when the weather is pleasant. The temperature swings from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius throughout this period, making it a wonderful time to go sightseeing. Mahabaleshwar’s strawberry harvesting season is also at this time of year. Another great time to visit Mahabaleshwar is during the monsoon season, which runs from July to August and transforms the hill station into a lush green haven. During these months, though, the terrain is particularly vulnerable to landslides.
How To Reach Mahabaleshwar
By Flight:
The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is situated in Pune, which is about one hundred and twenty kilometers away from the city. This airport has excellent connections to a large number of other important local and international airports. In addition, excellent cab service is readily accessible at the airport.
The nearest airport is the New Pune International Airport, which is 102 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar.
By Road:
By way of highways, Mahabaleshwar is connected to other major towns and cities by means of frequently operating buses. Take a tourist bus from Mumbai, depart from Sion, Vashi, and Dadar and stop at several locations (East). It takes around 6 hours to get from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. If you are traveling from Pune, the tourist buses are mostly operated by two private firms at the present time. If you want to go by own car, it will take you around 4 to 5 hours from Mumbai through the Panvel-Mahad-Poladpur route. Driving down from Mumbai is the primary mode of transportation.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is located at Wathar, around sixty kilometers away from the city center. This railway station then serves as a connecting point to the other railway stations. Alternatively, one may take a train from Mumbai or Pune to Satara and then book a cab to Mahabaleshwar, which would take around one hour.
Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
#1. Elephant’s Head Point
Elephant’s Head Point is one of the gorgeous overlooks in Mahabaleshwar, and it is particularly well-known for its breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range, which can be seen in the distance. Informally known as Needle’s Point, this well-known tourist attraction attracts the most visitors during the dawn and sunset hours.
#2. Chinaman’s fall
A journey to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete until you watch the compelling descent of the Chinaman’s Fall, one of the most prominent waterfalls in the state, which is less than an hour away.
The area was given its name in honor of the Chinese jail that was formerly situated there. It is an ideal vacation destination that provides an enchanting experience.
#3. Dhobi Waterfall
Located between Lodwick and Elphinstone Point, these stunning waterfalls link the two locations together and connect Petit Road with the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. These are great for a dreamlike experience in the middle of nature since they are surrounded by flora and rocks.
#4. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat, situated around 13 kilometers distant, is one of the most prominent vistas in Mahabaleshwar. Suicide Point, sometimes referred to as the Queen of All Points, is renowned for providing the most enchanting and interesting views of the deep valleys of Brahma-Arayana and the Savitri river. It is also known as the Suicide Point.
#5. Wilson Point
Wilson Point, with an elevation of 1439 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is also known as the Dawn Point, and it is a popular tourist destination for those who want to see a spectacular sunrise. Wilson Point is a huge plateau including three watchtowers that provide a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Mahabaleshwar Strawberries are a delicacy in Mahabaleshwar.
According to local legend, Mahabaleshwar is the epicenter of Indian berry growing, accounting for around 85 percent of the country’s total strawberry output. Numerous farms along the Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar route produce a wide variety of fruits, including raspberries, mulberries, blueberries, and blackberries, in addition to the well-known strawberries.
Mahabaleshwar Strawberries are a seasonal crop that is harvested between the months of October and November and April and May. These strawberries are then used to make jams, ice creams, milkshakes, crushes, strawberry wine, and strawberry jelly toffee, among other confections and beverages. You may purchase strawberry plants from any of the strawberry fields in Mahabaleshwar that are available to visitors.
Local Food of Mahabaleshwar
The natural gems of Mahabaleshwar’s cuisine include strawberries, mulberries, carrots, corn, and cherry size tomatoes. Strawberry toffees, syrups, fudge, ice creams, whipped creams, jellies, and the Corn Pattice are all local specialties.
Going to Mahabaleshwar for a short weekend vacation isn’t complete without stopping by Bagicha Corner, a popular restaurant known for its strawberry cream, mulberry cream, ice creams and syrups, maize patties, zunka bhakari, and corn Frankies. For a delicious lunch, Mapro Garden Restaurant delivers mouth watering Italian pleasure pizzas and chocolate brownies, which may be followed by a round of colorful ice-cold chuskis and garden carrots from local vendors.
