Mahabaleshwar

[ Mahabaleshwar Temple | Krishnabai Temple | Hanuman Mandir | Shri Ram Mandir | Wilson Point | Cannaught Peak | kate's Point | Lovers Point | Bombay Point | Arthur's Seat | Babington Point | Lodwick Point | Helen Point | Mount Malcom | Catholic Church | Mahabaleshwar Club | Morarji Castle | Pratapgad Fort | Panchgani | Waterfalls | Venna Lake ]

Mahabaleshwar Temple
The present temple of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded by a stone wall about five feet high. The main temple is divided into two apartments,the inner room or God chamber and the outer room or central hall. It's structure has Hemadpant style of southern Indian temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a 'ling' worship is performed here. The 'ling' is formed by a natural piece of rock and it hardly possesses a traditional shape of the 'ling'. It seems that there is a live spring below the rock which makes all the hollows full with water all year round. The hollows are supposed to represent the rivers which have their origin in the surrounding area.

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Krishnabai Temple
This is an old temple. In this temple, a Krishnabai or a cow head is carved in stone of the columns & the ceiling . This is supposed to be the source of five Deccan rivers: Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri. You can see the grand view of krishna valley from the temple.

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Hanuman Mandir
Another temple worth visiting is the "Hanuman Mandir" which is not far from the "Krishna Temple". This temple is said to be the resting-place of the saint & mystic Rama Dassa in 1635. It was from here he started his preaching where he attracted many disciples and devotees, Shivaji Maharaja being one of them.

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Shri Ram Mandir
Shri Ram Temple constructed by the Late Pratapshet of Amalner has most strikingly beautiful idols of Lord Ram, Laxman and Seeta.

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Wilson Point
The highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 4710 ft above sea level. It is also called as Sunrise Point. Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Connaught Pick Point, Elphinston Point etc. various points can also be seen. It is very close to Mahabaleshwar Market.

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Connaught Peak
The second highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It was formerly known as Mount Olympia. The point is at the height of 1400 mtrs. It is 7 kms from Mahabaleshwar market. Kamalgadh, Rajgadh and Torana at north, Panchgani, Pasarani Ghat at east, Ajinkyatara at south, Pratapgadh at west and Elphinston Point and Kshetra Mahabaleshwar at north-west can be seen.

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Kate's Point
Approximately 5 kms from Venna Lake towards Panchgani. It is an awesome view of Krishna Valley and the Dhom Dam. This is the place where you will get it. Named after kate, a daughter of sir John Malcom, founder of Mahabaleshwar, it is known for the huge and remarkable shape rock which stands majestically on the hills which is 50 mtrs high. Also known as Echo Point.

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Lovers Point
Prose, Poetry... Romance this is known as Lovers point. Officially known as Falkland Point.

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Bombay Point
One of the most popular and oldest point in Mahabaleshwar. It got its name since it was on the old road to Bombay. Its also called Sunset Point since the expansive view of the sunset is one of the most beautiful sights in Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgadh can be seen at north. Lover's point is left to Bombay Point.

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Arthur's Seat
The height of the point is 1473 mtrs and 13 kms away from main market. Said to be the Queen of all points. It is the only place, which shows the geographical distinction between the Konkan and the Deccan territories of Mahabaleshwar. It is believed that it is called after the name of one Arthur Malet who first built a house in Mahabaleshwar

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Babington Point
It is approx. 3 kms from main market. Makarandgadh or Saddleback and Solshi can be seen from this point. At the Bishop tank, which is on the way to Babington point there are streams, which are worth visiting.

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Lodwick Point
Formerly known as Sydney Point, it was renamed after a monument in honour of General Lodwick was raised here. General Lodwick was the first European to visit Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgadh can be easily viewed from this point. This point is also know as "Elephant's Head".

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Helen's Point
It is 4 kms away from main market. Also known as Blue Valley. River Salshi starts from here and there is a small waterfall near the origin. North coat point, Robbers Caves and Gavalani Point are also located in this area.

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Mount Malcolm
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was built in 1829 with magnificient architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a lot of its old charm now.

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Catholic Church
A visit to the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour. although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still a sight to behold. this deserted church is now looked after by a Hindu family.

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Mahabaleshwar Club
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained. Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated by loyal members every year. Fortunately, one facility is open to visitors, who can use the golf course whenever they feel like it.

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Morarji Castle
Also worth a look is this old structure. Mahatma Gandhi once lived here in 1945.

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Pratapgad Fort
This is 24 Kms, away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 166 by Moropant trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha rular Shivaji. It was here that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afjal Khan, was killed by Shivaji. The fort has a great view.

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Panchgani
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts. The name is derived from the fact that it is located at the centre of five hills ("Panch" = five, "Gani" = hills). The place is well known for trekking and other adventure activities. Climb atop 'Table Land', a famous flat-mountain top, from where you can have a look at the vast plain below. The berry farms here are another tourist attraction.

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Waterfalls
There are three main waterfalls here The Venna falls, the Chinaman's fall and Dhobi's falls. These falls though insignificant are situated in a lovely-sequestered hook looking straight at the south side of the Elphinston Point ravine. Best time to see these are during the rainy season.

Lingmala waterfalls present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by rainbow colors. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are popular with picnickers. The former can be reached by the Carviali Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear waters of Lake Vena entices one beyond appreciation. The cool whispers of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.

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Venna Lake
It is the first and major attraction within Mahabaleshwar. One can spend the whole day at this lake and enjoy boating. The lake is spread around 25 acres. The main purpose of this lake is to supply water to Mahabaleshwar. The King of Satara built it. The racecourse and Golf Course of Mahabaleshwar are very near from Mahabaleshwar.

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