Often called the land of strawberries and hills, Mahabaleshwar is one of the hill stations to visit if you are travelling in Maharashtra. It offers tourists lovely weather, great street food and many tourist attractions to explore. A trip to Mahabaleshwar points to one thing only, and that is enjoyment.
Great for families, couples and even solo travellers, Mahabaleshwar should be on your places of must-visit hill stations in Maharashtra. There are amazing places to see here.
To make the best of your trip to Mahabaleshwar, follow our guide to the 20 best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar (Points & Landmarks)
1. Elephant’s Point
A portion of the hill looks like an elephant’s trunk, but that is not how this point got its name. It is named after Sir Mount Elphinstone, who served as the Governor of Bombay during the British Raj.
The Elephant’s Point is one of the most visited sites in Mahabaleshwar. Near the point, there is an old mansion that now lies in ruins. The site is a great place to visit if you love clicking pictures and long walks.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
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2. Albert’s Seat
Albert’s Seat is the most talked about point in Mahabaleshwar. It offers stunning views of the valley and the hills. To get to this point you need to pass through a short dense forest area.
Once you the reach, there is a viewing point and a few benches. Be careful of the monkeys, they can be a nuisance sometimes. There are a few street food stalls selling snack items such as strawberries and vadas.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
3. Wilson Point
The Wilson Point is convenient to get to, you do not have to do much walking as it is close to the main road. From this point, it is best to watch the sunrise in the morning.
Nature lovers will enjoy the lush green surroundings and can even spot a few birds. Although it is great to go during the monsoon, the view can be hampered by fog.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 6 am to 7 pm
Also Read : 15 Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar at Night
4. Castle Rock Point
Located on the way to Arthur’s Seat, this point is a good place to catch breathtaking views of the Sahyadri hills. You can see Arthur’s Seat from the Castle Rock Point.
A great place to hang out if you don’t like crowds, as this place is not too popular. Do not go here too late in the night, it can get a bit lonely.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
5. Kate’s Point
Kate’s Point has been a prime location for Bollywood shoots since the 90s. Perpetually crowded, this place offers stunning views of the hills, the Krishna river and the Dhom Dam from afar.
There are a few food stalls near the point and a couple of restaurants to grab a quick bite, in case you get hungry or are looking to take a break from exploring.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
Also Read : 15 Top Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar On Your Next Trip to The Hill Station
6. Lodwick Point
A visit to the Lodwick Point presents tourists with two experiences: a long walk and bedazzling views of the hills. It is situated close to the market area, so you do not have to travel far to get here.
If you are going by a vehicle, there is a small parking lot that is about 1.5 kilometres away from the point. Go here if you love places that are less crowded. Watching the sunset from the Lodwick Point is a great experience.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
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7. Tiger Point
It is believed that tigers some here to drink water, hence locals have given this point the name Tiger Point. Today, one can see a few monkeys and some birds at this place. It is a good place for a stopover on the way to Arthur’s Seat. The water at this small spring is drinkable and safe for consumption.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar (Gardens)
1. Mapro Garden
Enjoy the best of what Mahabaleshwar has to offer: strawberries at the Mapro Garden. There are many stalls and a big cafeteria serving delicious varieties of juices, ice creams, milkshakes and more.
You can also try their mocktails, they have a few good concoctions. There are a few selfie points where you can click pictures. Food options are plenty, and pizzas and French fries are the favourites with most diners.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 8 am to 8 pm
2. Laxmi Strawberry Farm
Get up close and personal with Mahabaleshwar at the Laxmi farms. At this strawberry farm, get a deep insight into how strawberries are cultivated and plucked from the soil.
You can pick strawberries and other berries yourself, too. There is a tasting centre and a shop from where you can buy strawberries to take home, at wholesale prices.
- Entry Fee: Strawberry picking Rs.100 per head; children below 4 can enter for free
- Timing: 8 am to 7 pm
Also Read : 8 Amazing Places to Shop in Mahabaleshwar
3. Pratap Singh Park
Situated near the Venna Lake, this small garden is a great place chill out after enjoying boat rides at the lake. Surrounded by plants and flowers, there are comfortable benches and a few slides for kids.
Outside the park are a few vendors selling street food at reasonable prices.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 8 am to 9 pm
Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar (Waterfalls & Lakes)
1. Dhobi Falls
The Dhobi Falls is an excellent place to go to if you are looking to escape the summer heat in Maharashtra. The falls drop from a medium level, so getting to the top of the fall is fairly simple.
This fall is popular with trekkers and locals who come here to enjoy picnics. Make sure you have a map or take directions as getting to the falls can be a bit tricky.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
2. Chinaman Waterfall
The Chinaman Waterfall is a great place for photography. The views are stunning, especially during the monsoon.
There is trekking trail here that gets crowded on the weekend and in the monsoon. A good place to explore, go here if you love photography and serene places.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
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3. Lingmala Waterfall
To get to the falls you need to climb down steep steps, about 50 in number. Once there, there is a small pond where you can swim, but it is advised that you do not go in too deep. The best time to visit is in the monsoon when the lake is full.
If you are physically fit and can climb steep peaks, there is a big waterfall at the top of the hill. This is usually visited by experienced trekkers.
- Entry Fee: Rs.15 per head
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Lingmala Waterfalls Mahabaleshwar| 3 Star Hotels near Lingmala Waterfalls Mahabaleshwar
4. Venna Lake
The Venna Lake is a must visit place for every tourist. At the lake, you can enjoy a bit of boating and a few snacks at the many stalls around the lake.
Kids can take horse rides that cost around Rs. 200 a ride. Near the lake there is a park which is a good place to relax for a while before going home.
- Entry Fee: Free, but boating cost Rs.500 for one hour on a row boat
- Timing: 9 am to 7 pm
Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar (Forts and Temples)
1. Pratapgad Fort
A historic place, the Pratapgad Fort is rooted in Maharashtra’s history. It is located about 27 kilometres away from Mahabaleshwar, but the drive is totally worth it.
The fort stands at 1,080 metres above sea level and it offers sensational views of the hills. To get to the top of the fort, you need to climb up flights of stairs.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
2. Panch Ganga Temple
An ancient temple, the Panch Ganga Temple is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture. It is believed to be the place where the five rivers were born.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and it is located close to the Mahabaleshwar temple. There is a pond inside the temple premises, believed to carry holy water.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
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3. Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated inside a complex and there are three other temples surrounding it, however, this is the main one. It is built in true Indian architectural style and is made of stone.
The Lingam at this temple gives the impression of a hundred Rudrakshas spread out on the rock, which is a unique feature of the temple.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: 6 am to 7 pm
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4. Kamalgad Fort
This fort is about an hour’s drive away from Mahabaleshwar. It is located in the Wai district of Maharashtra.
Visit this fort to enjoy the peace and serenity around. From the fort, you soak in captivating views of the plains. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also trek at this fort.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
5. Krishnabai Temple
Located close to the Mahabaleshwar Temple, the Krishnabai Temple was built in honour of Lord Krishna in 1888 by one of the rulers of Ratnagiri.
It is a historic temple and it is situated on a hilltop that overlooks the Krishna Valley. The best time to visit is in the morning when prayers are said. The experience is magical.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.
Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar (Museum)
1. Bhavani Wax Museum
Kids will love seeing wax models of their favourite celebrities and icons at this museum on the Panchgani Mahabaleshwar Road.
Located in the heart of Mahabaleshwar, this museum houses figures of Bollywood celebrities and a few Indian icons. There is a special 5D show held that is a must visit for kids and adults.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 200 per head
- Timing: 11 am to 8.30 pm
Most of the attractions in Mahabaleshwar are natural sightseeing places. So, if you love exploring a tourist destination, you will surely enjoy soaking in all the sites in Mahabaleshwar.
While the looking points are a must see, we also suggest that you visit a few temples and the Mapro Garden. If you’ve been to Mahabaleshwar, and have a few points to add, do let us know in the comments.
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