Mahabaleshwar, (4500 feet) is Maharashtra's best known hill resort. The jungle is thick but wildlife is limited to foxes jackals and wild boar. The bulbul with its red crest rules the roost. The British, more particularly Sir John Boy Malcolm, set up this hill station in 1828. It remained the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. It was used as a jail for Chinese and Malay convicts (1834-64) thanks to whom, red potatoes and strawberries were introduced to the area.
Horse riding and walks in the woods, boating on Venna Lake are part of the joy of being here as is bird watching Reading, a good book while sitting under a tree is the ultimate in luxury for stressed people of Bombay and Pune who rush to Mahabaleshwar's cool terraced hills. Since observing nature is the general past time, there are a number of vantage points to do so with each providing a different view. The highest point is Sunrise Point Wilson Point (4017 feet). On the way, stop at Mount Malcolm once the grand home of Boy Malcolm but now overgrown and derelict.
For a great view Connaught peak is a good vantage point even though it is the second highest point. Elephantine Point overlooks two valleys, Koyna on the left and Savitri on the right. Arthur's seat looks out over a sheer drop of 2000 feet to the Konkan coast. If you take the steps to Arthur's seat you come to a spring - Tiger's spring, the source of the river Savitri. Below the seat is Window Point which offers truly breath-taking views of Krishna valley and the deep waters of the Dhom dam. There is also an echo point where visitors practice their lung power. Bombay point affords the best view of the sunset.
Waterfalls such as Chinamans, Lingmala and Dhobi waterfalls flow in abundance during the rainy season (June to September).
There is a Bee keeping center which you can visit to see an educational display on the manufacture of honey by bees. Many shops in the bazaar sell honey and chikki (peanut brittle) fudge and roasted chanas (chickpeas). In season Strawberries, goose berries and raspberries are bought and eaten in quantities by visitors. You can visit the farms and buy fresh strawberries which are harvested late November to June with the best available in February. Vendors sit in the bazaar selling fresh berries heaped in mounds. Strawberry jam, juice and fudge are also delicious.
Old Mahabaleshwar has some ancient temples. The Panchganga Mandir has the five holy rivers, Krishna, Venna, Kopa, Savitri and Gayatri making an appearance here in five springs flowing closely and then issuing out of a cow-faced spout (gowmukhi) to fall in to a cistern below.
The Mahabaleshwar or Shankar Mandir dedicated to Shiva has a naturally formed lingam, self bodied swayambhoo). On the head of the lingam you can see marks of the five holy rivers (Panchganga) and their waters never lose their level.
The Shri Krishna Bai Mandir is also an old temple with beautifully carved stone columns and ceiling. The temple affords a great view of the Krishna Valley. Mahabaleshwar is easily reached from Bombay by road (200 km/125 miles via Mahad) and also Pune (120 km/76 miles).