Mahableshwar is a hill station in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. It lies at the confluence of the five important rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri.

Located at a distance of 120 kms from Pune, Mahableshwar can be reached by bus or with the help of private vehicles too.

Mahableshwar owes it name to Lord Shiva who was called as Mahableshwar or as the Lord of the Mavlas. It was also known as Malcolm Peth for a while, in memory of Sir John Malcolm who was one of the first founders of this hill station. Mahableshwar was used for various purposes by the different rulers of the area. The Maratha rulers built many temples in this region; the British used the hill station to imprison Chinese prisoners and made them undertake farming and cultivation activities here.

As we know it today, Mahableshwar is actually made of two parts. One is the city area and the other is the temple area which is more popularly known as Old Mahableshwar. Little bungalows dot the hill station and one may also find them being rented out at affordable prices. The climate here is cool and the way of life peaceful and is always advised for those seeking respite from health problems.

The places of worship in Mahableshwar include the Shree Kshetra Mahableshwar at Old Mahableshwar, the Panchganga Temple which is the point of contact for the five rivers; Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri, Shri Shankara Mandir and Shri Krishnabai Mandir. Mahableshwar has a good number of points, waterfalls and places to see. These points give the visitor every kind of opportunity to enjoy picnics, camp fires or simply relax in the peaceful environment.

The major places that one must see in Mahableshwar include Arthur’s Seat lies to the northwest of Mahableshwar and is named after Arthur Mallet who first built a house in these parts. From here one sees a magnificent view of the Jor valley and the valley of the Savitri River. Also visible are the forts of Raigarh, Tornagarh and Kangari. The haze may obstruct the view of the surrounding hill ranges but there is good visibility in the months of October and November. Some 200 feet below this point is the Window point and a little spring called as the Wishing Well.  

Babington Point lies to the south of Frere Hall and the road to it passes through the market area. One can view the Koyna valley and river, Makarangarh and Chinamen waterfall and Saddle-back from here.

Baghdad Point is considered the most beautiful point in Mahableshwar but is not reachable by car. One has to trek to this spot on foot. One sees the beautiful scenery of the back waters of the Koyna Dam, the river Solshi and the lush green slopes of Mahableshwar.

Bombay Point to the southwest of Mahableshwar is near the Mumbai-Mahableshwar road and can be reached from the Chinamen Waterfall or the Tiger path by foot. The sunset at Bombay Point is one of the main attractions here. Sidney Point, Pratapgadh fort, Sahyadri ranges and the Koyna Valley are also visible from here.

Braharnaya is dense forest that lies to the east of Marjourie Point and Elphinstone Point. This forest has soil that is like grey ash. Folklore has it that the sages and wise men often meditated here in the ancient ages. The name is derived from the name of Lord Braharnaya who is said to have done his penance in this forest.

Brahmarishi Caves made of stone are located on the road to Arthur’s Seat just a little away from Marjorie Point.

Carnac Point is named after one of the Governors of this area and is within a half mile distance of Bombay Point and about a kilometer away from Falkland Point. The Koyna valley and the Jor Valley are visible from here.

Castle Rock is on the way back from Arthur’s Seat. It is actually a platform formed by huge rocks.

Chinamen’s Waterfall is about 2 kms towards the south from the Mahableshwar bus depot. This waterfall is dedicated to the memory of the Chinese prisoners who undertook farming and cultivating vegetables for the British Officers who imprisoned them in their jails during the British era.

Connaught Peak is a point on the way to old Mahabaleshwar. It was earlier known as Mount Olympia but was later renamed in memory of the Duke of Connaught who had made this point his favourite haunt. One can see the Krishna Valley and Venna Lake from here.

Dhobi Waterfall is located to the south of Hunter’s Point. Giving the visitor an excellent landscape view, the point is frequently used as a favourite picnic spot.

Echo Point is located next to Kate’s Point and as the name suggests, is a good spot for trying out echoes.

Elephant’s Forehead or Haticha Matha is a plateau like area to the west of Mahableshwar. Although the point head is hardly 12 feet wide, the steep sides have a drop of over 2500 feet to the Koyna Valley below. When seen from Lodwick Point, this point looks like the head of an elephant. From Elephant’s Forehead Point, one can see Pratapgadh, Javali village and the nearby Javali forest.

Elphinstone Point, named after a former Governor of Bombay, Sir Mount Elphinstone, was founded by Dr. Murray in the year 1830. A very beautiful point, one can see the valleys of Koyna and Savitri along with a clear view of the Pratapgadh fort. There is a small bungalow at this point which is now being demolished to make way for a better equipped resting place for picnic goers and tourists.

Falkland Point, like Carnac Point, is also named after a former Governor of Bombay. It is located about a quarter mile away from Bombay Point. It is about 2 km away from Chinamen Waterfall. This point is very much favoured as a resort area as it has large spaces and filled with vegetation. Saddle-back hill and Babington Point can be viewed clearly from here.

Fitzgerald Point, although not a very important one, gives a view of the Bombay Point.

Gaolani Point is about 7 kms away from the Mahableshwar S.T. Bus Station. It is located near a Pass known as Zolachi Khind and allows one to view two valleys below.

Golf and Polo Ground. The Golf and Polo Ground in Mahableshwar is mainly used for helicopter landings and takeoffs. One also sees beginners practicing car driving here.

Helen’s Point is to the left side of the main road from Tapola boating area. This point is known for the Blue Valley. The beauty of Helen’s Point is enhanced with the presence of the hills, footpaths, farmhouses and pretty bungalows here. River Solshi has its origins at this Point.

Hunter Point is reached by a rough road that starts from the left hand side of Cannought Peak. Only accessible by foot, this point gives an excellent view of the Koyna Valley.

Kate’s Point gives one the view to the Deccan side of the hills. The valley of the River Krishna, the waters of Dhom Dam, three peaks; Kamalgadh, Panduagadh and Mandhardev, Tai Ghat are some of the major objects that one can view in the landscape surrounding Kate’s Point.

Lingmala Waterfall is seen only during the monsoon and is reached from Wilson Point or through the Panchgani road. This waterfall is formed by the falling of the River Venna from a height of 500 feet. Careful driving is necessary when going to this point.

Lodwick Point was formerly known as Sidney Point. General Lodwick, a British Officer was the first person to climb the hill here. There is a memorial here, a twenty-five feet high column, dedicated to R.W. Lodwick, son of General Lodwick. The extreme end of this Point is known as the Nose or Elephant’s Forehead which can be reached on foot.

Maakhria Point is reached by a footpath to the south of Panchgani road.

Maiden Point can be reached by foot from the Marool village. It is a favoured spot for romantic and honeymoon couples as the views from here a very beautiful.

Marjourie Point is to the south of Savitri Point from where one can view the ranges of the Sahyadri.

Mount Freeman is on the way to Arthur’s Seat a little away from Lady Willington Gallop.

Needles Point or Needles Hole is to the right of Kate’s Point. This point is actually a peak with a giant hole that looks like a needle.

Northcoat Point is to the right of Tapola and is not quite frequented by tourists. One can see the Yavateshwar hill, Koyna valley and Saddleback from here.

Pratapsingh Park is located behind Venna Lake. It has beautiful garden plants and is also equipped with games and playing areas for children.

Robbers Cave, so named because thieves and robbers took shelter here in old days, is a 6 feet cave near Malsoor village.

Rosemand Rock is on the Panchgani road and allows one a view of the Krishna Valley. Birthday Rock is also located close by.

Sassoon Point is on the way to Babington Point and is equipped with six well-furnished Lawn Tennis Courts. A Parsee Gymkhana is also present here.

Savitri Point is on the way back from Arthur’s Seat. One can see the Savitri river valley from here.

Tapola is a village at a distance of 25 kms from Mahableshwar. It has been developed as a boating area by the Government. The boating area has lush greenery and vegetation and provides a good ambience to picnics and outings. A semi-luxury bus is available at Mahableshwar for Tapola everyday at 9.30 am.

Tiger Spring is a stream on the way to Arthur’s Seat. It is said to be the source of the river Savitri. The structure of the rocks at this point is often compared to the Grand Canyon in Colorado, U.S.A.

Venna Lake is located on the Mahableshwar road and has been formed by the Venna River. There are boating facilities available here. Horse-riding and picnic outings are often part of the scenery here. There is a thick forest just behind the lake.

Window Point is located about 200 feet below Arthur’s Seat.

Wilson Point is considered to be the highest point in Mahableshwar. It is also known as Sunrise Point. There are railings in all three directions here at the peak and one is able to view a great many places from here. Polo ground, Makrangadh, Koyna Valley, and Panchgani’s Tableland, Old Mahableshwar, Elphinstone Point, Cannought Peak, and the valley of river Venna can all be viewed from this point.

PanchganiPanchgani is another hill station about 20 kms away from Mahableshwar and is approached by road from here. A regular visitor to the place will always seek a visitor to Panchgani on a trip to Mahableshwar.Panchgani is well known for its tableland which is actually a flat land atop a mountain peak. This was used for film shootings over a number of years.One can enjoy horse riding at this place.Panchgani has a cool climate and is advised for those who need a change in terms of health or pace of life.Besides, the healthy environment that it provides, Panchgani is very famous for the large number of boarding schools that impart the best education to students from all over the country.

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Comments (2)

2. Written by naresh , on 02-01-2008 14:59 hi, like mahabaleshware and panchgani it is my home town .i was in boarding school in panchgani for 9 year i like climate Report

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