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🥁Drumrolls🥁, please. The monsoons have arrived in the Sahyadri Mountains. How about a Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar road trip? I mean, it has everything a good trip should have. The drive is spectacular, the wind is balmy, the mist hangs lightly and invitingly over the mountains, every turn of road has a waterfall to bask oneself in, and then… there is a deluge of pop-up food stalls along the road, selling delectable vada pav, bhutta and sweet chai. What’s not to love? Now and then, the incessant rains may be a dampener but fear not, you’ll love that too.
The drive from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar takes about five and half hours through occasionally bad roads. The stops along the way are many: for photos, food, or a sudden rain shower, so factor in more time.
Wondering what the drive entails? Read on.
About Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Satara district of the Western Ghats 250 km from Mumbai. At one time, the town was the choice summer hill station for the British. These days, it’s famous for honeymoon trips, strawberry farms, elite boarding schools, and the lush waterfalls that spring up during the monsoons.
Mahabaleshwar in a Day
Because it was raining when I went, it was harder than usual to do the normal things. I was squinting at the rain and adjusting my umbrella against the raging wind throughout. It was also colder and since I’d gone from Mumbai, I was unprepared. But, although, I struggled to complete my to-do list, because of the rains, the usual experiences became extraordinary. The rains add a shine to everything, I swear. So, no complaints.
What can you do in Mahabaleshwar on a rainy day?
Arthur’s Seat and Other Viewpoints
Arthur’s Seat is named after the British Officer, Sir Arthur Malet, who often sat at that point on top of the hill to gaze down at the Savitri River flowing in the valley. Apparently, he had lost his wife and daughter in a ferry mishap in the river. We saw no view because of the fog, but on a clear day, the view is said to be stunning. There are several other scenic viewpoints leading to Arthur’s Seat (Tiger Spring Point, Hunter Point, Echo Point, Window Point, Malcolm Point) and the walk itself is quite interesting.
Venna Lake
About thirty minutes from Arthur’s Seat is Venna Lake. We ruled out a boat ride because of the fog but it looked like fun. There is also the option to take a horse ride next to the lake. The lake was not my favourite place; it was crowded, mucky, and dirty. Plastic bottles and wrappers were strewn around. Quite sad, really.
Mapro Gardens
Stop for lunch and shop for snacks at Mapro Gardens. Established in 1959, Mapro primarily manufactures fruit jams and beverages and hosts a strawberry festival in April. (Mahabaleshwar apparently contributes to 85% of the total Strawberry produce in India!)
You could opt to go to Mapro first on your way from Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar because it is located in-between. Must-eat are their stuffed sandwiches and thick strawberry shakes—large and filling enough for two. Mapro also sells snacks and preserves which you can carry home or use as gifts.
While Mapro is the oldest and most reputable strawberry farm and eatery, it has become quite commercial now. There are other places to have your fill too. Mala’s—a competitor—has a large restaurant close by.
The Five Temples in old Mahabaleshwar
Old Mahabaleshwar is 7 km from the main town. There are five temples to see there, located within a close radius. The three main ones are Panchganga (arguably the origin point of five rivers—Krishna, Savitri, Koyna, Veena, and Gayatri), Krishna (1 km away from Panchganga, gorgeous, built in the Hemadpanti architecture style, thought to be the origin point of the river Krishna), and the Mahabaleshwar Temple (with a self-originating Shiva lingam or Jyotirlinga). Hire a guide (INR 100) for a brief history and a quick walk around. Takes less than an hour.
New Mahabaleshwar Market
The new market at Mahabaleshwar is close to Venna Lake and where we stayed (MTDC). Have dinner at one of the restaurants-Farmhouse or Grapevine. Buy fudge and chikki to take home.
Stay at Mahabaleshwar
We prefer to stay at MTDC resorts where we go because we travel a lot and have to skimp somewhere. But even so, MTDC properties are usually at the best locations, fuss-free and inexpensive, and VAST. The MTDC at Mahabaleshwar has over 100 rooms, spread over an expansive and utterly wild, green topography. Tariffs are INR 4000 per night on a weekend for the higher range rooms–we stayed at the Heritage Room, which was great. The Venna Lake is close by. Their restaurant is named after the lake.
Mahabaleshwar to Kaas Plateau
Kaas Plateau is an interesting detour from Mahabaleshwar during the flowering season. The drive can be done straight from Mahabaleshwar which takes 30-40 minutes or you can do it via Satara which takes longer (1 and half hours), is more scenic, and which we had to do anyway because of road closures due to the rain.
Kaas Plateau
The Kaas Plateau, also known as Kaas Pathar, is touted as one of Maharashtra’s seven wonders and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It is home to at least 850 different species of flowering plants and numerous species of butterflies. The blooming season is between Aug-September when the valley is awash with blue and purple flowers. The plateau is formed of basalt covered by a thin layer of soil
Although we went in September, the flowers were yet to bloom, so we were met with buds, muck, and plenty of disappointment. Online registration is recommended to visit the plateaus, there are visitor restrictions, but on-spot registration is allowed as well. There is a tea centre next to the entry gate which sells tickets. Entry tickets cost INR 100 per head. Timings to enter the plateau grounds are 9 am to 6 pm. There are two parking areas to park your car before taking a state bus to go up to the gate. The bus tickets cost INR 20 per head. Parking costs INR 20 per car.
If you’re unsure if the flowers have bloomed at all, you can drive your car through and carry on without stopping at the parking (there appeared to be no parking next to the Kaas plateau grounds). If there are indeed blooms and you want to stop and explore more, you can always retreat and park in the designated parking areas.
Satara to Mumbai
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra, near the confluence of the river Krishna and its tributary, the Venna. The city gets its name from the seven forts (Sat-Tara) which are around the city. The drive from Satara to Mumbai is awesome during the monsoons with some killer views. We saw a massive rainbow swathed over the mountains, I kid you not. I frantically asked for the car to be stopped so I could take pictures, none of which showed the rainbow in the end, of course. Nature’s wonders are better enjoyed through open eyes. It truly was a sight to behold.
Alternate Day Trips from Mahabaleshwar
There are several trekking trails around Mahabaleshwar that grow even more awesome during the monsoons. A trek to Pratapgadh Fort is much-touted. The Lingmala Waterfalls is another area of interest.
You may also like Unique things to do solo in Mumbai. And walks along Mumbai’s coolest lanes here and here. Also, see a list of other Maharashtra road trips – growing every weekend.
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
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