Points and Sights around Mahabaleshwar
Arthur's Seat:
Ht 1347 m Distance : 12.5 km (all distances from main town). Mahabaleshwar's most celebrated spot is also its most beautiful and picturesque one, overlooking the Konkan coastal strip. A thick jungle for miles around called Brahmaranya surrounds it. There is a sheer drop of about 800 m landing into the Savitri Valley below. Raigadh Fort (1215 m) and Torna Fort (1404 m) can be clearly viewed from Arthur's Seat. About 80 m below, a small steep and narrow path leads to Window point that gives a magnificent view of the breathtaking drop below. Enroute to Arthur's Seat, is a spring, Tiger's Spring. It is believed that Tigers and other wild animals visit this spot for drinking water, which is thought to have divine powers. Old Mahabaleshwar : Ht 1331 m Distance: 5 km. On the way to Arthur's Seat, in the clearing of a forest is this ancient religious place. The Shiva Temple of Mahabali (from where comes Mahabaleshwar) has Hemadpanti Architecture. In the sanctum sanctorum there is a Shiva Lingam having a natural perennial spring.
The Krishnabai Temple --one of the temples in the complex-- was built during the Yadava Dynasty by Raja Singham in the 13th Century AD. It was renovated and improved by the Mores of Jaoli. Shivaji and his mother Jijabai are thought to have visited Mahabaleshwar to seek spiritual advice from a learned Brahmin living there. The temple sports a stone-carved Gomukha (the head of a sacred cow) through which it is believed, water from five rivers -- Krishna, Venna, Koyana, Savitri and Gayatri -- flow out. This temple is therefore known as Panchganga Temple (or the temple of five rivers). The Ram Temple has beautiful idols of Ram, Laxman and Seeta and the Hanuman Temple was founded by Saint Ramdas Swami, the revered spiritual teacher who was a contemporary of Shivaji.
Connaught Peak: Ht 1385 m Distance 3.5 km. A beautiful carpet of evergreen forest is seen from this point. The view of Mahabaleshwar town is scenic. Sunsets are a big attraction here.
Kate's Point: Ht 1290 m Distance 6.8 km. The view is clear and magnificent during winter when the skies are clear and the Dhom dam (which it overlooks) is full. One can also spot Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh and Mandardeo peaks. On the eastern side, is a rocky ledge separated from the main body forming a needle hole. On the northern side is Echo point.
Lodwick Point: Ht 1240 m Distance 5 km. This is one more point with a fabulous view of the valley below. The road snaking through the valley is visible from the Boar's Head. This road leads to Bombay. A monument commemorating General Lodwick stands on this point.
Wilson Point: Ht 1435 m Distance 2.2 km. This is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar and is close to the downtown marketplace. The three viewing galleries on this point offer excellent views of the sunrise.
Bombay Point: Equally well-known as the Sunset Point. People throng here to see the gray and orange skyscapes as the Sun sets. There is a large open space and a bandstand. The place is ideal for a late-afternoon picnic.
Polo Ground: : In a clearing near Bombay Point, the ground offers an almost agoraphobic view of the clear azure skies above through a rim of thick foliage.
Babington Point: : Ht 1295 m. Distance 3.2 km. Another point which close to the bazaar. One can have a beautiful view of Saddleback and the Koyna Valley.
Venna Lake: : Distance 1.5 km. Walking distance off the Pune highway, Venna Lake is a great attraction. With its picture-postcard sight, boating facilities and stalls for games and snacks, this place keeps busy late into the night. After the Sunset, with gentle hill slopes dotted with Hotels and Bungalows, the sight is alluring, especially if you are floating in a boat on the calm waters. For children, a ride in the Mini Train is an added attraction. One can also do a spot of fishing and some riding at this place .