How to Reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai
By Train
Wathar is the nearest railhead to Mahabaleshwar. However, the railway station at Pune is the most convenient option to reach Mahabaleshwar. It is located at a distance of 120 kilometers from Mahabalipuram.
By Air
Pune Airport is the nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar. It is located at a distance fof about 120 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar. Another nearest airport is the Mumbai airport, which is located 245 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar. Taxi cabs ply between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar.
By Road
The National Highway number 4 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway connect Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar. For those traveling via car, the journey will take approximately 4.5 hours. Maharashtra State Road Transport service connects Mahabaleshwar to cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Satara, Kolhapur, and Panchgani.
Tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwa
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is where Lord Shiva resides in the form of Lord Mahabali. The Mahabaleshwar Hills were named after Lord Mahabali, the one with great strength. A 5 ft. high stone wall encloses the temple. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is divided into two parts- the inner and outer rooms. While the inner room is known as the “God Chamber,” the outer room is called the “Central Hall.” The sacred lingam, made out of black stone, is the main site of prayer.
Morarji Castle
Morarji Castle is another worth-watching place in the hilly terrain of Mahabaleshwar. It is an old structure that exhibits the influence of the British architectural style. In 1945, Mahatma Gandhi visited Mahabaleshwar as a part of India’s freedom struggle. There are several colonial structures located in the vicinity of this building.
Mount Malcolm
One of the oldest buildings in Mahabaleshwar, Mount Malcolm, was named after a well-known British general ‘John Malcolm.’ In 1828, he arrived in Mahabaleshwar and fell head over heels in love with the scenic beauty of this hill town. A stunning tower of the British era, Mount Malcolm displays exquisite craftsmanship and architectural excellence.
Pratapgad Fort
The Pratapgad Fort has an important place in the history of the Maratha Empire’s struggle for Swaraj under the dominion of Chhatrapati Shivaji. At this very place, Afzal Khan was flogged to death in one-on-one combat with Shivaji. The fort is 900 meters above sea level and located 24 kilometers west of Mahabaleshwar. Built in 1656, the defense is a network of ponds, chambers, and long walkways.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is where Lord Shiva resides in the form of Lord Mahabali. The Mahabaleshwar Hills were named after Lord Mahabali, the one with great strength. A 5 ft. high stone wall encloses the temple. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is divided into two parts- the inner and outer rooms. While the inner room is known as the “God Chamber,” the outer room is called the “Central Hall.” The sacred lingam, made out of black stone, is the main site of prayer.
