Mahabaleshwar Tourism

Mahabaleshwar, the 'Queen of the Ghats' is the highest, prettiest, most developed and the most popular hill station in western India. Perched at the altitude of about 1,438 meters in Sahyadri Mountain Ranges of Western Ghats and boasting of its one of the few evergreen forests in the world, Mahabaleshwar furnished as the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency during British Colonization. The British officers used to seek refuge from the broiling heat of summer in this convivial berth. This beautiful ballpark burnished with resplendent orchids, luscious strawberries and gorgeous lilies was developed as a hill station by Sir John Malcolm in the year 1828.

A potpourri of three hamlets namely; Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar and a part of Shindola village, Mahabaleshwar, bounded by pristine valleys on all the sides, is the starting point of river Krishna, the second longest river of India. A very well known hill resort and a preeminent honeymoon spot; Mahabaleshwar is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. The enrapturing natural beauty of this Arcadia also beckons a number of filmmakers and producers to come and capture the peerless pulchritude of cosmos in their cameras. Serene Lakes, verdant green hill slopes, cascading cataracts and meandering rivers amplify the scenic beauty of this milieu.

Named after the celebrated temple of Lord Mahabaleshwar (a form of Lord Shiva), Mahabaleshwar is also a revered Hindu pilgrim destination of Maharashtra. The term Mahabaleshwar means the Lord of Great Power. Famous for the succulent strawberries and mulberries, pellucid honey and canned fruit products, Mahabaleshwar is visited by thousands of tourists of all ages both from India and oversees every year. Numerous sports and adventure and leisure activities like fishing, boating, horse riding, trekking and golf attract myriads of enthusiastic souls to this Utopia on the earth.

History of Mahabaleshwar

The earliest chronicled record of the name Mahabaleshwar is dated back to 13th century when the Yadava King of Deogiri; Maharaja Singhan visited this township in 1215 AD. At this place at the 'Ugam' (originating point) of Krishna River he built a humble temple dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwar (Lord Shiva) and also a water pool adjacent to the shrine. Mahabaleshwar and its surrounding terrains were invaded by a Brahmin Clan of rulers in 1350 AD, who were later taken over by Maratha family of Chandarao More in 16th century. They reined Mahabaleshwar and Jaoli when they also rebuilt the 13th century temple of Lord Mahabaleshwar.

17th century witnessed the victory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who vanquished both Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar and built the imposing fort of Pratapgad in the year 1656. After the demise of Shivaji Maharaj, Mahabaleshwar went under the dominance of Peshwas and remained so till 1819 AD. Then, along with the hilly region around, Mahabaleshwar was integrated in the domain of the King of Satara in 1819 under British command.

In April 1824 a military brigade headed by Col. Lodwick had arrived and stayed at Satara. They climbed up the sierra and reached the point which is today called the Lodwick Point. Sir John Malcolm visited this pleasant and rejuvenating niche and established the practice of visiting this hill resort in summer. Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone, Arthur Malet, Carnac, Frere and many others succeeded Sir John Malcolm and became regular guests of this blissful Elysium. Sir John Malcolm built a sanatorium for ailing and sick people and also a resort for the tourists. The present day Mahabaleshwar, initially known as Malcolm Peth, was instituted in the year 1829 ' 30 and by the end of 19th century it prospered as a renowned hill station all over India as well as abroad.