Must visit places in Mahabaleshwar

Being the queen of all points in Mahabaleshwar, Arthur's Seat is located at a height of 1340 m. It is surrounded by the deep Savitri gorge on one side and a lush, green plateau on the other. The point is named after Arthur Mallet, who is said to have sat here after losing his wife an children to a ferry accident on River Savitri. The most fascinating aspect perhaps is the rock formations and setting around here. Many compare these to the ones in Grand Canyon in USA, coming close in their grandeur and magnificence to the ones in the US.

See nature's very own artwork at Elephant's Head Point and be prepared to be mesmerised by it's unique beauty. Rock formations here are set in a way that looks almost exactly like an elephant's head and trunk, which quite evidently lends the place its name. Enjoy spectacular views of the Sayhadri range from here, sandy patches perfectly offsetting the lush greenery that surrounds Mahabaleshwar. Soak in the sun, carry a picnic and make the most of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets here.

If the sight and bite of juicy, positively divine berries has you astounded, then a visit to the Mapro Gardens, situated en route to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar, is inescapable. Not only are jams, preserves, marmalade, toppings, syrups and squashes manufactured and sold here, you can also treat yourself to wide variety of delightful fruit salads, Strawberry shakes and mouth-watering ice creams. You can taste the samples before buying them at the sampling counter. Of course, you might be tempted to 'sample' all the samples and leave all your calorie worries behind.

The way to the Lingamala Falls is half the fun. One has to walk through the forest and follow a river to reach this place. There are a lot of stairs en route, so the trek can be a bit tiring, but the route and the views are totally worth it. The best time to visit is after the post monsoon season, when the waterfall is much bigger.

The location of the famous Pratapgad Battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, this fort was built by Maratha rulers in 1656. The Pratapgad Battle in 1659 established the stronghold of the Maratha kingdom in the region for good, which continued its rule till relinquishing its kingdom to the British in 1818. Between 1659 and 1818, the fort changed hands between many Maratha rulers, the most prominent one being Nana Phadnis.

The Venna Lake is possibly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar. Surrounded by tall trees and greenery on all sides, the lake is almost always thronged by visitors and holidaymakers. It was built in 1842 by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, the ruler of Satara in the 19th century. Ever since, boating at the lake and horse-riding around it has become a popular activity. Click away or eat at one of the several small eateries here, while you experience the touristy side of Mahabaleshwar. If you're up for it, the walk from the bus stop to the lake is quite divine.

The vast and scenic plateau has three masonry platforms built for your convenience and is the only place that offers stunning views of both sunrise and sunset. With the advantage of height, it also offers surreal views of the Mahabaleshwar city below, transporting you to a world of peace and calm.

If you want to enjoy the stunning views of the majestic Sahyadri hills and the alluring valley, Lodwick Point promises you exactly that and more. Formerly known as Sidney Point, it offers unmatched views of the Pratapgad Fort and Elphinstone Point at a distance. A winding trail leads to this beautiful spot, which is marked by a singular precipice between two deep gorges. A grand statue of Lord Lodwick adorns this place and is usually the crowd-puller here. Enjoy a quiet evening with your camera and thoughts to keep you company here and soak in the best that Mahabaleshwar has on offer.

The Mahabali or Mahabaleshwar Temple is another example of the Maratha heritage of Mahabaleshwar. Built by the Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century, the temple is built in the South Indian Hemadanta style of architecture.

The British colonial era left behind a lot of historical evidence of its rule in India, most of which can be found in its grand architecture. Mount Malcolm is a fine example of that legacy, a magnificent mansion that harks back to an era gone by. The building also has an interesting story behind it. The British Governor, Sir John Malcolm, is said to have completely been smitten by Mahabaleshwar's beauty. He resided at a grand bungalow that was built in 1829 during his tenure here. After he left, the bungalow was named in his memory as Mount Malcolm. With a spectacular entrance made of iron railings and seated atop Prospect Point, this is a must-visit for some peace, quiet and a piece of history.