Fun Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar During a 24-Hour Visit

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India’s wooded Western Ghats range, south of Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar, which served as the summer capital of the Bombay region during the British Raj, is one of India’s most popular vacation spots. Mahabaleshwar is a secret gem tucked away in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, with stunning vistas and magical scenery.

For thrill-seekers, Mahabaleshwar offers a range of adventures and fun activities like hiking, ziplining, trekking, bird watching, rock climbing, boating, and cave exploration. Located at an elevation of 1,372m above sea level, this hill station offers top sightseeing in undulating mountains and lush foliage. Following are several fun places and activities you can do during your 24-hour visit to this fantastic place.

1. Trek over Pratapgad Fort

If you are looking for top sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar, the Pratapgad fort is one of the most popular choices. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built the Pratapgad Fort in 1656. The fort is 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, a highland station. Additionally, you can get a commanding view of the Konkan shore from the top point of the fort. Trekking on the Pratapgad is a joyous and enjoyable pastime. The fort’s peak is only 450 steps away.

The walk is not challenging, and even inexperienced hikers should be able to accomplish it without difficulty. The fort opens from 10 AM to 6 PM, so you might have to wake up early to reach the hill station, which is very easy if you book a family hotel nearby, like OYO Flagship 84774 Nine Residency.

2. Jungle trekking and sightseeing in Tapola

Tapola, around 147 kilometres from Pune and 290 kilometres from Mumbai, is a charming hamlet in Mahabaleshwar noted for its magnificent strawberry farms, scenic beauty, forest excursions, and water sports. This picturesque town is well-known for its rustic beauty and incredible views of the Koyna and Solshi rivers.

It also has numerous outstanding attractions that will make your journey enjoyable and worthwhile. Trekking in the forest here allows visitors to get up and view abundant flora, wildlife, and avifauna. Aside from jungle hiking, visitors to the lake may enjoy various fun activities such as kayaking, boating, water scooter rides, and swimming. However, it can get very cold and misty in the area during winter, so be sure to plan a stay in a cosy family resort nearby.

3. Elephant’s head point

Elephant’s Head Point, also known as Elphinstone Point, is a mountain rock that bears an eerie resemblance to the head of an elephant. It is considered one of the top sightseeing spots in Mahabaleshwar. You may also get a fantastic panoramic view of the Pratapgarh Fort, which is surrounded on one side by the Koyna Valley and on the other by the Savitri Valley. This hilltop offers the ideal respite from the turmoil of daily life, with breathtaking vistas and a tranquil setting.

4. Enjoy boating on Venna Lake

Venna Lake is one of the most visited places in Mahabaleshwar. Tourists from around the world visit this place for sightseeing and water activities. Venna Lake, an artificial lake of 28 acres, is one of the most gorgeous spots to see in Mahabaleshwar in a single day. It was initially constructed to meet the city’s water demands.

The lake is encircled by forests on both sides and offers boating opportunities. It’s open until late at night, so you can freely enjoy the stunning lush foliage throughout the day and lay by the lakeside in the evening. You may ride horseback around the lake in addition to rowing or paddle boating. Once tired from these activities, you can stop to stay in a family hotel near Venna lake, such as the OYO 23404 Baba Cottage.

5. Top sightseeing in Mahabaleshwar temples

Mahabaleshwar isn’t just about sweeping hills and lush valleys. The location is also spiritual. If you are looking for serenity, visiting the temples should be on your list of things to do in Mahabaleshwar. The age-old Mahabaleshwar Temple, also known as the Mahabali Temple, is a beautiful piece of architecture that looks into the great Maratha legacy.

The principal deity of this 16th-century temple is Lord Shiva, and one of the main attractions is the 6-foot-long Shiva Lingam. Aside from the striking architecture, worshippers believe that the carved stone waterspout is the site from which the five rivers emerge.

Conclusion

A 24-hour vacation to a gorgeous location like Mahabaleshwar is a relatively brief time to explore all of its beauty. However, there are various places and activities that you may easily fit into your calendar. You may do everything from seeing historical structures such as forts to enjoying a boat trip on lakes. Every year, the locations are as cheerful and full of visitors. You can easily plan for a day trip or picnic with your friends and family to this beautiful and scenic location, not very far from Pune or Mumbai.