Mahabaleswar

Kept in splendid isolation, high on the curvaceous mountain ranges of Western Ghats, is the cool and misty hill resort of Mahabaleswar. It is one of the most popular and picturesque summer retreats of Maharashtra, dotted with an array of verdant hillocks, fertile valleys, ravishing waterfalls and beautiful lakes. An ideal holiday destination away from the crowds and noises of the city and its dream ambience has also lured many Bollywood directors in search of a picture perfect setting.

This former summer capital of the Bombay Presidency is not only a paradise of nature but also famous for its many captivating Points. Spins around these points are the charming tales of Britishers. The Sunset point/Mumbai Point forms the best place to see the sunset. Mostly people come here to ride on horseback. Etched clearly on its horizon are the majestic ruins of Pratapgad and Makrandgad.

Next in line is the Arthur’s Seat (queen of all points), named after the British actor Arthur Malet, who used to sit on this point and ponder over the nature of the wind. So fascinated he was by the fact that wind returned everything, that he apparently jumped from the point to see whether the wind will bring him back as well. The panoramic view of the barren deep valley Savitri on the left and shallow green valley on the right of this point is simply delightful.

One can also come across a beautiful spring (tiger’s spring), which is supposed to be the source of the river Savitri. The Wilson Point also known as the ‘Sunrise Point’ is the highest point of Mahabaleshwar from where you can see the sunrise.