|
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a popular tourist spot in Western India, known for its serene lakes and misty hills. A visitor to this scenic spot does not feel like leaving and going back to the crowded and dusty cities which are home for most part of the year.
Mahabaleshwar is the origin of five rivers - Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri. There are many places of interest for tourists. Places of interest are called 'Points' in Mahabaleshwar as most of them are at the end of the mountains. Most of the Points derive their names from some former British dignitaries and are situated within 10 kms radius of the Bazaar. Some of the prominent points can be reached by motorable roads but Baghdad Point, Gaolani Point and Hunter Point which offers most enchanting and thrilling natural natural scenery, requires a great deal of walking.
Venna Lake one of the most popular attraction of Mahabaleshwar - this lovely and serene lake nestled amongst gentle hills on three sides reverberates with the joy experienced by the tourists throughout the day as it changes its hues to match the sun's walk along the meridian. "The lake", as it is so lovingly called by the locals, offers multiple options to the visitor wherein you can either spend a refreshing morning, a calm afternoon or a whole fun filled day in its environment. The lake offers splendid facilities for boating right through the day and even after dusk, when a fountain in the center of the lake dances in tune with the just emerging stars in the sky.
Two kinds of boats can be hired - paddle or row boats and they come along with an attendant or, if you are enthusiastic enough, you can take out the boats on your own in the safe waters of the lake. Fishing is also allowed along the banks of the lakes and for those interested in fishing we would highly recommend that you pack your fishing rods and tackles.
Along the lake front horse rides can be enjoyed by the young and old alike with horses of various colours and sizes available even for a short trot along the edge of the lake. Just off the lake you can enjoy a mini train ride or the thrill of a giant wheel, where the acrobatic performance of those turning the wheel is to be seen to be believed. Also available are many other rides for the enjoyment of children. There are also many stalls offering games of skill like ring the booty, pistol shooting, knock the stumps, skill darts etc. where many prizes await to be won in appreciation of your talents.
 While you are awaiting your turn for the boat, horse or mini train ride, the aroma of corn "bhuttas" being roasted on open fires and the corn "patties and samosas" being fried in nearby stalls assail your senses and as such very few have been able to resist these local delicacies. If you are thinking of making a meal (brunch or lunch) of this we would recommend going just a few meters down the road to Panchgani where you can savour these pure vegetarian local delicacies amongst the strawberry farms.
|
Just off the lake abound stalls selling all kinds of mouthwatering delicacies like "bombay" bhelpuri, panipuri, batatapuri, sevpuri and pau bhaji which can be easily compared to the best available anywhere in Mumbai. Adding International flavour to this rustic charm there are also stalls selling "Jain" Italian mouth watering pizzas. A meal at he lake is never complete without downing a glass of strawberry milkshake or strawberry and cream which seem to have a rather distinct taste at the lake which the locals attribute to its close proximity to the strawberry fields.
Wilson Point or Sunrise Point is the nearest and the highest point situated near the Bazaar (market). It's about 1435 Mts. in height. It is a vast bare rock with three observation towers erected in three different directions. The view of the colourful and bright sun rise is very enchanting from here. One may come walking or can book ponies, taxis or tourist cars just a day before.
Kate's Point is situated 3 kms from Venna lake to Panchgani road. It affords a commanding view of the Deccan side with Krishna Valley. From here one can see the exotic view of the back waters of the Krishna river and the Dhom
dam and the Krishna river winding its way beautifully through green fields.
Needle's Hole lies at the extremity of Kate's Point. It is a huge ledge of rock about 100 ft high which appears detached from the main scrap. A few small boulders wedged between this rock and the cliff forms a narrow arch which looks exactly like a needle's hole and hence the name.
Echo Point is a spot to the right of Needle's Hole. It can produce more than five echoes at a time.
 Arthur Seat is a famous point in Mahabaleshwar. The enchanting view of the barren deep valley of Savitri river in the Konkan Valley on the left side and the dense forests of 'Brahma-aranya' of Deccan to the right makes one forget everything. The precipice known as Arthur Seat collapsed in November 1973, but the adjoining rear portion which offers almost the same view also bears the same name. One can even spot Raigad Fort and Torn Fort if the weather is clear. The view is an immense extent in all directions. North-west, over to the right, about 125 mts. below is seen the Jor Valley dense with forests. In October and November, these hills form masses or rocks rugged beyond description and apparently unscalable. While going to Arthur Seat, one comes across a littles stream called Tiger Spring. It is believed that tigers and panthers still frequent here for drinking water. This point is named after Mr. Arthur Mallet, whose wife and two month old child is said to have drowned in the river below. Here, one can find it interesting to see how a branch of a tree or a straw hat or a handkerchief if tossed down comes sailing right back or flies like a parachute.
Marjorie, Elphinston and Savitri Points & Castle Rock are a group of scenic picnic spots en route to Arthur Seat, about 10 kms drive from the Bazaar. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan Valley which is some 500 Mts. below the level of the Konkan Valley. The ravine between these points is the rise of Savitri river. The Savitri river rushes down 700 Mts. straight from here. One can also see several ranges of the Sahyadri Range. Elphinston Point was named after the Governor of Bombay Sir Elphinston, this point was discovered by Dr. Muray in 1880.
|
