It was a hot picnic spot during the former British days. One can almost visualize lovely vivacious British couples strolling in a delightful romantic mood while the 'ayahs' push the baby carts around.
Window Point can be reached if one walks a circuitous path down the valley, about 60 Mts. below Arthur Seat. It is a small ledge or a gap in a rock like a window offering a breathtaking view of the valley before one's eyes. One can experience a peculiar thrill gazing down the precipice from the Window Point.
Bombay Point, one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. From this point, every evening one can view a glorious sunset, an extravagant riot of colours. From here one can see Pratapgad and Makarangad at their best.
Babington Point presents a view of saddle back and Koyna Valley.
Cannaught Peak Point is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. To reach this peak one has to leave the car and climb a short distance. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was favourite with riders. The duke of Cannaught was so enchanted by it's majestic spot view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence, in 1880, Mount Olympia became Cannaught Peak. One can see forests spread below like a beautiful green shawl. From here one can view Old Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston Point to the north, Pratapgad, Koyna Valley and Holiday Camp to the west, Wilson Point to the south, and Kamalgad, Pandavgad and Krishna Valley to the east.
Lodwick Point offers an exciting view of Pratapgad and also zig-zag curves of Ambenali ghats. This Point was named after Late General Lodwick who was the first European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar Hills. He climbed up the steep hill with a stick in his hand accompanied by his pet dog. It was he who wrote a letter to the Bombay Courier describing the beauty of these hills and invited the attention of the British officials to visit this place. A monument is placed on top of the promontory in his memory, which is now in ruins.
Elephant's Head is the extreme end of the mountain range beyond Lodwick Point. It is only 12 ft wide with a steep drop of 2500 feet to Koyna Valley below. The ruggedness of the surrounding hills is nowhere more obvious than from this almost isolated rock rearing its colossal height between two deep ravines with sharp cliffs.
Gaolani and Bagdad Points are situated at a distance of about 10 & 13 kms from the Bazaar. From these hills one can view a magnificent and spectacular beauty of the hills. But, the road to these points are not suitable for vehicles.
Carnak and Falkland Points are within walking distance from Bombay Point. The views they offer are almost the same. They present the beautiful Koyna Valley below, and the sharp cliffs of Babington Point stretch magnificently before the eyes. Falkland Point has a large space for parking.
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Helen's Point is about a mile's ride from the Babington Point by the Blue Valley Road. It takes you in the midst of Blue Valley. Tiny fields of various sizes and small huts catch your eyes giving a thrilling sensation. Solshi River starts from this point with a small fall near her origin. Poetic Blue Valley lies in the front.
Hunter Point is a mile's walk from the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. But the walk is worth the effort. It offers a unique peep into the picturesque Koyna Valley, Lodwick and Elphinston points from different angles.
Northcote Point is about a mile's walk from Helen's Point on Northcote Ride. It offers an impressive view of Koyna Valley. Also, one can glimpse the famous fort Ajinkyatara shadowing the city of
Satara.
Robber's Cave of Shin Shin Ghal the name which itself evokes a sensatinal feeling. It bears a deserted look. After riding for almost 8 kms, it's frustrating to come across a ground without a trace of any awe inspiring spectacle. The cave's mouth is about 10 ft wide through which an average adult can enter without stooping. The mouth of the cave is covered with bushes and very few enter the cave for the sake of adventure.
Waterfalls:
In Mahabaleshwar, there are enormous waterfalls situated, of which one can have the pleasure of visiting and viewing, especially from July through December.
Lingmala Falls is close to Venna lake situated on the way to Panchgani. The stream here precipitates over the face of a steep cliff, unbroken during torrential rains, but ordinarily divided by projecting rocks about one third of the way down into thin silver streaks and sprays often encircled by rainbows. The forest of Lingmala is close by.
Dhobi Waterfall is on the bridle path connecting Petit Road with Old Mahabaleshwar Road near Lily Cottage. The fall is insignificant but is situated in a lovely sequestered nook and looking straight at the south side of Elphinston Point.
Chinaman's Waterfall can be reached by the Tiger Path Road or from Babington Point by Carviali Road. It's a pleasant walk in the woods to get here. Formerly, chinese convicts used to cultivate the adjoining fields, hence the fall is known by this name.
Gardens and Parks:
Pratapsingh Forest Park is situated near the Venna lake. There is a thick jungle covering an area of 5 Sq.km. There is a Forest Research Station, a forest museum and a delightful playground for kids. This is a beautiful spot for honeymooners.
Makhariya Garden is located very close to town. It's an ideal place for children and old people alike.
The strawberry gardens are located situated on the sprawling expanse below the lake bund along the
Mahabaleshwar - Panchgani Road
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