Shalimar in the Forest

A popular hill fort situated in Maharashtra’s Satara district, Pratapgarh stands witness to the famous battle that was fought between the armies of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Adil Shahi General Afzal Khan.

The ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple is a splendid work of architecture that speaks volumes about the Maratha heritage. Popularly known as the Mahabali Temple, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

When you are in Mahabaleshwar, you must not let go of the opportunity to visit Panchgani, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges and boasting of breathtaking beauty.

Fringed by lush green trees on all sides, Venna Lake tops the list of Mahabaleshwar tourist places. The enchanting lake is a man-made wonder constructed in 1842 by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, the Raja of Satara.

Located in Panchgani, this garden park comprises a chocolate factory, restaurant, small nursery, children’s play area and a retail outlet that sells Mapro products.

If historical places excite you, you must not miss out on the Rajpuri Caves situated in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. According to folklore, the Pandavas sought shelter in these caves during their exile. 

Elephant’s Head Point or Elphinstone Point is a famous vantage point in Mahabaleshwar, ideal for enjoying a picnic spot in Mahabaleshwar  with your friends and family. True to its name, the spot bears an uncanny resemblance to the head and trunk of an elephant.

Initially known as Sydney Point, this hill-top was renamed Lodwick Point to honour General Lodwick, the first British officer to have climbed the hill. His son also got a 25-feet high pole constructed in his father’s memory.

Arthur's seat or Suicide point is also known as the Queen of all points. It offers the most mesmerizing and fascinating view of the dense valleys of Brahma-Narayana and the Savitri river.

Situated at an altitude of 1439 meters above sea level, the Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar and offers visitors breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset.

Call it Mumbai Point or Bombay Point, but make sure you visit this spot which counts among the top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. It is a great spot to enjoy a picnic with your family and friends, with the enticing sunset view as a bonus!

Another famous viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar, Kate’s Point offers amazing views of Dhom and Balakwadi reservoirs. The point is named after the daughter of Sir John Malcom, one of the British governors who served in the region.

Named after the Chinese prisoners who used to cultivate the fields adjoining the waterfall, Chinaman’s Falls is one of the most mesmerizing sights in Mahabaleshwar.

You have to trek through a forest trail to reach the Lingmala Waterfall, but the cascading beauty of the falls is worth all your efforts. Located amidst green surroundings, it is a great spot for picnicking with your loved ones.

How about spending some time at a gorgeous waterfall that offers a soothing sight to your sore eyes? The Dhobi Waterfall is a scenic cascading waterfall with lush greenery and rocks in the backdrop.