A delightful town snuggled in the lap of magnificent mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar boasts an exciting environment. It used to be the summer capital of the Bombay province during the time of British Raj and is now one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. The city is graced with breathtaking views of hills and valleys, blooming orchards, gushing waterfalls, lush green forests and exotic wildlife. The city is also affectionately referred to as ‘Basket of Strawberries’ because the climate is just right for growing a variety of berries. One can walk around town and enjoy some ice cream or jams made from the strawberries grown on the hilly slopes of the city. Mahabaleshwar is visited by a sea of tourists every single year. Some popular sightseeing spots include Arthur’s Seat, Lodwick Point, Kate’s Point, Krishnabai Temple, Connaught Peak, Pratapgad Peak, Lingmala Waterfalls and so much more. Whether to beat the summer heat, marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature or relish the treats made from the fresh produce here, there’s so much to discover about Mahabaleshwar.
Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar offers pleasant weather throughout the year. Before you visit this beautiful hill station, know the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar. November to February-Winter is a great season to visit Mahabaleshwar because of the drop in the temperature. The temperature ranges between 10 degree Celsius to 24 degree Celsius. If you love berries, you must visit Mahabaleshwar during this time and explore various strawberry gardens. There are also resorts with berry gardens where you can stay. The scenic beauty of the town is at its best. You can also enjoy thrilling activities like mountain trekking and rope climbing. July to October-If you love nature, you must visit Mahabaleshwar in monsoon season. The climate during this time is cold and misty with the average temperature of 20 degree Celsius. The whole town is covered with lush green trees, which makes it perfect for trekking. Be cautious as the route might get a little slippery. If you are planning a vacation with your partner, then September is the best month to visit Mahabaleshwar as the water flow in the lakes and waterfalls is impressive. The hill station is less crowded giving couples privacy. Also, the accommodation is inexpensive owing to the offseason. March to June-Summer season begins in March and stays till the end of June. It is the best season to visit Mahabaleshwar for a retreat as most cities in Maharashtra face scorching heat during these months. Mahabaleshwar becomes a favourite destination for summer vacations during this time. The minimum temperature goes as low as 15 degree Celsius, which is ideal for doing activities like trekking, riding a Shikara, bird watching and cave exploration.
Weather Of Mahabaleshwar
The weather stays pleasant and cool all year round. Mahabaleshwar has three seasons. The summers (March to June) are relatively warmer with the temperature ranging from as low as 15°C to a maximum of 30°C. This is followed by the rainy season (June to September) when the city witnesses nonstop showers that increases the greenery of the region. The temperatures range between 20°C to 25°C. During the winters (October to February) the city is breezy and cold with the temperature staying at an average of 17°C in the last few months of year and ranges around 20°C in the beginning months of the year.
How to Reach Mahabaleshwar?
By Air : Pune International Airport is 120km from Mahabaleshwar, while the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai is about 270km away.
By Rail : The closest station to Mahabaleshwar is in Pune Junction which is just 71km away. This station is well linked to the rest of India through daily and weekly trains. There are trains to Patna, Mumbai, Solapur, Jaipur, Hyderabad , Bengaluru and more.
By Road : Mahabaleshwar is well-connected to all nearby cities by the National Highway 4. From Mumbai, it takes around 4 to 5 hours. There are regular ST buses from Mumbai CST and Dadar. Bus services by the state-run MSRTC as well as private organizations connect Mahabaleshwar to Pune, Sangli, Mumbai and Satara. These include non-AC, AC, Volvo and sleeper buses too.