A small and scenic hill station nurtured by the Sahyadri Mountain Range, Mahabaleshwar is an ideal location to spend a few days in the company of nature. With fantastic viewpoints, placid lakes, age-old temples, and cascading waterfalls, the place offers you a complete package of leisure and fun. That’s not all! The region is best known for its strawberry production and the much-renowned Mahabaleshwar berries will add a touch of sweetness to your trip.
If you are planning a trip to this scenic hill station, read on. Here’s a list of things to do in Mahabaleshwar:
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
1. Visit Mapro Garden
#1 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Mapro Garden is a garden park established by Mahabaleshwar Products aka Mapro, a brand that sells detectable fruit-based products. The park comprises a chocolate factory, an outlet of Mapro products, a restaurant, a play area for kids, and a small nursery. A visit to the garden counts among the top things to do in Mahabaleshwar, especially if you are traveling with your family and kids. While here, you can taste strawberry-based ice creams, pizzas, and other dishes and also buy jams, syrups, juices, and such processed items from the retail outlet.
- Location: Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
2. Take a Trip to the Popular Viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar
#2 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
As a hill station located at a high altitude, Mahabaleshwar boasts of many amazing vantage points from where you can enjoy the scenic vistas, take some postcard-worthy pictures or catch the sunset with your loved ones. Our suggestions for the best viewpoints in Mahabaleshwar include:
- Wilson Point
- Mumbai Point or Bombay Point
- Arthur’s Seat
- Elephant’s Head Point or Elphinstone Point
- Kate’s Point
- Helen’s Point
- Babington Point
- Carnac Point
Want to know more about these scenic vantage points? Read our blog on the top 30 places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.
3. Go Boating on Venna Lake
#3 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Looking to spend some fun-filled moments with your loved ones? A boating session on Venna Lake will be a great option. This manmade lake, which was built by the Raja of Satara Shri Appasaheb Maharaj in 1842, is located close to the city market. Surrounded by green trees on all sides, the placid water body presents a mesmerizing sight. Besides enjoying a session of row or paddle boating, you can also go for horse riding around the lake.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Boating Charges:
Rowboat – ₹ 250 for 30 mins and ₹ 500 for 1 hour (Max 7 persons)
Paddle Boat – ₹ 440 for 1 hour (Max 6 persons)
4. Explore the Historical Pratapgarh Fort
#4 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Built in the 17th century by the great Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pratapgarh Fort is one of the key historical places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. Located a short distance from the town, the fort is perched atop a hill and offers amazing views of the surrounding regions. History has it that the fort has been the site of many interesting events in the Maratha reign, including the famous Battle of Pratapgarh. Some of the key attractions here include the Afzal Tower, two shrines dedicated to Goddess Bhavani and Lord Mahadev, and a statue of Shivaji.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 20 km (approx.)
5. Offer Your Prayers at the Temples in Mahabaleshwar
#5 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is not all about rolling hills and verdant valleys. The place is about spirituality too. If you are a peace seeker, visiting the temples must be in your list of things to do in Mahabaleshwar. Our suggestions for the top temples in Mahabaleshwar include:
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Also called the Mahabali Temple, the age-old Mahabaleshwar Temple is a fine piece of architecture and gives you a glimpse into the glorious Maratha heritage. The presiding deity of this 16th-century shrine is Lord Shiva and one of the key attractions here is the 6-feet-long Shiva Lingam.
- Timings: Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Panchganga Temple
Located at the meeting point of five rivers, namely Koyna, Gayatri, Veena, Savitri, and Krishna, the Panchganga Temple is a sacred place for the devotees of Hinduism. Believed to have built in the 13th century by Raja Singha Deo, the temple underwent improvements later under the reign of Raja Chanda Rao More as well as Chhatrapati Shivaji. Besides the stunning architecture, the carved stone waterspout is a chief attraction of the temple as devotees believe that it is the point from where the five rivers originate.
- Location: Old Mahabaleshwar
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Krishnabai Temple
Mythology has it that the Krishnabai Temple is the source of the Krishna River. Located close to the Panchganga Temple, this small yet beautiful shrine offers striking views of the Krishna Valley and has a statute of Goddess Krishna and a Shiva Lingam inside it. Ceiling and columns with intricate stone carvings are the key architectural features of this temple.
- Location: Old Mahabaleshwar
- Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
6. Explore the Scenic Waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar
#6 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Those who are looking for things to do in Mahabaleshwar with family and friends must plan a one-day picnic. And is there a better picnic spot than scenic waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery? Mahabaleshwar is located close to some of the most striking waterfalls in the region, including:
Lingmala Waterfalls
Nestled in the middle of verdant surroundings, the Lingmala Waterfalls is an ideal location for shutterbugs, nature lovers, and holidaymakers. The falls can be reached by trekking through a forest trail, which makes it a favorite spot among youngsters and trekkers as well.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Dhobi Waterfalls
Another must-visit waterfall in the region is the Dhobi Waterfalls which boasts of lush green surroundings and a rocky backdrop. If you want to enjoy its cascading beauty in full glory, it is recommended that you plan your visit during or shortly after the monsoons.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Chinaman’s Falls
A tiered waterfall located in the middle of verdant greenery, the Chinaman’s Falls makes for a great picnic spot for all kinds of travelers. It is believed that some Chinese prisoners used to work in the fields near the waterfall and that’s where it got its name from.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
7. Bring Out Your Adventurous Side at Velocity Entertainmentz
#7 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Now that you have explored some of the scenic spots in Mahabaleshwar, how about doing something adventurous? Make your way to Velocity Entertainmentz, an amusement park located on a sprawling area of 10 acres. Whether you want to indulge in a session of air hockey, zorbing, dashing cars, gyroscope, go-karting, and basketball or spend time with your family and friends playing some indoor games, this is the right place to be.
- Location: Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road
- Timings: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Game Costs: ₹ 50 to ₹ 600
8. Visit the Wax Museum
#8 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
A visit to the Wax Museum certainly counts among the most interesting things to do in Mahabaleshwar. With a display of more than 30 life-sized wax replicas of famous personalities from around the world, the museum amuses visitors of all ages. While here, you can also buy candles made by visually impaired kids as souvenirs.
- Location: Mahabaleshwar Jama Masjid Road
- Timings: 11:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 200 per person
9. Eat at the Best Restaurants & Cafes in Mahabaleshwar
#9 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar has its share of gastronomic delights to offer you in the form of desi and global cuisines. Here are some of the top restaurants in Mahabaleshwar where you can enjoy a hearty meal.
The Grapevine Restaurant
- Location: Masjid Road
- Timings: 09.30 am to 03.00 pm and 05.00 pm to 10.00 pm
- Average Cost for Two: ₹ 600
- Must-try Items: Tiger Prawns, Lamb Shanks, Mutton Keema Burger, Dalcha, Pasta
Saayali Restaurant
- Location: Opp. ST Bus Station
- Timings: 07.30 am to 10.30 pm
- Average Cost for Two: ₹ 500
- Must-try Items: Veg Grill, Gujarati Thali, Butter Chicken, Kebabs, Tandoori Chicken
Farmhouse Bistro
- Location: Hotel Dreamland
- Timings: 12.00 pm to 03.00 pm and 08.00 pm to 11.00 pm
- Average Cost for Two: ₹ 800
- Must-try Items: Farm House Special Caesar Salad, Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli, Country Style Garlic Bread, Greenland Pizza
Bagicha Corner
- Location: Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road
- Timings: 08.00 am to 10.30 pm
- Average Cost for Two: ₹ 500
- Must-try Items: Strawberry Ice Creams, Smoothies, Bombs
10. Go Camping at Tapola
#10 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
The scenic hamlet of Tapola, also known as the Mini Kashmir of the West, is home to the majestic Shivasagar Lake and is a popular spot for jungle trekkers. Equally popular are the camping options available here. During such camps, you can stay in lakeside tents, enjoy BBQ sessions and campfires, and indulge in a range of indoor and outdoor games. There are many agencies that offer camping at Tapola, so you can choose one that best fits your budget.
- Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 28 km (approx.)
- Cost: Starts at ₹ 1200 (approx.) for overnight camping
11. Take a Trip Back in History at Rajpuri Caves
#11 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Taking a trip to the ancient Rajpuri Caves is one of the best things to do in Mahabaleshwar for history buffs. As per legends, it was in these caves that the Pandava brothers sought shelter during their exile. The caves are surrounded by several water kunds and it is believed that the water in these kunds has the power to cure all ailments. A shrine dedicated to Lord Karthikeya is another key attraction of these caves.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
12. Shop at Town Bazaar
#12 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
Shopping is an integral part of every travel experience and one of the best places for shopping in Mahabaleshwar is Town Bazaar. If you are looking for some souvenirs, handicrafts, handcrafted walking sticks, tribal trinkets or leather goods, this buzzing bazaar is your best bet. You can also shop for strawberries and berry-based products here, that too at reasonable prices.
- Open: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
13. Go Strawberry-picking at Laxmi Strawberry Farm
#13 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
If you are a berry person, Laxmi Strawberry Farm will delight you to the core. For starters, this farm is where you can buy the best berries in town. That’s not all. You can also go for a session of strawberry picking during the regular season. Well, this is something you don’t get to do every other day, right?
- Location: Old Mahabaleshwar – Nakinda Road
- Timings (during strawberry seasons): 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
14. Take a Trip to Panchgani
#14 of 14 Best Things to do in Mahabaleshwar
If you are on a 3 or 4 day trip to Mahabaleshwar, do not forget to include Panchgani in your itinerary. While here, you can simply soak in the scenic surroundings or visit some of the popular attractions in Panchgani. One of the key highlights here is a flat and huge expanse of laterite rock called Table Land. The place also has a few excellent viewpoints like Parsi Point and Sydney Point and several options for adventure activities such as paragliding, trekking, and biking.
- Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 20 km (approx.)
Now that you have a complete list of things to do in Mahabaleshwar, why wait any further? Soak in the scenic beauty of this hill station, visit its main attractions, enjoy some of the best Maharashtrian flavors, and above all, tickle your taste buds with ripe and juicy berries. Have a ‘berrilicious’ trip!
