Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar in 2 days

Mahabaleshwar, the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency engages the senses not just on the strength of its natural beauty but also because of the charming tales spun around the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. It also happens to be the strawberry capital of India.

Mahabaleshwar is a picturesque hill station located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. Situated in the Western Ghats, around 120 kilometers southwest of Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai, it is a loved weekend destination for residents of both Pune & Mumbai. If you want to know how to reach Mahabaleshwar, you can check this link.

The hill station is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,372 meters (4,501 feet) above sea level. The climate of Mahabaleshwar is mild and pleasant throughout the year. Summers (March to June) are cool and ideal for sightseeing, while monsoons (June to September) bring heavy rainfall, making the surroundings even more lush and vibrant. Winters (November to February) are chilly, but the weather remains enjoyable.

I have visited Mahabaleshwar twice, and based on my experience I have curated this itinerary. If you have only two days to explore Mahabaleshwar, here’s a suggested itinerary covering the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in 2 days.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar in 2 days

Day 1:

Arthur’s Seat: Start your day early by visiting Arthur’s Seat to witness the breathtaking sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and hills.
Venna Lake: Head to Venna Lake for a relaxing morning boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. Venna Lake is situated about 2 kilometers from the main market area of Mahabaleshwar town. Boating is the main attraction here. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating and row boating on the lake’s calm waters while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and greenery. The experience is especially popular among families and couples. You can also explore the nearby attractions such as horse riding or simply enjoy a stroll around the lake. This lake is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar.

Venna Lake Boating is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar

Lunch: You can grab lunch at one of the local restaurants at Venna Lake.
Mapro Garden: Spend your afternoon at Mapro Garden, where you can indulge in delicious strawberry-based treats, explore the garden’s attractions, and shop for souvenirs.
Lingmala Waterfall: Post lunch head to Lingmala Waterfall, situated around 6 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar town. center. Visit Lingmala Waterfall in the late afternoon to enjoy the beauty of the cascading waterfall and surrounding landscapes. Spend some time relaxing and taking photographs. Lingmala Waterfall is divided into two cascades – the main waterfall and a smaller one nearby. The main waterfall is the larger and more prominent one, while the smaller cascade is located a short distance away.
Mahabaleshwar Temple: End your day with a visit to Mahabaleshwar Temple, one of the oldest temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the lingam is believed to be self-originated (Swayambhu) and is considered sacred by devotees. According to local legend, the temple is believed to have been built by a king named Singhan who ruled the region in ancient times. Visit this temple take in the spiritual atmosphere and admire the architecture of this ancient temple. The nearby area also features other attractions such as the Panch Ganga Temple and the Krishna Temple. But you are unlikely to have time to visit these today.

Day 2:

Wilson Point: Wilson Point is located at a distance of around 2 kilometers from the Mahabaleshwar town center. It is situated atop the Babington Point and is easily accessible by road. Start your second day by rising early and heading to this point to enjoy the spectacular views of the sunrise against the backdrop of the Sahyadri Range. This point is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar if you want to enjoy nature at its best
Panchgani: Start your second day with a visit to Panchgani, which is just a short drive away from Mahabaleshwar. Explore the lush green valleys, strawberry farms, and colonial-era architecture of this charming hill station.
Elephant’s Head Point Mahabaleshwar – also known as Needle Point, is a popular tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar. It’s named Elephant’s Head because of a rock formation that resembles the shape of an elephant’s head and trunk. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills from this vantage point. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering stunning panoramas of the Sahyadri Mountain range and the lush greenery below.

Elelphant's head point Mahabaleshwar — Elelphant’s Head Point Mahabaleshwar

Pratapgarh Fort: After exploring Panchgani, head to Pratapgarh Fort, located about 22 km from Mahabaleshwar. Explore the fort’s ruins, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Connaught Peak: On your way back from Pratapgarh Fort, make a stop at Connaught Peak, also known as Mount Olympia. The fort was built in 1656 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Maratha warrior king, as part of his strategic defense system against the rival Adil Shahi Sultanate. The construction of the fort was overseen by his trusted general, Moropant Trimbak Pingle. It stands at an elevation of around 1,080 meters (3,540 feet) above sea level. Enjoy the stunning views of the sunset and capture memorable photographs of the landscape.
Shopping: Before you leave Mahabaleshwar, make sure to do some shopping for local specialties such as strawberries, fruit jams, preserves, and handicrafts.

This itinerary covers the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in two days, allowing you to experience the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights of this charming hill station. Enjoy your trip!

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