|
Nestling in the curvaceous ranges of the western
ghats of Maharashtra are the cool misty resorts of Mahabaleshwar and
Panchgani. Away from the crowds and noise of the city, these twin
resorts are an ideal holiday destination.
Ancient hill fortresses
and swingy boutiques…. 2000 year old cave temples and unexplored
beaches….. challenging treks and abundant wildlife thrills….
Traditional bazaars and cool, mistry hill resorts…..
Maharashtra, are the curvaceous ranges of the Western Ghats. Several
little known but chaming hill resorts nestle shyly in these
mountains. They seem to belong to the colonial era when people
traveled up to these resorts to escape the heat of the plains. Many
of them still retain some of the old world charm and make an ideal
holiday destination.
Among the hill resorts of
the state, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are very popular. Tucked away
in the Satara district, they are best approached from Pune. Spared
the commercialization that has affected the hill resorts of north and
south India, the two resorts offer a clean, calm and thoroughly
refreshing alternative. And, perhaps the only place in the country
which offers a myriad activities-boating, fishing, horse riding,
shikar(hunting), trekking and playing golf on the gorgeous
nine-hole golf course built on the edge of a cliff!
Overlooking the Krishna
and Koyna valleys, Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude of 1372 metres opens
up a whole world of picturesque delight. With an air of unspoilt
beauty, it is a paradise for nature explorers and peace lovers, as
also for film makers and producers. The summer capital of the
erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar retains its quintessential
charm, despite the increasing crowds that visit the town. Numerous
majestic mansions built during the days of the British, still stand
as monuments of the Raj.
Mahabaleshwar derives its
name from the presiding deity “Mahabali” whose shrine at
the old Mahabaleshwar Temple is a major attraction for worshippers
and tourists.
Lingmala water falls
present an enthralling sight of cascading water as it scatters from
atop a steep cliff into thin silver streaks, often encircled by
rainbow colours. The other water falls-chairman and Dhobi, are
popular with picnickers. The former can be reached by the Carviali
Road. Dhobi waterfall is on a bridle path connecting Petit Road with
Old Mahabaleshwar Road. A boat ride on the tranquil, crystal-clear
waters of Lake Venna entices one beyond appreciation. The cool
whispers of the surroundings add to the serenity of the landscape.
Mahabaleshwar’s 30
exotic view points provide one with a spectacular access to the
ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Most of the points derive their
names from some former British dignitary and are situated in the 10
kilometre radius of the bazaar in Mahabaleshwar. Some points can be
reached by mortorable roads, whereas other can be reached on foot.
Wilson Point is the
nearest and the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. It is a vast bare
rock with three observation towers erected at different spots. It is
a major attraction for tourists as it offers a beautiful view of the
sunrise.
Babington point, two
kilometers from the bazaar offers a beautiful view of the koyna
valley and Chinaman’s waterfall. Helen’s point is about a
kilometre’s ride from here by the Blue Valley Road. It takes
one into the midst of the valley and gives an enchanting view of tiny
fields and neat little huts.
Bombay point is one of
the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. Every evening visitors
rush to the peak to get a spectacular view of the sunset. From the
peak, one can also see Pratapgad and Makrandgad at their best.
Connaught peak and Hunter
Point are situated off the Old Mahabaleshwar Road. Connaught Peak is
the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of
the Vena Lake and Krishna Valley. It was first known as Mount
Olympia, and was a favourite spot with riders. The Duke of Connaught
was so enchanted by its majestic view that he could not resist the
temptation of associating his name with the spot. Hence in 1880,
Mount Olympia became Connaught Peak.
From here one can see Old
Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston Point to the north; Pandavgad and
Krishna Valley to the east. Hunter’s point approached from Old
Mahabaleshwar Road, gives a picturesque view of the Koyna Valley.
On the way to Arthur’s
Seat one comes across Elphinston, Marjorie and Savitri Points and
also Castle Rock. The cliffs at these points rise from the Konkan
Valley which is some 500 metres below the level of the Koyna Valley.
The ravine between these points is the rise of Savitri river which
rushes down 700 metres straight from here.
Fovourite picnic spot,
Elphinston Point, named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Elphinston,
was discovered by Dr.Murray in 1830. Arthur’s Point, named after
Arthur Malet, is Mahableshwar’s most famous point overlooking
the densely forested valley. It is interesting from this point, to
watch a straw hat or a handkerchief, tossed down, sailing
attractively in the air like a spread-out parachute!
While going to Arthur’s
Seat, one comes across a small stream called the Tiger Spring. Till
this day people believe that tigers and panthers frequent this place
to quench their thirst.
Lodwick Point is named
after a General who reached this point in 1824. he was the first
European to set foot on the Mahabaleshwar hills. A monument at the
top of the promontory has been erected in his memory. Beyond Lodwick
Point is the extreme end of the mountain range known as Elephant’s
Head. It is only 12 feet to the Koyna Valley below. From Lodwick’s
point, the overhanging cliff looks like an elephant’s head and
trunk, and hence the name.
Kate’s point on the
Mahabaleshwar-Pune road, gives a commanding view of the Krishna
Valley. Near Kate’s point is the Echo Point which, true to its
name, echoes the words of the speaker.
On the way to
Mahabaleshwar from Pune, Panchgani is a picturesque little town in
the shade of groves of casuarinas and silver oak. Protected from
harsh winds by a tableland on one side and high cliffs descending
into a valley on the other, Panchgani has a pleasant, bracing climate
throughout the year. Panchgani is also an ideal base for some good
trekking from where one can explore several mule tracks that lead
through the now thinning forests.
The hill resort derives
its name from the five hills that surround it. At an altitude of
1334 metres it is just 38 metres below Mahabaleshwar. These 38
metres translate themselves into a breathtaking 19 kilometres
approach that swoops around bends with carefree abandon, offering
attractive views of the river Krishna on one side and the coastal
plains on the other.
Panchgani was founded in
1853 by John Chesson who was sent out by the East India Company to
find a suitable place where the wives and children of the officers of
the Company could reside instead of going back to England frequently.
Since then, Panchgani has been an educational center and hill resort.
It has the Raj stamped
indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the architecture of the old
British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding schools that
have been around for a century or more.
Flocked by viewpoints,
Panchgani, is full of wonders, as it overlooks the scenic
magnificence of the Krishna Valley, which extends many kilometers
from east to west its numerous hamlets, cultivated fields and
sparkling rivers.
The view from Tableland,
a flat mountain peak measuring about one square kilometer, exposes
the mysterious valleys and the miniature looking plains on all sides.
The Caves, Kamlagad fort, Municipal Garden and the Children’s
park add to Panchgani’s unending beauty. The walkways, thickly
canopied by lush trees and vegetation, offer many delights and
unravel many a secret. Visitors select a horse from one of the
numerous stables at the resort and canter along uncharted routes
through hidden lover’s lanes, to the caves or while away their
time at the bazaar. Like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is known for
strawberries, blackberries, jams and fruit jellies. Also available
are the famous Mahabaleshwar shoes, or namental sticks, pith flowers,
exclusive sarees shawls, readymade garments, eye-catching decorative
items, leather goods and tribal trinkets.
The Devil’s kitchen,
situate to the south of Tableland is a place of mythological
interest. According to one legend, Pandavas resided here for some
time during their exile. Pandavgad caves near Wai are believed to
have been built by them and bear their name.
Near the Octroi Naka,
lies Sidney Point, a flattened area on the apex of a conical hill.
From here one can see Wai and the Sanatorium in the distance and also
the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. Parsi Point and Graves Point are
located on the Panchgani Mahableshwar road and offer a view of the
Krishna Valley. Six kilometers away are the Rajpuri, caves, located
in a temple of Kartik Swami, son of Lord Shiva.
Panchgani has the Moral
Rearmament Training Center founded by Mahatma Gandhi’s nephew
Raj Mohan Gandhi. Its modern structures stand distinctly in the
Victoria surroundings. A visit to the Centre means a beginning of a
new moral awareness. MRA consists of hostels, conference rooms and a
multipurpose auditorium.
A visit to Pratapgad
Fort, 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, adds a historical dimension
to the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani holiday. Made famous by the Maratha
leader Shivaji, the fort built in 1656, saw a decisive encounter
between him and Afzal Khan, a general sent by the ruler of Ahmednagar
to subdue the rebal. Afzal Khan was killed in the clash and Shivaji
established himself as a significant force in the contemprory power
politics.
Pratapgad has the honour
of being an authentic Maratha fort. From a distance it looks like a
round topped hill, walls of the lower fort forming a kind of bend or
crown around the brow. The road leading to the gateway lies through a
small, but thick forest.
The famous temple of
Goddess Bhavani is on the eastern side of the lower fort. It consists
of a hall and a shrine. The shrine, made of black stone, is the image
of the goddess and over it is a small spire or shikhar.
An equestrian bronze
statue, of Chhatrapati Shivaji was erected in the fort in 1957. the
17 foot statue is placed on a square edifice which is 10 feet high.
And, a little away from the fort, is the dargah of Afzal Khan.
The fort stands a silent
testimony to the past that resounded with warlike cries, the clashing
of swords, the clanging of shields and the final joyous cries of
victory.
As varied as the
different parts of the state of Maharashtra, a
Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani-Pratapgad Fort experience offers a secluded
sanctuary… with all the elements of adventure, scenic sights,
and a restful holiday, away from the crowds one finds at other hill
resorts. Truly, a holiday with a difference!
GETTING THERE
By Air
Pune is the nearest
airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 kilometres) and Panchgani (98
kilometres)
By Rail
For Mahabaleshwar, the
nearest railhead is Wathar (62 kilometres) but Pune (120 kilometres)
is the convenient railhead.
For Panchgani, the
nearest railhead is Wathar (45 kilometers). Bombay-Wathar via Pune
(312 kilometres).
Pune-Wathar (120
kilometres)
By Road
From Bombay via Pune,
Mahabaleshwar is 290
kilometre and via Mahad it is 247 kilometres. The State Transport
buses ply from Bombay and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily
bus services except during the mansoon, between
Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sight-seeing tours for
Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
From Bombay via Pune,
Panchgani is 270 kilometres and via Mahad 266 kilometres, from Pune
98 kilometres and from Mahabaleshwar 19 kilometres. The State Road
Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad.
MTDC runs a regular bus service between Bombay and Panchgani.
WHERE TO STAY
Both Mahabaleshwar and
Panchgani have reasonable priced bungalows. MTDC run holiday resorts
and hotels.
WHERE TO EAT
The two resorts offer a
choice of good food. Gujrati vegetarian meals, continental, Chinese
and Muglai specialities are served in hotels and restaurants.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Taxis and rickshaws are
easily available though bicycles and horseback are recommended for
traveling long distances.
WHEN TO VISIT
Best time to visit
Mahabaleshwar is October to June and best time to visit Panchgani is
September to May.
| 