Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BERRY FRESH
Fruity Mahabaleshwar is India's berry-growing hub, producing some of the country's finest strawberries, raspber-
ries and gooseberries. Harvested from November to June, the best crops come around February and can be bought
fresh at Mahabaleshwar's bazaar. You can also pick up fruit drinks, sweets, squashes, fudges or jams from re-
puted farms such as Mapro Gardens (
02168240112;
10am-1pm & 2-6.30pm), halfway between Ma-
habaleshwar and Panchgani.
Sights & Activities
VIEWPOINT
Viewpoints
The hills are alive with music, though it's usually blasted out of car stereos as people race
to tick off all the viewpoints. To beat them, start very early in the morning, and you can
savour fine views from Wilson's Point (Sunrise Point) , within easy walking distance of town, as
well as Elphinstone , Babington , Kate's and Lodwick Points .
The sunset views at Bombay Point are stunning; but you won't be the only one thinking
so! Much quieter, thanks to being 9km from town, is Arthur's Seat , on the edge of a 600m
cliff. Attractive waterfalls around Mahabaleshwar include Chinaman's , Dhobi's and Lingmala
Falls . A nice walk out of town is the two-hour stroll to Bombay Point, and then following
Tiger Trail back in. Maps (?20 to ?65) of varying accuracy are available from several shops
within the bazaar.
Tours
Leaving the bus stand thrice from 2.15pm, the MSRTC conducts a Mahabaleshwar sight-
seeing round (?80, 4½ hours) taking in nine viewpoints plus Old Mahabaleshwar. Altern-
atively, taxi drivers will give a 15-point, 2½-hour tour for ?450. Tours are also available to
Panchgani (?500, 2½ hours) and Pratapgad Fort (?750, three hours).
Sleeping
Hotel prices soar during weekends and peak holidays (November to June). At other times
you might get hefty discounts. Most hotels are around the main bazaar, while dozens of
resort-style lodges are scattered around the village. Check out is usually at 8am or 9am. If
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