Since I joined new company, I was too busy in the work. I was unable to find complete weekend for my next travel destination. Somehow I manage 1 day and decided to visit Mahabaleshwar. You can visit Mahabaleshwar in a day or over a weekend. As this was our 2rd visit to Mahabaleshwar, we (me and my brother) decided to visit few places rather than covering entire region.
Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the Governor of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency during the colonial era. It is easily accessible from Pune (120km) and from Mumbai (285km). It is one of the most popular weekend destinations.
Tourist gets attracted towards Mahabaleshwar because of breathtaking valley view, nature, adventurous sports etc. This place is also known for its Strawberries production. Another popular hill station, Pachgani, is just 20km before Mahabaleshwar. Mostly, the tourists visit both places together. It is also famous Honeymoon destination within Maharashtra.
Pune to Mahabaleshwar is a 2 to 3 hours’ drive. Best way to reach Mahabaleshwar is Pune – National highway 4 – After 75 km journey on NH4 Take right at Surul – Wai – Pachgani – Mahabaleshwar. There are many signboards which guide you to Mahabaleshwar and at all tourist points.
Our journey began bit late in morning at 7.30. Without taking any pit stop, we reached at Mapro Garden by 9.30 AM. NH-4 highway is now extending up to 6 lanes highway so work is in progress. Apart from few patches, rest of Highway is in excellent condition.
We had our breakfast at Mapro garden which is my favorite location. It is very popular halt for tourist for breakfast/brunch and some Mapro product shopping. It is located just 6 km ahead of Pachgani. Ambiance of Mapro garden is very beautiful and you get yummy food.Classic grilled sandwich/Mini grilled sandwich, pizza and Fresh Strawberry Cream with Ice cream are my favorite dish among tourists.
After some time we went on Venna Lake and had a walk around lake. Boating here is too costly so we skip that and enjoyed some fun fair games at stalls
Sometimes lot of fog is there so u can't see a thing
All in all we had lot of fun.this place is a very enjoyable.