My first experience of sharing a flat with two other girls in Pune was showing signs of strain. But still- what mattered most right now is the water shortage in a 85 lacs worth flat. It’s 11 am the next day and the taps are still dry - that just did it! I need to Escape the City! - I thought to myself, and the obvious idea just flashed through my mind.
Previous blog~ Things to do in and around Pune
 |
| 5 reasons why you should visit Mahabaleshwar from Pune or Mumbai- blog |
Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar is the closest hill station to Pune, and a popular holiday destination from both Pune and Mumbai. But all I needed was a place where I could get a shower, a decent meal and a few days of relaxation.
#1 perfect getaway to unwind, explore and connect with nature
Getting from Pune to Mahabaleshwar is super easy. There are frequent govt run buses that ply on this 90 km route via Katraj (Pune). Travel during non-peak hours to avoid the traffic. If you have your own vehicle, then drive slowly and safely along the ghat roads.
Moreover, the climate is soothing! The British had even recommended the place as a sanatorium ideal enough to recuperate.
#2 This is the strawberry county
Although vacationers visit here all year round, March - April is peak season in Mahabaleshwar, where strawberries are cheap & easily available.
Enroute I stopped at Wai. A great deal has been written about this small town's brush with Bollywood, particularly Nana Phadnavis wada, and I was curious to find that out myself. But sadly enough, the caretaker was not there to show me around.
Some fellow passengers in the shared vehicle recommended a visit to the nearby Maha Ganapati temple instead. Also known as Dholya Ganapati, this gem of a temple situated on the banks of the river Krishna is beautiful. There are more temples in this place which are worth exploring.
 |
| Ganapati temple- Wai, Maharashtra |
#3 scenic location by the Sahyadri range
The Sahyadri range of the Western ghats runs north to south along western coast of India. From the moment you touch the ghat section, the majestic Sahyadri range opens out like a canvas and views of the valleys below are mesmerizing.
It was almost 4 pm and this being an unplanned trip, I was not so sure about getting a stay in Mahabaleshwar. So I stopped at Zostel Panchgani instead. It’s a unique shipping container style backpacker hostel, I was looking forward to experiencing at least a 1 night stay here. A bit pricey for a backpacker hostel- but the location and pleasant weather makes a great combination, the hostel was comfortable and seemed just the way I wanted.
A short stroll down the road helped me unwind plus find the tastiest simple dinner of dal tadka, paratha. All in a day’s work- and so tired that I hit the bed and immediately fell sound asleep.đź’¤
Next day- When in Panchgani check out Sydney point, Parsi point for some great views and Table land- a table top like flat land with horse buggy rides that take you around. There’s also a cave temple here.
#4 shop for exotic fruits, unique fruit wines, cheese, jams and syrups
The Panchgani market is well-worth a visit. From strawberries, mulberries, custard apples and other exotic fruits to fresh local vegetables, you can buy these at reasonable rates. The good news for wine lovers is the assortment of unique fruit wines (200 rs approx/ bottle), which can be found only in Panchgani.
It was Friday evening and the hostel was abuzz with weekenders already, which is a good thing- I was able to team up with 2 other girls for a Mahabaleshwar day tour.
With an early start, we first visited :
Pure gold Cheese factory on Panchgani Mahabaleshwar road where we had a sumptuous breakfast. You can look through a variety of cheese with fancy names like smoked cheddar, garlic and herbs, pepper jack etc. Although cheese is not cheap you can buy them here at factory price (200 rs approx per bottle).
Mapro garden- may seem less than 2 kms from the Cheese factory. according to google maps; so find some transport or you will end up walking 5 km instead. The cafe at Mapro garden is where you can order a meal from their menu, all types of strawberry items you can slurp on. They also have a strawberry farm where you can watch strawberry picking, and a store where you can buy jams, juices, fruit syrups,and all types of fruity sweets.
Opposite Mapro are several local fresh strawberry sellers- you can strike a good bargain here.
 |
fresh strawberry with cream
|
From Mapro garden, there are shared vehicles and ST buses available to Mahabaleshwar ST depot. Here is where you can hire your tour.
The govt tourism office located at the bus stand no longer conducts day tours anymore, leaving people with the only expensive taxi tours that charge exorbitant rates depending on the number of points you would like to cover. Needless to say, this works out a bit cost-effective as a group.
Venna lake → Mahabaleshwar temple → Elphinston point → Monkey point → Arthur seat Mahabaleshwar point .. are some places I can think of.
#5 an ideal combination trip - Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Pratapgad fort
The last pick on the Top 5 reasons is to combine and include 1 more day for Pratapgad fort. Getting to Pratapgad fort is otherwise quite challenging and time-consuming from Pune. There are govt buses (certain timings- check the timings a day ahead ) that go through the Ambenali ghat. This route is adventurous and has some great views.
Keep up the holiday spirit! If you enjoyed this blog- do Subscribe and you will get to know about the next awesome destination.
 |
| fruit laden mulberry trees |
 |
bhajjis for a pleasant day
|
Next blog ~ Pratapgad fort from Mahabaleshwar (via Ambenali ghat)
Comments
Post a Comment