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| View Mahabaleshwar |
After a sumptous breakfast with 20 exotic vegetarian spread, we headed to see the balance of 15 points on
Sahyadri mountains located on east, north and west of
Mahabaleshwar. There were sunrise and sunset points, spectacular views dams, valleys, lake and breathtaking view of countryside with scattered huts. Yes, Mahabaleshwar is an exotic hill spot with a fresh milieu.
Though tourists like different points, I was mesmerized with KATE'S POINT. What a place! The view of Krishna valley from the top was spectacular! It was a different angle. Then we saw that the
Dhom dam was gushing with full force and splendor, making an utterly enthralling scene. Then we discovered the fun aspect of the Kate's Point- the
'Echo Point', which was situated very close by. I joined Ronnie, my grandson,and unleashed the child in me, just walked up till Echo Point and screamed to my hearts content! Find fun. May be therapeutic!
Whenever we got an excuse, we trekked and it was easy and beautiful.
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| Thali Lunch |
In the afternoon, while returning to our resort we visited
"Shiva Temple" supposed to be 5000 years old from Mahabharata times and
"Panchganga Temple" on the confluence of five-Koyna, Krishna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri rivers.
A wonderful spread in
"Thali" was awaiting us for a great lunch at resort. And we just attacked it!
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| Table Top Panchgani |
At around 3 PM we left for
Panchgani, another hill station 20 kms east of
Mahabaleshwar. A beautiful place. Soon we were at 'Table land' which offered the panoramic view of
Panchgani itself. It was largest in Asia, a small plane could land here, I thought. It was situated 60 meters high on the eastern side of the town. It protected Panchgani from strong winds, heavy rainfall and made this hill station enjoyable all year round. Table Land was a favorite playground for school children.
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| Panchgani, a Scenic View |
We decided to walk to burn our huge stored calories. As we ambled along the walkways,thickly canopied by lush trees, vegetation & delights in the secrets we came upon. The Krishna river, was snaking through tiny hamlets, farms & ravines, hundreds of meters below, feasting our eyes on the coastal plains, looking like miniature water colors. Ronnie, my grand son selected a horse from one of the numerous stables & cantered along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes,meanwhile we strolled through the bazaar.
Panchgani was one of the rare places that doesn't crowd anyone, yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.
We left
Panchgani with a heavy heart back to
Mahabaleshwar. On reaching our resort the moment we entered our suite- a fruity smell welcomed us. Four large plates full of ripe strawberries were awaiting us.
Oh, yes! we were in "Strawberry Country"!
On our last day we went for an excursion to "PRATAPGAD FORT". It is situated just 27 kms from
Mahabaleshwar on Mahad Road. If you reached
Mahabaleshwar thru Goa highway, you would have had the view of Pratapgad on the way. It was at Pratapgad that Shivaji killed Afzal Khan on 10th Nov 1659. Shivaji, leader of the Marathas and Afzal Khan, general of the Bijapur army met at Pratapgad to discuss a possible truce. At the meeting, neither was supposed to carry any weapons. However, Afzal Khan had hid a knife and tried to stab Shivaji. Shivaji then pulled out his ‘
waghnakh’ (metal claws) with his left hand and killed Afzal Khan.
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| Pratapgarh Fort |
The climb to Pratpapgad was exhilarating and offers excellent views of the
Konkan valley. From the top of the fort, we could see the forts of Raigad and Makarandgad. On the east and the south were the steep slopes covered with dense forest. The western and northern side has some amazing rock formations. There was an important Bhavani temple built by Shivaji. It was said that the idol was brought from Nepal where it was made in Shaligram found in the famous Gandaki River.
INFORMATION:
Distances:: Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms and further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms.
Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms.
Area:: Vast green plateau of about 150 sq. kms.
Height: 4500 feet above sea level.
Climate: Never too hot because of the heights. Never too cold because of the nearness to the arabian sea. Duration of higher temperature is short.
Season: October, Diwali & X'mas holidays & summer. Hotels are open round the year even during the rainy seasons.
Note on a lighter side: Jokingly rainy season which is very heavy
ie from June to September is called
"Tapori" (alcoholic) season meaning you go there, sit in the balcony and get drunk!
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