Mahabaleshwar is a cool and scenic spot in Satara district. Since the British era, Mahabaleshwar has been blessed as an excellent pilgrimage site. The place is scenic and picturesque and is full of tourists throughout the year. It is also known as Paradise of Maharashtra. This taluka town is a municipality in Satara district and is situated on a high hill in the Western Ghats. The town is formed by the amalgamation of three villages namely Malkom Peth, old area Mahabaleshwar and part of Shindol. Marathi and Hindi languages are used here. This city is 120 km from Pune. and is at a distance of 285 km from Mumbai. It is a vast plateau with deep valleys on both sides. Jay Wilson/Sunrise Point is the highest point here. The Krishna River, which flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, originates here. This river originates from Gomukh, which is near the old Mahadev temple. The legend behind this is that Savitri cursed Vishnu and Vishnu became Krishna. Apart from that, the tributaries Venna and Koyna are the form of Shiva and Brahma. Along with this, 4 more rivers originate from the same “Go” mouth.
Mahabaleshwar has the perfect climate for the production of strawberries, which is why strawberries are produced in large quantities here. About 85% of strawberries are produced here. The temple of Mahabaleshwar was built in the 13th century by the Yadava king Singhandeva. The gold kalas brought from Afzal Khan’s tent was offered to this temple by Shivaji kings. Situated on the Sahyadri plateau, this place has dense forest cover. Jawli Khore and Pratapgad nearby tell the history of Shiva Raya’s achievements. Mahabaleshwar has high rainfall so this area is waterlogged. Like Khandala, Lonavala, Matheran, the natural beauty here and the Wilson Point, Arthur Seat Point, Laudnig Point are tourist attractions and there is always a crowd of tourists here. Five rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Govitri originate from the temple here. There is a temple of Panch Ganga here. River Savitri flows in the west while the other rivers flow in the east. Venna Lake is a major attraction here. There is a large reservoir called Vaghe Pani here. It is believed that tigers come here to drink water.
Strawberries, raspberries, purple honey, red carrots, carrots are famous here. Honey is delicious and famous. Mahabaleshwar is known as the source of 5 rivers. Various types of woolen clothes, sweaters, leather belts, purses are available in the market here. Chane-phutane here is also famous.
