Mahabaleshwar To Pratapgad—The Fort Of Valour!

The most exciting sightseeing of a Mahabaleshwar visit is the trip to the mountain fort Pratapgad—about 22 km from Mahabaleshwar through a narrow hilly road that cascades up and down the Sahyadri Mountain range in Western Ghats making you gasp all the way. The sharp turns to the extent of almost 180 degrees and the green valleys down thousands of feet now one side of your car and the next moment the other side. 

Pratap Gad—the Fort (Gad) of Valour (Pratap)—is strategically placed and is known for the legendary Battle of Pratapgad in 1659 fought and won by Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj against Afzal Khan, the commander of the mighty Sultanate of Bijapur. Through a web of deceit from both sides finally Shivaji killed Afzal Khan here and the Afzal Khan Tomb was also built in the Fort environs. You can climb up to the top through two layers of Fort constructions and get amazed by the military strategy adopted and the sheer natural beauty all around. 

Tea Break at a Restaurant Atop!

On the Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad road stretch too you cannot help getting down from your car at several points and get in tune with bountiful Mother Nature. 

Ahoy! 

Mahabaleshwar: The City And Temples!

Every second building in Mahabaleshwar is a hotel, well almost, and the entire population at a point of time consists of only tourists barring the local shopkeepers, tour agencies, tourist bus and car drivers and of course hotel owners and staff. 

The city is crisscrossed with hilly and narrow roads and lanes—in the market area these are mostly clogged as it is very difficult almost in every road for two vehicles to cross and near empty and serene in the quieter areas. Apart from the tourist cars you find geared up horses too for taking  joy rides. 

After a hectic day of sight seeing the tourists throng to the colorful market in the evenings. The local products that particularly attract them are strawberry delicacies, honey and wooden articles of immense artistry. Foreign tourists are not seen as frequently as compared to other Indian tourist destinations. Lack of a direct flight here could be a possible reason. But thanks to the new highway it takes only five hours from Mumbai in buses or cars and the ride is really exhilarating. 

Mahabaleshwar Temple

There are also temples for the religiously inclined. As we will see later Mahabaleshwar has a rich history of strategic rulers, battles and monuments apart from the tremendous natural beauty that we have already tasted and will do so continuously in this series. The main temple is also called Mahabaleshwar where tourists go for an offering to Lord Shiva. There are several other templesworth a visit in and around Mahabaleshwar. 

Panch Ganga Temple (Click for more info)

  The  city resonates with activities and positive vibes all around all the time. Enjoy your trip! (More To Follow!)

Mahabaleshwar: Natural Beauty!

Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra with an altitude of nearly 4500 feet above sea level. Located in the Western Ghat mountain range Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau surrounded by valleys on all sides enriched with dense lush green forestry. The cool environs, the quiet, and breathtaking views from different points of elevation makes this city an instant hit for tourists of all kinds and from various corners of India and the world.