Sep 17, 2008 01:53 PM
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This September for our Ganesh Chaturthi vacations we planned for Mahabaleshwar.
This is in close proximity to Mumbai at a distance of 300kms via pune. It is a vast green plateau. The height of the place is 4500 feet above sea level. The drive was extremely scenic and lush green. The new leaflets were adding its very fresh color to the area.
The climate we experienced was pleasant temperatures, say around 21 degrees in the daytime and 19 degrees at night. Although it was not crisp and clear the skies were all through cloudy and misty, yet we managed go get some quick and short glances of the blue color of the skies.
Some interesting facts about the place are that it was established as a health resort by Maharaja Pratapsinha. There is a park with his name. Later it was developed by Non Indians-British people mainly.
The novelties of the place which one can carry can be some exciting preservatives like jams, squashes, honey, pickles etc. There are some factory outlets mapro, malas etc. We stopped at the malas. There products were really good especially orange crush, pista syrup, chocolate sauce. Mahabaleshwar is also very popular for strawberries but this was not the season when we went. The ice-creams we had there in malas was very smooth and creamy. It was good. We could get some really juicy corns grilled locally.
Our stay was for two nights and three days at Lake View Resort. It is a resort which can cater well to family as well as business travellers. The hospitality is worth a mention. The food is fresh, home cooked style and they have ample of variety for every palate. The resort can be said to be a 3 star resort. Not ultra luxurious yet very decent and cozy. They have a games room, not very maintained, still has some facilities like table tennis, carom etc. There is a swimming pool too. The rooms are also good. We could take a small for of 5 minutes and we could reach the market of Mahabaleshwar. The resort is close to the market, still is away from the hustle-bustle which could be disturbing.
We took the horse ride from the resort to the venna lake and back to the resort for just Rs.150! The ride is a must for everyone.
Then, there are various points which point out the beautiful and breath taking sceneries. The valley views are magnificent(considering the fact that we are still in Maharashtra!) . There is another place called pratapgadh which is 25 kms away. It has a fort and it is situated at an elevation. The drive is very green but just 2kms before the start of the steep climb can be good only for the suvs. The small cars or the premium cars find it tough. Our esteem refused to take that path. There is a handicraft outlet which was very interesting. We got some accu-pressure equipments and tea-masala from the Karnataka stall. It was good.
20kms from Mahabaleshwar is Panchgani. This place also needs some credibility to enhance the old charm of the place.
*These two places have many hotels and resorts of all types. These should be added to one’s agenda of travelling when one wants to explore Maharashtra!
Room Rates- Rs. 2200 - 6000 in off peak season. Inc taxes and all meals!*
