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Cities Of India
>> States & Cities>>
Maharashtra
>> Mahabaleshwar
 Ajanta
Aurangabad
Lonavala
Mahabaleshwar
Mumbai
Pune
Shirdi & Shani Shingnapur
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Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all
Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of
Sahyadri Hills in Satara District. The hill station has a legendary
past. The name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev
and three Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal" (power) and "Ishwar"
(God). But, some say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which simply means
very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past. |
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The British in order to escape the summer heat of the plains and in
their search for cooler pleasant climates, were always looking for
mountain tops and plateau for recreation and change. So it happened that
Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in
April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up
the mountain face reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point. Thus
Mahabaleshwar was "Discovered".
Mahabaleshwar is famous for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of
the valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days pony rides
on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar, are quite thrilling.
Several charming hill resorts nestle in these mountains. They seem to
belong to the colonial era when people traveled up to these resorts to
escape the heat of the plains. Many of them still retain some of the Old
World charm and make an ideal holiday destination. Mahabaleshwar is by
far the best of any holiday spot in Maharashtra for climate, excursions,
sports and many other activities. It is, after all, the "Queen of all
Hill Stations". |
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Reach:
By Road: From Bombay via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 280-km and via Mahad
it is 247-km. The State Transport buses ply from Bombay and Pune to
Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during the
monsoon, between Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sightseeing tours for
Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgarh Fort.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Wathar at 62-km, but Pune is
the convenient railway station at 120-km.
By Air: Nearest airport is Pune at 120-km, Mumbai (Bombay) - 280
kms.
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