Mahabaleshwar is famous for its majestic peaks, magnificent cascades, and various rivers. This place offers ancient temples, views of lush green valleys, majestic hills, and breathtaking waterfalls. It is one of the most sought-after weekend gateways from cities like Mumbai and Pune. It was the summer capital during the colonial era. It is the reason Mahabaleshwar has a lot of British influence. Several points are named after British rulers, sergeants, and their family members. Various companies offer Mahabaleshwar packages from Mumbai and other places.
Are you planning to spend a weekend in Mahabaleshwar? If yes, here are the Places to Visit during Winter Vacation in Mahabaleshwar.
1. Sample some freshly grown Mahabaleshwar strawberries with cream at Mapro Garden
If you rate the best family enjoyment places in Mahabaleshwar, then Mapro Garden is one of the best places. Mapro is a short form for Mahabaleshwar Products. It has become a brand associated with natural, fruit-based, delicious products. The place has a chocolate factory, a restaurant, a play area for kids, a nursery, and a retail outlet that sells all Mapro Products.
It was established in 1980 to attract visitors to see the process of making jams and syrups. Since the experiment was overwhelmingly successful, the place was expanded. Later, tourists were served ice cream to relish the fresh, natural ice cream in the fantastic surroundings.
This place has become an iconic tourist place, and people have a great time here. It is more fun during the Mapro Strawberry Festival, which is held during the Easter weekend in March/April. This is when strawberries get ripened, and several strawberry-based products are showcased. People can pick garden-fresh strawberries and taste the delicious fresh produce of their choice. There is music, dance, and other folk performances all around. It is a great time, full of colours, tastes, flavours, and energy. Mapro's Strawberry Festival is a unique celebration of nature and its beautiful shades; therefore, winter is the Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar.
The Mapro Garden Restaurant brings some of the tastiest and freshest preparations to tickle your taste buds. It is one of the superb Places to Visit the Winter Vacation in Mahabaleshwar when you are there with your near and dears.
2. Picnic at Connaught Peak
Connaught Peak is the second-highest peak of Mahabaleshwar. It was named after the Duke of Connaught, who visited the place and got impressed with its incredible scenic beauty and charm. This 1400-meter-high peak above sea level is famous for the awe-inspiring views of the great Pratapgad fort, Krishna Valley, and Vienna Lake. Connaught Peak is a favourite trekking spot. Trekkers do not miss a chance to climb up there and see the beautiful sunrise and sunset. It is a favourite picnic spot also. It is one of the perfect Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in one day.
When you are there, you can explore some nearby excursions, such as Ram Mandir, Krishnabhai Temple, Dhobi Waterfall, Helen's Point, and Vienna Lake. You can also go to Old Mahabaleshwar Temple from here. The peak is around five kilometres from Mahabaleshwar bus station. One can take local transport, such as an auto-rickshaw and cab, to reach here. It is located around 5 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. A family picnic for one day can be arranged at this beautiful place anytime except during the monsoons. The months between October to March are the best to visit Mahabaleshwar and Connaught Peak.
3. Colourful sunset from Wilson Point in December
Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. Though it is also known as Sunrise point, the sunset's view is equally colourful and mesmerizing. Not just that, but you can see a jaw-dropping view of the valley from this place. When you rate the most scenic and famous sightseeing places in Mahabaleshwar, this place acquires the top position. It was named after Sir Leslie Wilson. This is a vast plateau where one can see sunrise and sunset from various angles. Nature lovers worldwide come to spend their vacation in Mahabaleshwar and spend some moments here. The tranquillity and peaceful environment of this place will wonder you. When the sun spreads beautiful colours in the sky while setting in the west, you feel the magic of nature and decide to visit this place time and time again. The panoramic view of the entire Mahabaleshwar is mystic.
Especially during the winter, the view of the setting sun is simply awesome. It is one of the splendid Places to Visit the Winter Vacation in Mahabaleshwar.
Since it is hardly two kilometres away from the main marketplace, you can walk if it is sunrise. In case of the sunset, it is better to take an auto or go by your vehicle as there is quite dark immediately after the sun sets. If you have booked the tour program from the Best Travel Agency In Mumbai, you needn't worry about the conveyance part.
4. Exploring Pratapgarh Fort
The famous fort of the great Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is just 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. It is well-known for the fierce battle of Pratapgarh when Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan, the commander of Bijapur. This majestic fort is in the Satara district of Maharashtra state. It has an upper and lower part and is built upon the crest of Mahabaleshwar hill. It is a complete city, with properly built ponds and chambers. There are walkways and corridors. Trekkers and visitors explore the fort and admire its architecture and strength. It is an incredible creation built at a great height of 3500 feet without any modern machinery or tools.
It is very beautiful and lures tourists with its lush green surroundings and rolling hills surrounding the main fort. In the upper part, there is a Shiv temple and Devi Bhawani. The fort is a great place to visit during the winter season. Many people bring tents to camp on the site. The drive from Mahabaleshwar to Pratapgad is very exciting. One has to take 450+ steps to reach the top. It is among the Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in one day. You should carry sufficient food and water to spend a night here.
You should book a comprehensive Mahabaleshwar tour package to cover all these places.
