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Mahabaleshwar Travel Guide
Perched at an altitude of 1,372 meters above the ground, Mahabaleshwar is recognized as the highest hill station in the entire western India. Found in the state of Maharashtra, it is often dubbed as the region's "Queen of Hill Stations," and is a popular choice for honeymooning couples and those looking for a worthwhile weekend getaway. It was once the summer capital of Bombay during the British Raj era, and is characterized by steep slopes and patches of evergreen forests.
Probably the most popular attraction in Mahabaleshwar is the so-called Arthur's Seat, a spectacular vantage point from which one is treated to a bird's eye view of the surrounding valleys and the Savitri River from a height of 1,470 meters. Best visited between the months of October and November, the highlight here is seeing the impressive stratification of rocks found in its southern side. The rock formations are often compared to those in the Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA. Tourists can also find lots of fun in throwing handkerchiefs from the summit, watching them float like parachutes in the air.
Mahabaleshwar is chock-full of other viewing points, like the Elphinston Point, which was named after Sir Elphinston, a former Governor of Bombay. From here, one is treated to a vista of the nearby city of Pratapgarh, as well as the Koyana and Savitri valleys. There is also one of Mahabaleshwar's highest points, Kate's Point, which sits on an escarpment 1,290 meters high. It is one of the few places in the area from where a visitor can glimpse the picturesque Deccan Plateau, the Krishna Valley, the Dhom Dam, and the Panduagad and Mandharder peaks.
Another point of interest is Wilson's Point, or as it is more commonly known, "Surprise Point." Sitting on a height of 4,735 feet, it is Mahabaleshwar's highest point, and is ideal for viewing the sunrise and the sunset. The nearby Dhobi Falls, which comes from the Koyna River, drops spectacularly into a deep valley. Its lush banks are a family and a lovers' delight, offering many opportunities for picnics. One can also visit the Connaught Peak, a popular destination for trekkers and adventurers who endeavor to scale its 1,400-meter height and enjoy the views at the top.
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