A charming hill station located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency in the colonial times. Retaining its old world charm while keeping up with modern times, it’s still one of the most popular getaways for local tourists from Mumbai and Pune who just want some time off the city’s hustle bustle. With beautiful views and nice weather through most of the year are some of the main charms of the hill station. Particularly popular with families and couples, it’s perfect for that long scenic walk through the hills. One of the most popular attractions in Mahabaleshwar is the ancient Shiva temple in the forest, which is believed to be the source of five rivers. If you want to revisit the imperial times, you can go see Mount Malcolm, the old residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club.
Also popular is the picturesque Venna Lake, just a short drive from town. It’s perfect for a day’s picnic spent doing fishing, boating, and pony riding. If you go there, you can’t miss the nearby strawberry fields.