It was overnight journey from Ahmedabad to Mahabaleshwar by bus and going through so many places on the way so ultimately it was great journey of around 17hrs to reach Mahabaleshwar. Thanks to my travel agent for hassle free journey.
So it was around 08:30 I reached Mahabaleshwar bus stop and literally I don't know anything about this place and guess what it was my solo trip so there's no one to assist me to what to do and how to manage things... oh sorry did mention that there's no advance bookings for hotel and cabs?...Might be interesting right that you are at the place for solo travel you have been never before and no advance planning for it.
Yeah it is the thing from which you can discover your travel spirit and love towards travelling. So let's start the experiences I got from my solo travel to some unknown place and thing faced & enjoyed during the trip.
Journey started
It was around 08:30 in the morning I reached mahabaleshwar by private cab from Wai ( NH-48) and as I mentioned earlier I don't know anything about this place and with no advance bookings. So I just hold my travel bag on my shoulder and find restrooms for Bath and refreshment just near the bus stand. I had some snacks and tea after a while and yes my most awaited solo trip begins.
Luckily I got a cab and shared with a couple to split bill for Mahabaleshwar sightseeing. Generally there is a taxi union and you have to pay around Rs- 1950/- for the cab so to save little bit of money I shared my cab and bills got split.
Here I am going to describe the famous points of Mahabaleshwar during sightseeing with some beautiful pictures:
Both the tamples are beautifully architecture and surrounded by hills the beauty itself tells us everything about mahabaleshwar .
Lord Shiva tample is famous for its architecture and The temple houses Shiva's bed, damru and trishul which date back to approximately 300 years.
The Panchganga Temple is constructed at the convergence of five rivers Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri. It is believed that five rivers originate from gaumukhi inside Panchganaga temple.
Window point:
Window Point is one of the popular destinations in Mahabaleshwar. This is a very popular point which offers the tourists an enchanting view of the Sahyadri ranges.
The dense forest seen underneath this point is called Brahmaranya and the valley is known as Savithri valley. It is a picturesque spot overlooking Konkan. The clouds which you see from this place really make you feel like in heaven.
As per its name at this place one can hear his/her own voice back when shouted loudly into the valley and trust me it is really great place which make u crazy...so guys visit this place for little bit entertainment.
At tiger spring point in the past wild animals used it as a water hole. It is a source of pure natural water and here the water is cool and safe to drink so don't forgot to drink natural pure chilled water from mountains by Amma...and she will not charge you any rupee.
It is the main attraction of Mahabaleshwar I really love this place and the view from this point is really joyful...Here you can see the view of this point in following picture
With this amazing view one can enjoy some Meggie, Bhel and sweet corns from the local vendors here and the test is really awesome. We can see 2 more attractive places of mahabaleshwar from this point which are: 1.Savitri point 2. Castle rock point
I am sure that whenever someone search about mahabaleshwar or see friends pictures of Mahabaleshwar this view is definitely included in almost everyone's post. And to be Honest here you will enjoy the scenery and the beautiful natural shape of Elephant's Head.
The only farming or fruit you found in Mahabaleshwar is Strawberry so if you are strawberry lover than it is the really place for you because here u get fresh and best strawberry of India.
And yes guys to try here strawberry cream the famous drink of Mahabaleshwar.
The mesmerizing view of Mahabaleshwar really attract anyone and that's why it is the spot for Bollywood to add some scene in their movies. Shooting point is famous for some movies shooting and from Kate's point one can sit and can watch the beautiful view of river surrounded by hills. One you can feel the thing that You are at the place where a person should must be in his life.
Venna lake is one of the tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake.
It is the place where u can sit and just enjoy the sound of natural water fall and it gives inner peace of us. The cool and pleasant atmosphere of Lingmala waterfall is truly beyond awesome.
After visiting all the Points of Mahabaleshwar a person can take some time and rest here with pleasant and positive aura of this place.
View of green carpet from this point is just awesome!... It's kind of hidden gem of Mahabaleshwar. You get to start the trek from Ganpati temple. Don't expect this trek to be easy guys! But it's lot of fun to reach this point
It's also called `Raja's seat`/ 'King's chair'. Trek goes through forest & upward (No Vehicles can go there). So, have minimum luggage with you while climbing & don't forget water bottle. This point will take 1.5 hours of time in total.
After roaming all day in Mahabaleshwar at the time of sunset I reached wilson point though I missed Mumbai point (sunset point) but guys trust me from the wilson point I enjoyed my sunset moment. Thanks to my cab driver who help me to reach at this last point of sightseeing just before sunset so I did not missed my Sunset.
After sightseeing of almost each and every point of Mahabaleshwar i reached the point from where I begins my trip " Bus stand of Mahabaleshwar". Luckily I find a Hotel which is comfortable and fit in my budget. After little refreshment I came out to my room and started exploring the Mahabaleshwar market which is just beside the Bus stand. A person can shop some beautiful collection of basic things like Bags, shoes, etc. I enjoyed some street food and a masala chai. Market is really awesome and in the evening there's crowd so it is the market which is full of tourist who wants to purchase things for their loved one.
So after a little bit of shopping I reached to my hotel room and complete my dinner from hotel's restaurant food was good so it was enough to give me energy for the next day of my schedule. Before going to bed I had my little buzz because tiredness of the day i just want to relax like boss😜😜😜.
Yes that is how I spent my 1st day of this beautiful solo trip. For the next day I fixed my plan to go and camping a really beautiful place which is known as "Mini-Kashmir " Tapola the Hidden gem of Maharashtra.
I will explain my Camping experience in Tapola and beauty of Mini Kashmir in next article 😉
Musafir😎