1. Mahabaleshwar Temple
Visit Mahabali Temple with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Car
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahabaleshwar Temple also popularly known as Mahabali is one of the oldest temples of Maharashtra and is located at a distance of 6km away from the city. Its architecture, history and serenity is what draws most tourists here.
This ancient temple was built in the sixteenth century under the reign of Chanda Rao More during the period of Maratha Dynasty, and as such glorifies the era of the Maratha rulers.
The style of architecture is very similar to the various temples of South India. Interestingly, there is no idol in the temple, just a 300-year old self-evolved lingam that devotees pray to.
Must See: Have a closer look at the lingam, of which, only the tip is visible and has an appearance of a Rudraksha. It also has a Damru and a Trishul accompanying it.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
2. Panch Ganga Temple
Visit Panchganga Temple with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Car
Located only a few minutes away from the Mahabaleshwar Temple is the Panch Ganga Temple. This temple is the point where the five rivers, Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri, meet.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the temple hosts a magnificent idol of him. It is said that the temple site exists from the times of the Mahabharata since the footprints of the Pandas were found here from the time of their exile.
The temple was originally built by Raja Singhandeo in the thirteenth century, however, Chanda Rao More had given it its current structure in the sixteenth century when he also constructed the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Must See: There is a cow-shaped stone carving on the hill from which these rivers origin. It gives its viewers the aesthetics of a flowing fountain.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
3. Krishnabai Temple
Visit Krishnabai Temple with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Car
Located only a km away from the Panch Ganga temple is the Krishna Bai temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. One would need to walk the distance via a small road to reach this tree thousand-year-old temple. Since the other temples in the vicinity are more popular, this one rather remains unexplored which add to its peacefulness and tranquillity.
It gives you an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Krishna valley, from where its name has been derived. The temple is more than a thousand years old.
Must See: Spend time appreciating the architecture and the carvings on the walls.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6.00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 25 Minutes
4. Arthur’s Seat
Visit Arthur's Seat Viewpoint with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Private Taxi
Originally known as Madhi Mahaal, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of Mahabaleshwar and is located 13 km away from the main city. This sight-seeing place has 6 points in one which makes it a must-visit place during your One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar trip.
This sightseeing place is also popular amongst most because of the views it provides of the Tornagad, Pratapgad, and Savitri Valley. The points are Arthur’s Point, Echo Point, Tiger Spring Point, Window Point, Hunter Point and Malcom Point.
Must See: One must see the Arthur’s Point which is said to form a V-shaped valley and due to air pressure, lightweight items tend to float here.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
5. Kate’s Point
Visit Kate's Viewpoint with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Private Taxi
Similar to Arthur’s Seat, Kate Point also has three points, namely, the Main Kate Point, Echo Point and the Needle Hole Point (Elephant’s Head Point). It was originally named Nake Khind but when Mahabaleshwar served as the capital during the British era, it was changed to Kate’s Point, named after a British officer, Lord Malcolm’s daughter.
From here, you can get stunning views of the Western Ghats and Lake Venna and is a sight to hold and treasure.
Must See: The Elephant’s Head Point is the most popular because if one looks closely, the rock formations here strikes a close resemblance to the head and trunk of an elephant.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
6. Venna Lake
Visit Venna Lake with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Private Taxi
Constructed in the year1942 by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, the successor of Chhatrapati Shivaji is the Venna Lake. Being surrounded by thick trees and long green grass on all sides, this 28 km stretched water body pleases the eyes of all tourists. On the banks of the lake, one can also find a garden dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji.
On your day trip from Pune to Mahabaleshwar, you can stop by at the Venna lake for boating, horse riding, or even for a small walk. We highly recommend boating in the pristine waters of the Venna lake, an activity you can seldom do at cities.
Things to do: After a boat ride, indulge in seasonal fruits like strawberries or on street foods like Bhelpuri, Chaat etc.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
