Fact File On Mahabaleshwar Drivers Charge Only

During off-season there is only one bus but during season three buses ply on this Darshan.

Its at an altitude of 1372 m above sea level in Satara district, about 120 km southwest of Pune.

There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

There is an old Shiva temple in the forest, which is the source of five rivers, including the Krishna river which is the second longest river of peninsular India.

It is well connected by bus with the important towns of the region.

The peak season is March-May; it rains very heavily from June to September.

You can take a tourist bus (Volvo) from Mumbai, departing from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi.

The Volvo bus from Pune is operated by private companies (Neeta and Konduskar), and they charge approx 400 each way.

The Govt. Express bus from Swargate starting 5:45AM and every hour with a price of 120 per individual.

Private cab tours to Mahabaleshwar from Pune and Mumbai are operated by Vasa Cabs.

You have to get off this highway at a place called Sirur and then travel via Wai and Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar.

The Panchgani Municipal council also charges an entrance of 50 per vehicle if you are just passing through on your way to Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar is 47 km from Satara and takes little more than one hour from there.

If you arrive later you may have to wait until another room becomes vacant.

Taxis (cabs) and buses leave from the center of town near Iranis petrol pump opposite the Club.

Fact File On Mahabaleshwar Drivers Charge Only

Taxi drivers charge only 50 for ferrying at local places within or around New Mahabaleshwar.

Taxi service for sightseeing or local ferrying is centrally regulated with the office opposite the gate to the Govt Bus Stand.

The points are located at various edges of the plateau in different directions.

Over the years, most people hire a car from wherever they are coming from to conveniently go around the points.

Expect extremely heavy traffic and jams all over if you are visiting over the weekend or a public holiday.

Parking lots are non existent near the points and so cars are parked along the road side making it even more difficult to reach the points.

For the more adventurous, horses are available in town and there are lovely shady bridle paths for delightful rides.

The best way to get around is by bus which is provided by Govt.

Cost is around 80-85 per person.

Govt. Bus has two tour, one is Pratapgad darshan in morning 9:15AM and Mahabaleshwar darshan in noon 2:15PM (4 hours covering 11 Points Arthur, Kate, Strawberry farm and finally ending with Sunset, a semi-luxury bus 37 seats.