subject: Only Road Route - Pune To Mahabaleshwar [print this page] Pune, situated on the Deccan Plateau near western coast, was earlier known as Punya-Nagiri or Queen of Deccan. The Britishers called it Poona. Now it has got its original name Pune. It is the eighth largest city in India and the second largest in Maharashtra.
The city, which has a long history, got its name Pune some time in the tenth century. But it was during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja that the city witnessed growth and development in every field.
Pune has several places of interests for tourists. Eighth century Pataleshwar Cave Temple, dedicated to the god of the underworld, is a marvel of rock-cut architecture. Shrimant Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Temple houses the most favourite deity of the city, the Ganesha. Osho Park is a great centre for meditation and rejuvenation.
The city boasts of the prestigious Film institute. It has produced several top class actors to Bollywood. Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned for participating in the 'Quit India Movement' in 1942, is a major tourist attraction. Among other attractions are Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Shaniwar Wada, Sinhgad Fort, Saras Baug (a park), Sadhu Vaasvani Mission and Katraj Jain Temple.
Pune is known as the Oxford of the East due to the presence of several prestigious educational institutions. Pune is a centre for cultural activities. This has earned the city the title of the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
The distance from Pune to Mahabaleshwar is around 113 km. The hill station does not have either an airport or a railway station. The convenient way to reach Mahabaleshwar from Pune is to take a bus or hire a taxi. Taxis will take just two hours to reach the hill station.
All types of State transport and private buses are available at regular intervals from Pune. The Volvo bus ride from Pune to Mahabaleshwar will take just over two hours and will cost around Rs 250. An ordinary a/c bus will cost Rs 130.
Mahabaleshwar, located at an elevation of 1,353 metres, is a plateau measuring an area of 150 sq km. The Krishna River originates from the mouth of the legendary statue of a cow in the temple of Mahadev situated in Old Mahabaleshwar.
The tourists can visit several waterfalls like Lingmala waterfall, Chinaman's waterfall and the Dhobi waterfalls. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful sight of the mountains and green valley from over 30 view points including Wilson Point (highest), Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point and Kate's Point. Other attractions in Mahabaleshwar are Pratapgarh Fort, Arthur's Seat and Rajpuri Caves. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries and mulberries.
Mahabaleshwar has moderate climate throughout the year. There is no shortage of accommodation options in Mahabaleshwar which include high-end, middle-range and budget hotels.
