Mahabaleshwar is the origin of five rivers - Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri. This hill station with it's breathtaking and enchanting scenic beauty, rugged mountains, deep forests, clean lakes, enticing waterfalls, strawberry gardens, exotic flowers, lush green walks, horse rides coupled with comfortable, decent hotels and small markets, all adds up to a memorable and delightful visit for all kinds of tourists. It has cultivated a relaxed, unwinding image where the hours flow gently and beckons you to shed your tensions and leave the tiresome world behind. It is surrounded by various other places of interests such as Panchgani and Tapola with their beautiful scenario and Pratapgad with it's historical connections.
Panchgani is like a sister town to Mahabaleshwar, a health resort surrounded by five hills. There are atlas two spots for every hundred yards that one would consider taking photographs, and it really seems like a dream pastoral retreat, especially during tourist free monsoons.

Sidney Point

Sidney Point, lies near to the octroi check point and is a flattened area on the apex of a conical hill. There is a cement bench and a monument from where one can see the ghats (valleys) of Wai and the sanatorium in the distance. One can also see the glittering waters of the Dhom dam.

To the west of Mahabaleshwar, the setting for this Maratha fort is spectacular. From the summit (1,080 metres) on which it is sited there is a splendid view down the hillside. A road leads to the foot of the hill, then 500 steps run up to the top. The fort comprises a double wall with corner bastions. The gates are studded with spikes. Inside, the Bhavani temple in the lower fort has two dipmal (lantern towers); their exteriors are covered with regularly placed projections. The upper fort has a Siva temple. Its ramparts can be seen all of the way down the very scenic road to Poladpur.

Kate's Point is situated 3 kms from Venna lake to Panchgani road. From here, looking down one can see the ribbon like Krishna River as it winds its way through green fields. A natural inbuilt echo system is another reason for its popularity

Arthur Seat is a famous point in Mahabaleshwar. The enchanting view of the barren deep valley of Savitri river in the Konkan Valley on the left side and the dense forests of 'Brahma-aranya' of Deccan to the right makes one forget everything. One can even spot Raigad Fort and Torn Fort if the weather is clear.

Window Point can be reached if one walks a circuitous path down the valley, about 60 Mts. below Arthur Seat. It is a small ledge or a gap in a rock like a window offering a breathtaking view of the valley before one's eyes. One can experience a peculiar thrill gazing down the precipice from the Window Point.

Bombay Point, one of the earliest known points in Mahabaleshwar. From this point, every evening one can view a glorious sunset, an extravagant riot of colours. From here one can see Pratapgad and Makarangad at their best.

Cannaught Peak Point is the second highest peak of these hills. It offers a panoramic view of the Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. To reach this peak one has to leave the car and climb a short distance. It was first known as Mount Olympia, and was favourite with riders. The duke of Cannaught was so enchanted by it's majestic spot view that he could not resist the temptation of associating his name with the spot. From here one can view Old Mahabaleshwar and Elphinston Point to the north, Pratapgad, Koyna Valley and Holiday Camp to the west, Wilson Point to the south, and Kamalgad, Pandavgad and Krishna Valley to the east.

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