One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar Trip by Cab
Known as the twin city of Bombay, Pune, is away from the maddening metropolitan city life yet has the kind of charm that would make you not leave the city. Being located closely to various weekend retreats, Pune instantly becomes a favourite with both veterans and tourists.
Go on an enchanted stroll from Pune through Mahabaleshwar hills visiting some of its iconic sightseeing places. And the best way to explore this hill station is by booking our One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar Trip by Car. As one begins their road trip, they can witness various waterfalls, scenic landscapes and strawberry fields that instantly brings joy and happiness.
The roads from Pune to Mahabaleshwar via NH48 are both smooth and scenic. Considering the distance between the two is approximately only 120 km, it makes it an ideal choice for a day trip.
Mahabaleshwar is a Sanskrit word, meaning, ‘God of Great Power’. During the times of the East India Company, Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of Bombay Presidency.
Mahabaleshwar happens to be the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra. With its mystical views, this hill station, situated at a height of 1372m and which reaches up to a height of 1,439m in the western ghats will leave you enchanted. This impressive hill station is also the point of origin for river Krishna and is surrounded by lake Venna.
Despite being popular for its temples, Mahabaleshwar, in reality, has a lot more to offer. As such, it attracts various kinds of tourists, be it, honeymooners, college-goers or even families. It has a pleasant temperature and its climate is suitable for strawberries to grow in abundance, making strawberry picking a must-do activity in Mahabaleshwar.
What to Expect
On your day trip from Pune to Mahabaleshwar in a private car, you will be accompanied by a local driver who will be well versed with the location and the local language. He will pick you right from your place of accommodation in Pune. Your journey to Mahabaleshwar will take approximately 3 hours. You could request a halt in between as per your convenience.
Upon reaching Mahabaleshwar, we will first be covering the three temples, namely, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panch Ganga Temple and Krishna Bai Temple. All of these are located close to one another and were built in the 16th century. Each temple has its uniqueness and none of these should be skipped. All of these temples offer a gorgeous view of the Sahyadri ranges, yet each view looks strikingly different from the other.
From here, we will be visiting Arthur’s Seat which has 6 viewpoints and provides a view of various valleys. Further, we will head to Kate’s point from where we can get an aerial view of Lake Venna. Then we will head to Lake Venna where one can indulge in various fun activities like boating, horse riding etc.
Next, we will visit the Lingmala Waterfall and have a small picnic. We will end our day by relaxing at the sunset point, watching the sunset and eating a light snack before we head back to Pune.
Full-day Mahabaleshwar Tour from Pune
Duration: 12 to 15 hours
Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
Pickup & Drop: Mahabaleshwar Hotel / Home
Places Covered: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panch Ganga Temple, Krishnabai Temple, Arthur’s Seat, Kate’s Point, Venna Lake, Lingmala Waterfall, and Sunset Point.
Itinerary of One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar Trip
Pickup from your Hotel in Pune at 9:00 AM
| Tourist Place | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mahabaleshwar Temple | 50 mins | more.. |
| Panch Ganga Temple | 40 mins | more.. |
| Krishnabai Temple | 30 mins | more.. |
| Arthur’s Seat | 40 mins | more.. |
| Kate’s Point | 30 mins | more.. |
| Venna Lake | 60 mins | more.. |
| Lingmala Waterfall | 50 mins | more.. |
| Sunset Point, Mahabaleshwar | 30 mins | more.. |
Drop back at your Hotel in Pune by 11:00 PM
Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in one day by private car from Pune
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
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
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
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
7. Lingmala Waterfall
Visit Lingamala Waterfalls with Pune to Mahabaleshwar Tour by Cab
Waterfalls are hallmarks of every hill station. For Mahabaleshwar, it is the Lingmala Waterfall, the water of which falls into the Venna Lake from a cliff of 500 feet. The majestic sight of the water gushing down gracefully and the music it creates is a treat to both the eyes and the ears.
From nature lovers to photography enthusiasts, Lingmala Waterfall is a must-visit during your one day Pune to Mahabaleshwar tour.
Things to do: There is also a mini waterfall where one can swim in its water. It also makes for a great picnic spot where one can sit on a mat and enjoy fresh fruits, and homemade food.
Timings: Open on all days of the week from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Rs.15
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
8. Sunset Point, Mahabaleshwar
The last destination for our One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar tour would be the Sunset Point. There are a lot of benches here that have been built for tourists to sit and watch the sun sink.
Watch the orange skies fade slowly and turn grey. If you are somebody who is into photography, you will be in for a delight. Every few minutes, you can see the sky change and each photograph taken here will tell a different story.
Things to do: With nothing much to do, this place acts as your last spot and a resting point. One can eat snacks like sweet corn, roasted corncob, patties etc and call it a day.
Timings: Open all-day
Entry Fee: Free
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Package Inclusions
- Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Pune
- Cab for Mahabaleshwar sightseeing from Pune as per the above Itinerary
- Driver Batta
Package Exclusions
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places at Mahabaleshwar
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation at Mahabaleshwar
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route