Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar Roadtrip

Mumbai often ends up being the focal point of distress because of the pollution, traffic, and the hustle- bustle that adds on to the burdens of everyday work and a monotonous life. The lovely location of the place makes it easier for people to plan road trips in and around the city.

This Roadtrip is a standout amongst the most picturesque in the Mumbai-Pune highway. Pleasant view, serpentine roads and sky embracing mountains; Mahabaleshwar known as the Kashmir of Maharashtra guarantees everything to the tourists.

Buses and trains are easily available for Mahabaleshwar. However, it is not very convenient to use a rail route as there is no railway station at Mahabaleshwar. The nearest  station is at Wathar which is 60 kilometers away. We chose to drive to Mahabaleshwar. There are two routes . We went to Mahabeshwar using the Panvel – Mahad- Poladpur – Mahabaleshwar road. We faced a 3 hour traffic jam on our way and it took almost 7 hours to reach Mahabaleshwar. While coming back, we drove on the Mahabaleshwar- Panchgani- Pune- Lonavla-Mumbai road. It took 5 hours in the return journey

The mountains capture the rain-bearing storm winds, and thus form a region of high precipitation. Added to that, the thick forests contribute to the precipitation. The Western Ghats form one of the four watersheds of India, feeding the perennial rivers. The Ghats are recognized as one of the eight “Hottest spots” of biological diversity. The forests are older than the Himalayan Forests and influence the monsoon patterns of India. Rains create magic anywhere and everywhere. They turn the hills greener, and as the streams flow down wonderfully from the mountains, they create a mesmerizing view. Driving in such a landscape is sheer bliss.

As Mahabaleshwar gets closer, one can see a lot of Strawberry fields. Specially from February to April, the fields are fully blooming with strawberries. During Monsoons, the waterfalls provide for an even more breathtaking view.

Mahabaleshwar is full of breathtaking locations and great weather. It serves as an impeccable weekend getaway for the urban population of Mumbai, Pune and other bearby cities of Maharashtra. The colonial buildings and age old structures add on to the enthralling experience. The amazing climate along with the breathtaking scene of the Sahyadri is a treat for any traveler.

Mahabaleshwar is full of greenery, with one of the rare evergreen forests on earth. The landscape is swarmed with magnificent hills, valleys and tourist viewing points such as Ludwick Point, Arthur's Seat Point and Elphinstone Point, all of which offer brilliant views.

Extravagance of travel is determined by the capacity to encounter ordinary things as if for the first time, and to be in a position where nothing looks familiar; yet embraced by the warmth of the unfamiliar. Awestruck by the loftiness of green hills and the smell of moist earth, we enjoyed the ride throughout. While travelling through hills and mountains, it often occurs that the mountains compel us to be humble. The intimidating heights often tell us subtly how small and irrelevant we are.

“Go outside. Don’t tell anyone and don’t bring your phone. Start walking and keep walking until you no longer know the road like the palm of your hand, because we walk the same roads day in and day out, to the bus and back home and we cease to see. We walk in our sleep and teach our muscles to work without thinking and I dare you to walk where you have not yet walked and I dare you to notice. Don’t try to get anything out of it, because you won’t. Don’t try to make use of it, because you can’t. And that’s the point. Just walk, see, sit down if you like. And be. Just be, whatever you are with whatever you have, and realize that that is enough to be happy.
There’s a whole world out there, right outside your window. You’d be a fool to miss it.”
― Charlotte Eriksson