Mumbai Panchgani Navi Mumbai Dadar

220 km 17 km 195 km 222 km

From Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Type of Bus 2+2 Executive Non AC Luxury Seater 2+2 Non A/C

Fare (Rs) 420 450 470

Bus Provider Private Private Private

You can take a tourist bus (Volvo) from Mumbai, departing from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The ride will take you 6 hours and will cost around Rs 500. An ordinary AC bus will cost Rs 200. Mahabaleshwar is also accessible by road from Mumbai, about 247 km. It takes about 4 to 5 hours by car if taking a route via Panvel through Mahad and Poladpur. After the opening up of the Mumbai -Pune expressway and the highway onwards from Pune to Satara, this is the much better and preferred option to drive down from Mumbai.The distance via this route about 40 kms more but you reach much faster. You have to get off this highway at a place called Sirur and then travel via Wai and Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar.The road is less winding than the other one via Poladpur but more easy as far as driving is concerned. The best way to get around is by bus which is provided by Govt. You can book ticket prior day only.Cost is around 80/- to 85/- per individual. 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 , The driver speaks only in Marathi with some Hindi. During Offseason there is Only one Bus but during season 3 buses ply on this Darshan. Beware of Monkeys.) They are best. Although there are close to 25 'Points' in Mahabaleshwar, lots of these points would give you the same view (of mountains/valley) from a slightly different angle. The following are a must: Lodwick Point Arthur's Seat Babington Point Wilson Point Kate's Point Bombay Point (Sunset Point) Elephant's head Point Lingamala Falls (best viewed from behind Surya Resort) Typically five Sightseeing tours are conducted from Mahabaleshwar each of 2-3 Hr duration and costing between INR 350-550 (January 2010).

Strawberries, Mulberries and carrots are the speciality of Mahabaleshwar. One should not forget to try the Corn grown locally available in both roasted and boiled form. Corn pattice made from it is delicious. The food prepared with local vegetables has a unique taste and one should also try the small tomatoes which look like cherries! Dont forget to have the staple food of Maharashtara the Vada Pav which is deliciously prepared by the local vendor next to the Hanuman Temple in the main market.

delicious jams, marmalades and jellies made of pure strawberries and raspberries should be bought. One can also get pure honey in the 'strawberry country'. Chikki, strawberry, honey, jams and crushes Some of the well known farms are Hirkani Garden, Archies Farm, Shilpa Farm, Gardens Green House and Mapro Garden. These farms also offer Strawberry Ice-Creams, Crushes and fresh strawberry milk shakes. Tourists must try piping hot soups, pizzas and sandwiches from Mapros Garden while travelling from Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar.
What to eat y y y y Red strawberries American corn Strawberry chikki Strawberry fudge

Restaurants And Shops in Mahabaleswar y y y y y y Wilson Chikki Aaram Restaurant Nukkad Tinklers Sanjeevan Honey Center Natraj Chikki Centre