Mahabaleshwar, a hill station, is situated in the Satara district in the state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Western Ghats.Set at an elevation of 1,353 m above sea level, Mahabaleswarconstitutes three villages – Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ Mahabaleshwar and some part of the Shindola village. The river Krishna originates from the mouth of the statue of a cow in the temple of Mahadev situated in Old Mahabaleshwar and flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri and Gayatri are the four rivers flow from the mouth of the cow, before they merge into the Krishna. Mahabaleswarwas ruled by various dynasties like the Mauryas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, AdilShahi, Shilahar, Marathas, Peshwas and Satavahanas. Mahabaleshwar is well known for strawberries and mulberries. Tourists can enjoy 'strawberries with cream' from January to February and 'mulberries with cream' from April to May. Strawberry milkshake and vadapavare popular here.We can buy fresh jams and marmalades from the shops. Tourists can also buy fresh honey from the various bee farms in the city.Mahabaleshwar can be visited at any time of the year.
Pune is situated at the confluence of two rivers Mula and Mutha in the state of Maharashtra. Known as the ‘Cultural Capital of the state’, Pune is attracted by its ancient history and the mild weather. Pune, often referred as the ‘Queen of the Deccan’ has several prestigious educational institutions. The city is often called the ‘Oxford of the East’. Pune housessome famous institutions are Armed Forces Medical College, Film and Television Institute of India, Symbiosis Educational Society and National Defense Academy. Some of the attractions of Pune include Pataleshwar rock-cut temple and the War Memorial for the great Maratha heroes. The city of Pune retains its old culture and tradition even in these modern times too. Mahabaleswar does not have a railway station and Wathar is the nearest station connecting to Pune. Regular trains pass through Pune to Wathar. Taxis are available to Mahabaleshwar from Wathar station. Taxis charge Rs. 400/- for a round trip. Bus is the most convenient option to reach Mahabaleshwar. Private buses and state operated busesply from Pune to Mahabaleshwarthat cost you around Rs. 75/- to Rs. 250/-. Cab is also an option to travel from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.Cabs are available and charge Rs. 2700/- for small car. For big vehicle, cost you around Rs. 3400/- for a round trip. If you can drive by your own vehicle, that will be much more comfortable and it takes approximately 2 hour 10 minutes to cover 124 km from Pune to Mahabaleshwar. There are several hotels in Mahabaleshwar for a comfortable stay. Budget hotels are available at an affordable rate.
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