MAHABALESHWAR: BETWEEN THE CLOUDS AND EARTH

ASR

MAHABALESHWAR: BETWEEN THE CLOUDS AND EARTH

When you hear the word Mahabaleshwar, the first thing that comes to mind is green. The five senses would relive the memorable visit to this hill station in Maharashtra. The fresh air that kisses the cheeks, the luscious taste of the various strawberries, the ice touch of the River Krishna, the whispers of the eolian winds, and the enchanting picturesque greenery of the scenic beauty all flash across one’s memory.

Source: Wiki commons The bluish site of the Venna Lake in the greenish Mahabaleshwar

You may wonder how such a spot could bear a name that sounds similar to a temple. There is no mystery behind it, but a legend. When Lord Brahma was performing penance and was in a deep trance in the forest, he was disturbed by the asura (demon) brothers, Mahabali and Atibali. Seeing their atrocities, Lord Vishnu came to Brahma’s rescue. He killed Atibali, and Mahabali escaped with his boon of Ichhamrityu, which means one can die by one’s own will.

To aid in this situation, Goddess Mahamaya was summoned. She entranced the demon with her charming beauty, and he promised to grant her favor. Mahamaya asked for his death and without any other thought, Mahabali surrendered himself with his last wish to merge his name with Lord Shiva and the place should be named after it. As per his wish, his name Mahabali has been compounded with the Eshwaran, and the place is now known as Mahabaleshwar.

The history of Mahabaleshwar can be traced back to 1215 CE. This Mahabaleshwar was then ruled by a fusion of different rulers at different times, including the Yadhava dynasty, the Muslim rulers of Delhi, the Bahamanis, the Peshwas, and the sultanates of Ahmednagar and Bijapur. Among these rulers, Singham of Devagiri from the Yadava dynasty is believed to have built the Krishnabai temple, which has a small tank at the source of the Krishna river and is even now visited by many tourists for its great ceilings and splendid carvings.

Turning some history pages, in 1824, General P. Lodwick was the first European to set foot on Mahabaleshwar. He was stunned by nature's beauty when he walked through the forests. The prominence of the region was spread over India and the world by this nature-lover man, overwhelmed by the romantic sceneries. In memory of this green lover, a memorial point has been set up to honor him.

When the sun haunts you, visit Mahabaleshwar, which has an arid climate of nineteen to thirty-three degrees Celsius with a little warning that April and May reach up to forty-two degrees Celsius. Between November and February is the best time to visit this lush hill station as the temperature ranges between ten to twenty-four degrees celsius and is the peak time for its famous strawberries.

Though the current Mahabaleshwar has become congested with tourist bustle, it is quite a place to visit for its excellent horticulture of strawberries, mulberries, raspberries, and sliced mangos with cream. Boat lovers must visit Venna Lake, where you can also enjoy the neighing of the horses that are ready to owe you a ride. Next, do not miss the Pratapgarh Fort, which welcomes you throughout the year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. was built by Shivaji Maharaj and is about three thousand five hundred forty-three feet above sea level. Sunset is the opening music of the night. None would miss this hotspot of sunset in the west at Bombay Point.

Does your heart rhythm with Mahabaleshwar? It is the best option to spend a romantic time at Falkland Point. Fascinate with your family at the Tiger reserve and bite the bright strawberries with the visual treat of the winking waterfalls. Finally, after some shopping in the streets, do not forget to visit Old Mahabaleshwar for the temples and return home happily with the blessings of the almighty.