It is but a truism that one cannot stir far in Maharashtra without hearing the name Shivaji. The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, astride his horse, sword held high, is a familiar sight in almost every town. During our sojourn to the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar, we discovered that it (especially Old Mahabaleshwar), had historical links with the great Maratha warrior who had to scale the treacherous slopes of these hills and fortify himself against pillaging invaders behind the bastions of Pratapgad fort.
Built by him in 1656 on craggy cliffs, the fort is significant in the annals of history as the fate of the Maratha Empire took a decisive turn here. It is redolent with tales of the exploits of Shivaji who swooped down on Sardar Afzal Khan of Bijapur and stabbed him in the abdomen with his concealed tiger claws. A tomb marks where the encounter took place, and a tower was erected over the Khan’s head. Hard pressed for time, we did not venture to climb the 450 steps leading to the top. There are four observation towers at strategic corners, from where one can see the three neighbouring districts of Raigad, Satara and Ratnagiri.
It was in an ancient temple of Goddess Bhavani in Pratapghad that Shivaji’s mother Jeejabai presented him with a sword and blessed him on the success of the difficult tasks that lay ahead of him. History records that the duo first visited Old Mahabaleshwar to offer their prayers in Krishnabai or Panchganga (five streams) Mandir, an ancient temple where there is a ‘Gomukha’ – a cowhead sculpted in stone through whose mouth flows the source of the five rivers: Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri and Gayatri.
Ensconced close by in a clearing of the forest, is the Mahabaleshwar Mandir, an equally ancient temple of Mahabali after which the hill station derived its name. From this naturally occurring Shiva Linga flows a perennial spring whose clear waters has curative powers.
This hill station spreads over a wooded undulating plateau and the protruding promontories offer magnificent views of the precipitous edges of the Sahyadris and the valleys below. On days when the sun shines bright and clear, one can even see the sea in the distant horizon. With 30 designated sightseeing spots, there’s something to explore every minute of your holiday. Ensure to take a good guide along.
When one visits such places as Arthur’s Seat, Connaught Peak, Kate’s Point, Lodwick Point, Lamington Ride or Jemisson ride they evokes memories of the historical escapades of the legendary Maratha warrior and the adventures of the British.
Vestiges of the British presence persist in the names of the various ‘points’, ’rides’ and ‘paths’ as well as in the several buildings and the various 19th century lodges and colonial homes dotted around the hill retreat. The ‘ponywallahs’ will dexterously guide one’s horse through Lady Wellington Gallop, Malcolm Ride and on to Bridle Path. Mahabaleshwar’s highest, Wilson Point, which offers a spectacular view of the sunrise. The best viewpoint is Arthur’s Seat, 12km from Mahabaleshwar, which looks out over a sheer drop of 600m to the Konkan coastal strip. It is so called as Arthur used to sit and gaze at the River Savithri where his wife and daughter lost their lives in a boat disaster. We watched the wind lift a hurled twig high into the air.
 Nestling in the lap of the Sahyadri Range, Mahabaleshwar was the discovery of Sir John Malcolm who was Governor of Bombay in 1828. It was originally known as Malcolm Path. Later it became Malcolm Peth, but this name is now confined to the main bazaar street. In 1929, the British formally acquired this territory and used it as a retreat for  the wounded and ailing soldiers. Mahabaleshwar, once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency, is now a capital hill resort.
 It has pleasant walks and panoramic lookouts. Streams emanating from springs at the heads of the ravines form waterfalls in the wet season. The Dhobi waterfalls and Lingamala waterfalls are the prominent among them. On the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road, Lake Venna, the focal point for holidaymakers is the ideal place for an outing. One can indulge in boating and fishing here. Also check out Morajee Castle where Mahatma Gandhi stayed when he visited Mahabaleshwar in 1945, the BD Petit Library, near the bus stand and the colonial-style bungalows.
 After completing all the points, high and low, we strolled along the bustling market bazaar, which abounds in ice-cream parlours and chikki outlets. One can also shop for leather goods, bags, tribal trinkets, carved walking sticks and belts. It is also renowned for strawberries, the ubiquitous red fruit.
If you drive along the Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar road, you’ll find neatly-laid out strawberry plots which tempts one to hum the Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever. These luscious strawberries, are converted into jams, syrups, crushes, jellies, marmalades, fudge and ice cream. Before we bid adieu to the hill station we stopped at a Mapro kiosk to have our fill of the mouthwatering strawberry milkshake topped with ice cream.
FACT FILE
*Best season: August to May
*Getting there: Pune (120km) is the closest airport and most convenient railhead. Regular buses ply  from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.