The Maharashtra Cultural and Tourism Development Corporation (MCTDC) runs conducted tours every day during the season. One tour lasts about 4 hours (Rs55) and covers very briefly the major sights of Mahabaleshwar. The MCTDC also runs tours to Panchgani, a small satellite hill station nearby (see below), and to Pratapgadh Fort. Similar conducted tours are available from the State Transport Undertaking. Taxis with local guides can be hired for a full day’s sightseeing for Rs250. All distances quoted hereafter are from the post office.
Hill Station Tour((on foot, selectively over a few days)
Yenna Lake-Lingmala Waterfall-Kate’s Point-Connaught Peak-Old
Mahabaleshwar-Marjorie Point-Arthur’s Seat-Elphinstone Point-Hunter’s Point-Dhobi 
Waterfall-Lodwick Point-Elephant’s Head-Bombay Point- Chinaman’s Waterfall-Babbington Point-Helen’s Point-Wilson Point This is a region of heights and views, lakes and holy places, for quiet wanderings and contemplation. Take a picnic.
Yenna Lake, 2.4 km (1 1/2 miles) from the post office, has boats for hire. Fishing is possible here although not very good and permission needs to be obtained in advance from the local forest officer. The Lingmala Waterfall is at the top of the Yenna valley (6 km; 4 miles). It tends to dry up in high summer, but the sight during and after the monsoon is quite spectacular. Kate’s Point (3.6 km; 2 miles) is 1291 m above sea-level, and a lovely view of the Krishna valley can be obtained from here. Connaught Peak (4 km; 2 1/2 miles), formerly known as Mount Olympia, is 1385 m high and offers lovely views of the Yenna Lake and the Krishna Valley.
The village of Old Mahabaleshwar (5 km; 3 miles) looks out over the Krishna valley and has a number of temples: the Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and nearby Krishna Temple which according to tradition is the source of seven rivers—the Krishna, the Yenna, the Koyna, the Gayatri, the Savitri, the Saraswati and the Bhagirathi (the last two rivers exist only in the Hindu Scriptures). Marjorie Point (9.8 km; 6 miles) is at a height of 1292 m above sea-level. Arthur’s Seat (12.4 km; 7 3/4 miles) is even higher and is Mahabaleshwar’s most famous point. Elphinstone Point (10 km; 6 miles) is on the extreme west of the plateau and is a popular picnic spot. Hunter’s Point (3.6 km; 2 miles) is at a height of 1290 m and overlooks the Koyna river valley. Dhobi Waterfall (3.2 km; 2 miles) is on the bridle path leading to Lodwick Point from Elphinstone Point and is a scenic spot. Lodwick Point (4.8 km; 3 miles) has a monument to General Lodwick and a lovely view of the rugged landscape. Elephant’s Head 
(6 km; 3 3/4 miles) takes its name from its cliff, shaped like an elephant’s head and trunk. Bombay Point (5 km; 3 miles), at 1294 m looks over the Pratapgadh fort and has the most extensive view. Visit in the evening, for the spectacular sight of the setting sun. During colonial rule, this point had a large carriage-park, and a band played from the bandstand. Chinaman’s Waterfall (2.4 km; 1 1/2 miles) is a popular picnic spot. The waterfall itself and the Koyna Valley are best seen from Babington Point (3.2 km; 2 miles). Helen’s Point (3.2 km; 2 miles) offers a beautiful view of the Blue Valley. Wilson’s Point (2.2 km; 1 1/4 miles), the highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 1435 m, was named after Sir Leslie Wilson, Governor of Bombay from 1923 to 1928, and has an enchanting view of the sunrise.
RECREATION
Apart from the numerous rides, gallops and bridle-paths to be walked or explored on pony-back, Mahabaleshwar offers facilities for fishing and boating at Yenna Lake, golf at the Mahabaleshwar Club, which offers temporary membership; tennis, badminton and indoor games at the Hindu Gymkhana.
SHOPPING
Strawberry jam and honey are the main produce. Honey in different flavours is best bought from the Government-owned Madhu Sagar Company which has a retail counter on Mahad Road, close to the bazaar. The main shopping centres are located on the main street and Malcolm Peth. The best general stores are Treacher’s and Imperial.
EATING OUT
Most notable restaurants are attached to hotels. Non-vegetarian preparations are available at Dina Hotel, Frederick Hotel, Race View Hotel and Silverene. Vegetarian food is served at Aram, Paradise Hotel, Poona and Shalimar Hotel.
