Mahabaleshwar: A Scenic Retreat Known for Strawberries, Scenic Views, and Culinary Delights
Mahabaleshwar: A Scenic Retreat Known for Strawberries, Scenic Views, and Culinary Delights
Strawberries, stunning landscapes, and rich heritage – Mahabaleshwar offers the perfect escape into nature and culinary wonders.
Mahabaleshwar, nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, is a beloved hill station famous for its juicy strawberries, lush evergreen forests, cool weather, and breathtaking vistas. Just 285 kilometers from Mumbai and 120 kilometers from Pune, it offers a quick escape for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by valleys, Mahabaleshwar is a nature lover’s paradise, situated in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra’s Satara district.
A Strawberry Lover’s Haven: Mapro Garden
A visit to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete without experiencing Mapro Garden, situated on the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road. Established by Mr. Kishore Vora in 1959, Mapro is renowned for its strawberry plantations and a wide array of strawberry products. The idyllic orchard offers visitors a chance to indulge in strawberry shakes, ice creams, and salads while exploring its chocolate factory, nursery, restaurant, and children’s play area.
Mapro’s Annual Strawberry Festival, held in March and April, draws large crowds, celebrating the region’s strawberry cultivation with folk dances, music performances, and delicious strawberry-based treats.
Culinary Delights at Bagicha Corner
For those looking for a local gastronomic experience, Bagicha Corner is a must-visit. Located on the road from Mahabaleshwar to Panchgani, this open-style eatery serves up fresh dishes made from homegrown vegetables. The thali, featuring dal, pitla-bhakri, corn sabzi, and rice, is a crowd favorite, and their desserts, especially strawberries and cream, are iconic. Celebrities, including the Ambanis and Bollywood stars like Jackie Shroff and Aamir Khan, have dined here, adding to the eatery’s charm.
Bagicha Corner also offers a variety of beverages, including jambhul juice, popular for its health benefits. In the monsoon season, patrons enjoy pattice and chai while admiring the scenic green hills.
A Taste of Tradition: Elsie’s Dairy & Bakery
A staple of Mahabaleshwar for 173 years, Elsie’s Dairy & Bakery is where locals go for their cakes and baked goods. Run by Joanna and Judith D’Souza, the bakery is known for its old-world charm and mouth-watering treats like date rolls, carrot cake, jam tarts, and banana-date cake. The bakery’s recipes have been passed down through generations, ensuring each item reflects the authentic flavors of Mahabaleshwar.
The Imperial Stores
At the entrance of the Mahabaleshwar Market, the Imperial Stores greets visitors with its French Fries sign, but inside, you’ll find much more, including a café, a wine shop, and a chemist. It’s a great place to pick up local goods while exploring the charming market streets.
Once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj, Mahabaleshwar retains a distinct charm that blends history with nature. As you ascend the Pasarni Ghat and take in the lush greenery and mountain air, the stresses of city life melt away. Whether enjoying fresh strawberries, hot corn tikkis, or exploring the many family-run establishments, Mahabaleshwar is a destination that promises both relaxation and delight.
