The first sight of a strawberry garden always leaves an impression of delight & marvel. We’ve now visited M’war numerous times now, but the first visit is always the most cherished. Mahabaleshwar is one of Mumbai's favorite hill station.Its quite drive-able from Mumbai, around 350kms, close to Wai(Satara district). The place provides ample solace & for the first-timers, its best to hire the govt approved guides(found everywhere) & take a look at the various can be found all over the town to take you across numerous 'points'.
Must-do @ this place - Visit to the Venna lake, guzzle down fresh strawberry,raspberry & other milkshakes & take quiet walks/drives around the town, munch fresh turnips & baby carrots near the lake & do check out the PWD canteen nicely tucked away behind the MTDC resort-Mahad Naka(for authentic, simple Maharashtrian fare)..yumm!
Our stay - M'shwar is an old hill station which was discovered in the 1800’s by the Britishers. Its quite convenient to get across, with a map(available at any of the resort receptions/entry point to the town where you have to pay a toll for your vehicle) and go by yourselves. Some famous points and places which are worth a visit are Kate’s Point, Echo Point, Wilson Point, Lingmala waterfalls(no water in summer of course).Close to Venna lake is Pratapsingh garden which offers a nice view of the lake.I loved clicking flowers. Another 'touristy' thing is a visit to the Mapro gardens(now they have an open air cafetaria offering nice snacks & juices.We’ve stayed at Strawberry Country Resorts & MTDC. The latter is more convenient as well as spacious (though it lacks a swimming pool etc). MTDC rooms are large with a real fire-place, all are red-brick colonial type bungalows.While sipping your morning tea, its usual to encounter a bunch of locals selling chappals, jootis, shoes of all types and also vending strawberries in your room verandah. Everything is up for bargain. But the best strawberries are bought at farms – there are numerous along the main market, along the road leading to Metgutad and Panchgani, in the vicinity of the Venna lake. We stopped by at Madhur Garden for a mini strawberry feast, first it was strawberry+cream, then milkshake and finally we closed with strawberry ice-cream & then a stroll across their farm, picking up berries of our choice :))
