Ep 5 A day in Mahabaleshwar | Maharashtra | Origin of five river | Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
Namaskar friends! Welcome to Visa2explore! This is your host, Harish Bali. Today, we start our day in Old Mahabaleshwar. Right now, I am standing outside the Shri Panchganga Temple. I reached here about half an hour ago. When I entered the temple, I saw the points of origin of five rivers.
Koyna! Gayatri! Savitri! Venna and Krishna rivers! Inside the temple, I had darshan of a very ancient idol of Bhagwan Krishna. The priest told me this temple was quite ancient, must be at least 4000-5000 years old. Here, I got to know of two more rivers. Bhagirathi and Saraswati! You can see the Bhagirathi river once a year, in Nasik, during the Kumbh Mela. Here, you can also see the Saraswati river, but once every 60 years.
Otherwise, these rivers remain hidden here. After having darshan of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, there is a Gaumukha there, I drank water from it. The priest told me that water from all five rivers collects together in this Brahma Kund.
From here, the water travels to the Vishnu Kund, after which the water is divided into five rivers. It was a good temple visit today. This area has two other temples. After visiting those two temples, we'll be left with the rest of day to tour Mahabaleshwar.
After walking on foot for 2-3 minutes, I've reached Shri Mahabaleshwar Temple. Inside the temple, I noticed that all the devotees had formed a queue for darshan. I liked to see that. Inside the inner sanctum, I had darshan of Bhagwan Shiv in the form of a 'Ling.' The Shivling here is in the form of a 'Rudraksh'.
When I tried to find out about the history of this temple, I was told that,... ...one can't say with certainty whether it is 2000 or 5000 years old, but this Shivling is 'Swayambhu'. So, you can guess that this temple has been here since ancient times. I also saw two sketches inside. The sketches inform that in 1665, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.... .. got his mother weighed in gold (Swarn Tula) There is a written note here about that ceremony, held on January 6 of that year. The note also contains the story of the origin of this temple.
You can read it before you enter the temple, so that you have an idea about this place's significance. For now, you can understand that the inner sanctum of the temple is towards this side. Right! Come, let's continue our journey further. After completing a 200-m walk, we are now going to the Krushnai Temple.
Look at all these trees on my left and right hand sides. And because of tree shadows, there is lesser sunlight on this side. It is feeling good! After reaching the temple, I went inside for darshan.
Sitting inside I saw an ancient Shivaling. I asked the priest about the origins of this temple and he told me there is no written record as such. But as per what he has heard from his forefathers, this temple is at least 4000-5000 years old. Now, the thing that I noticed here and what I felt here... ...is that the priest did a particular chanting inside the inner sanctum. It goes like this... Om....Namoh....Shivay! He repeated this 5-6 times while I kept my eyes closed.
I could feel the vibrations so well that I cannot explain the experience in words! This experience lasted for about 5-6 minutes. I thanked the priest and came outside. You are looking at the source of the Krishna River.
We already showed you that Krishna river comes from there, you can also see it flowing in. The water flows down and gets collected into a large reservoir ahead, right where the dam is built. As for the architecture of this temple, it is built in the shape of a pyramid. The shape of the temple can be ascertained from inside the inner sanctum as well as from outside. There is no use of artificial light inside. Come, let us leave here now.
We travelled for about 7 KM. Now, we are going towards a natural monument called the Arthur's Seat. Before we reach the Arthur's Seat, we'll see many other natural points.
We've reached the Echo Point. Hellooooooooo! Hellooooooooooooooooooo! The voice isn't echoing yet. Never mind! From here, we can see the Savitri Point. We'll go there in some time. Look ahead, can you see some people there on top of the mountain? That is one point to visit. In fact, two points are there. The third point, towards the end, where a few more people are standing, is the Savitri Point. Do you see this huge rock, I am pointing my finger at it.
This is the Castle Rock Point. This name was given to it by the British. That is good! Let's move on. I have applied salt to it. That is good. Rest, you can ask if you want more.
Give me some more lemon juice. Here you go! Pour it over. Pour over a generous amount. Now it will taste good! It is roasted well. It is delicious! We've reached the Malcolm Point.
This place was named after a British Governor. What do we see from here? Though it is written here, let me also show you directionally. Do you see those people standing at the mountain tip? The tip that is protruding from the mountainside? That is called the Arthur Seat Point. From here, if we walk about 250-300 meters, we will reach Arthur Seat.
You can see the Torna Fort from here. I will plan to visit Torana Fort next time, this time I have less time so I am not going there. Let me also show you the Pratapgarh Fort on this side.
See this. You have a clear view of Pratapgarh Fort from here. We are planning to go there tomorrow. You see that tall mountain, that is where the Pratapgarh Fort is.
It takes about an hour by road to reach Pratapgarh Fort. The valley below is known as 'Savitri Valley' because of the Savitri River flowing through it. I can see a beautiful view while standing here. You can climb stairs like these to reach each viewpoint... ...while in between you can eat during the breaks. I am eating such tasty corn after a long time. Bhai Sahab, make me one more corn! Just like this one, less masala, more lemon juice! Just like this! Imagine, I liked it so much that I am eating two of these! "Tiger Spring Point - Source of pure natural water!" "This spring water is cool and safe to drink."
In the past, wild animals used it as a water hole! Nice! I should drink here? It is cool! Isn't it? Yeah! It is good! The water tastes too good! Today, the key highlights of the last two hours, in terms of food, are corn on the cob, and this spring water! Both were wonderful! Thank you! While roaming around here, one thing I've noticed is that eating and drinking is great fun here! Keep eating something or the other, and keep moving forward. Since we're in Mahabaleshwar, we'll see strawberry farms later, for now, we've seen strawberries. What is the price? For Rs 50? One bowl for Rs 50! Do you have change for Rs 500? I need change, that's why I am paying with a 500-rupee note! These are separate bowls of 'Shehtoot' (mulberries)! Yes! This bowl has mulberries, gooseberries, raspberries in it. It is fun to visit Mahabaleshwar during the strawberry season! It is difficult today, tomorrow we will visit the strawberry farm. It is sour, and a little sweet! Sir Arthur used to sit here and stare at the Savitri river in which his wife and child had drowned. To reach here during those days, Sir Arthur, his wife and daughter used to travel by sea from Alibaug...
...and then enter the river from there. Their boat or ship, in which they were travelling, once capsized in the Savitri river. The heartbroken British officer used to visit here and sit at the spot, which I am going to show you now. He used to visit here, and write poetry in the memory of his wife and daughter. The point that I am going to show you next is named after him. Sir Arthur used to sit here and write. When he would be sitting here and writing, obviously he would be seeing Savitri and Gayatri rivers below.
There is no water in the river right now. There is water in the river here for 4-5 months. The river becomes bigger further ahead. There is one more highlight of this viewpoint. During the pre-monsoon period, from 20th May to 1st week of June,...
...if you throw a light object into the valley, it would float in the air, instead of falling down. Due to this phenomenon, people also call it "Magic Point" or "Floating Point." Because of the depth of this valley, the air pressure moves upwards. So, the light object doesn't fall down. Let me go there and see the view. And I'll show you the view as well. This view cannot be compared to any of the views I have seen since this morning.
No. 1. From this cliff, you can see a deep valley view. Do you see those black-coloured stones on the hill in front of me? Looking at them it seems as if three monkeys are sitting together. I don't think so, but people say so. This hill is called the dinosaur hill. A cave is visible in front, below that hill.
This is called the lion's cave! Villagers say that earlier a lion used to live here. This is the only cave in this area that is called the lion's cave! I am having a lot of fun being here. There is no doubt that I am feeling good here. We are riding in this car to reach the Savitri Point. We could have gone there on foot as well. It would have taken us 30-40 minutes to reach on foot.
In car, it will take us only 10 minutes. The highlight of this viewpoint is that from here, you can see the Savitri river, down below. Though there is no water in the river right now, but one can understand its path through the valley. I told you a while ago, about the hill with three monkeys sitting on it. Earlier we were looking at it from its backside, but now we are looking at it from the front. It did not seem earlier, but now it seems to me as if three monkeys are standing there.
The third highlight is that from here, you can see the Pratapgarh Fort, which we can reach in an hour. Tomorrow, we are going to visit Pratapgarh Fort. This is a cliff that you are looking at. From here, you will feel like you are looking into a very deep valley. A while ago, can you see the railing of the hill in front? I was standing there.
There, it was written that it is an Echo Point. By the way, the point where I am standing right now, is also an Echo Point. Helloooooooo! I heard the echo of my voice thrice! Come, let's visit a rock point and then, we'll move on. From atop this rock, I can see the whole valley view. It is looking beautiful! This is the second-best view of today! No. 1 view was the one from the Arthur Seat. This is No. 2.
Very nice! There is visibility far and wide! It is good! Nice! Let's leave here now. I am feeling hungry now. We'll go for lunch. We'll take a 30-second short break! To tell you about spices! Spice2nuts.com is a small venture of ours. In which we are making available to you spices purchased from their places of origin. Not many people may not know of it that... ...the cost of couriering spices, at present rates, is being paid by us. This is something I wanted to share with you through this integration.
So, you can check out our spices on our website spice2nuts.com. We travelled about a KM to the outskirts of Mahabaleshwar for lunch. At Bagicha Corner! Yesterday, while on my way to Mahabaleshwar, I saw a lot of cars parked outside here.
It means that the place is famous. The parking is full even today. Let's go inside and see whether we'll have to wait or we'll get to eat immediately.
Rajma, alu, dal, and what is this? This dish is made with corn! Corn! Nice that you made a dish with corn. This is Pithla Sir. Alright! This is alu (potatoes). Yeah! What is this? Sprouts! Is it Matki? Yes, it is Matki. This is Dal, Sir.
Kadhi Sir! Alright. This is eggplant. Alright, everything is served. Let's taste rajma first.
It is okay! In our house, we eat Rajma very regularly. We end up eating rajma twice a week, at least. Generally, I love to eat rajma with rice. Rajma-rice is a good combination! Kadhi-chawal! Rajma-chawal! Sir, pickle! Alright! Give me some thecha as well! Yes, give it to me.
Should I serve you one more? Yes please. I've noticed in the past 3-4 days that... ...maximum restaurants definitely serve Jowar Bhakri (Sorghum flatbread) for lunch. Not many restaurants serve the Bajra Bhakri (pearl millet flatbread) though. It could be a seasonal thing. But Jowar Bhakri is widely available.
This dish is made with sprouted 'Matki Usal', also called Moth or Matki beans. Whatever I have eaten in this thali till now, I have liked this Matki Usal the best. Its taste is No. 1. Rest of the dishes are okay! Rest are not bad as far as decent food is concerned, but this (Matki Usal) is lovely! Good! Nice! I have now tasted almost everything in this thali. The overall food is good here! I will now finish my meal and join you again in half an hour. We have more sightseeing to do.
It is 3.30 PM already. Suppose, we leave here at 3.45 PM... ...we will be able to reach the next sightseeing spot by 4.00-4.15 PM. After lunch, we'll now travel for 4 KM.... ...and we are going to visit 3-4 more sightseeing points. These include Needle Hole, Elephant's Head, Kates Point. After visiting those, we are planning to go straight to Venna Lake.
Or if time permits, we would visit a strawberry garden today. We've reached and our car is in the parking. If we go towards the right from here, we'll see Needle Hole and Elephant's Head. Beautiful! If I talk of the width of this Valley,... ...of all the views that I've seen since this morning,... ...this would be the No. 1 view. This view has mountains, a beautiful valley in the middle, and the Krishna River Reservoir. If you look at the centre of that mountain top, there is Kamalgarh Fort there.
Though Shivaji Maharaj started constructing that fort but couldn't complete construction because.. ...it became time-consuming and difficult to bring the material across the river & up the mountain. So the construction of this Fort was stopped mid-way. In the present times, the half-made fort is popular among trekkers.
Come, let's go to the viewpoint. We've almost reached the Needle's Hole viewpoint. This is the Elephant's Head viewpoint. It was not visible from that side but is clearly visible from here. It looks like an elephant's body and its head on the edge.
This natural formation is exactly like an elephant's head. The gap between the elephant's body and its head is known as the "Needle's Hole." Do you see the viewpoint above the Elephant's Head? By viewpoint, I mean the spot where you can see people standing. It is known as the Kate's Point. We will reach there after a 10-minute walk. Harley Davidson! Wow! Bhaiya, are you riding it? How much for a photograph? Rs 20! Can I click a photograph? It is great! Somebody just told me about two films that were shot here.
The bridge scene in movie 'Chennai Express' was shot on this bridge. In the movie, Bajirao Mastani, the scene of Peshwa Bajirao's death was shot down there. That scene was exactly shot near that temple by the river bank.
Now, why is it called the Kate's Point? John Malcolm was a British governor in that era. His daughter's name was Kates and this point is named after her. I am liking this place so much. I am looking everywhere, left, right, but I am not satisfied. Now, we have to go to the Venna Lake. I'll stop the car if I pass a strawberry farm on the way.
We'll visit it, otherwise, we are going there tomorrow anyway. We were going to visit Strawberry Garden, then I saw that there were gardens one after the other in a line. We checked 7-8 farms and stopped in front of this one - Garden Greenhouse.
We will visit this garden. We want to know more about strawberries. When does strawberry season start and till when does it last? Sir, the strawberry season lasts from December to March-April. 4-5 months.
The strawberry season lasts for 4-5 months. Once the plantation is complete, it sprouts white flowers like these. The green-coloured flowers in it are what would grow into strawberries. How much time does it take for the flower to turn into the fruit? It takes 40 days 40 days! So how big does it get in 40 days? It grows up to this size. Alright! So, then, you'll shift it from here? Yes, to the main farm.
In the main farm, the strawberries grow closer to earth. Once these are shifted to the main farm, the plant grows white-colour flowers, which turn red eventually. If I talk about this portion of the plant, how many strawberries would it yield? This plantation has 100 strawberry plants. Every 2-3 days, this plantation yields 1 to 1.5 kg of strawberries. What is the frequency of harvest? It is every 2 days, 3 days, or 4 days.
Interesting! Very good! Strawberry grows better in cold climate. Yeah! Can I see your farm? Yes, you can. My farm is behind this. Let's go! I am going to give you strawberries to taste. Alright! This is the strawberry, you need to click and break it, like this. It tastes delicious! Good! This crop of ours is 100% organic.
It tastes good! You have a selling counter here? Yes, we have a selling counter, where you'll get fresh juice, cream, milk profucts. Right now, all I want is ro get more strawberries, which I would eat in the evening. Once we reach the hotel. How much weight is this> 250 grams? Yes! Let's get this. Nice! Okay! And this is packing weighs a killogram? This one weighs half a kg.
Half a kg! This package will cost you Rs 50. Let's do one thing. Let's get this half a kg pack with you. Alright.
It is good to eat and it will stay fresh till tomorrow. Great! We've reached near Venna Lake. We've parked our car.
I can see lot of horses here. They said they are charging Rs 200 per person to take them on a round of this place. Nice! Come let's go for boating. Rs 800 is the charge for a one-hour ride on a rowing boat. Rs 400 is the charge for half-an-hour ride, which is what we are going for.
Tell us something about the Venna Lake It is a river, Venna RIver. The river water is collected here by building a dam. Its origin lies inside the Old Mahabaleshwar Temple. Other rivers that originate from there are Krishna, Koyna, Savitri, Gayatri. These five rivers originate from that temple.
This morning, I visited that temple to see the origin place but there, you've got a very small river. How is it so big here? Since that is the origin place, it is a small river there. Gradually, more water gets added to it. With the passage of time, the water level of this river has increased. So, you mean more water flows down from the mountain to add to this river? Yes, that includes rainwater as well. The water of this river is used to fulfill drinking needs of 30 villages includes Mahabaleshwar.
Is that so? Bhaiya, I saw paddle-boat and rowing-boat here. Do you also have motor-boat available here? Motor-boat is allowed here only for rescue purpose, not for tourists. Not for tourists! Not for tourists. It is because this water is used for drinking purpose. Yeah! Engine oil of the motorboat would pollute the water.
Now I get it. You are right! In case of an emergency like a capsized boat, they allow motorboats, otherwise not, Got it, because this is a source of drinking water. You are right! Okay then, it is nice! Boating in Venna Lake is a fun ride. I just changed my place on the boat.
Earlier I was sitting in the center but then I thought I should sit here, for better view. It is looking good! Nice, good! This episode of ours, which began this morning, will end here. As for our tomorrow's programme, we will go to Pratapgarh Fort in the morning. We will try to leave there by 2 PM so that we can spend half a day in Panchgani. We'd try to spend as much of time in Panchgani as we can before returning to Mahabaleshwar.
When we were coming here from Pune,... ...we were so late that we couldn't visit Panchgani at that time. So, this is the only feasible option visible to me. I want to explore Panchgani too.
For now, let me say bye to you here. We will meet again soon. Thanks for your time!
2025-05-01 04:19
