
260 km via Pune. About 6 hours one-way. The Sahyadri's flagship hill station — viewpoints, strawberry farms, the lake, the bazaar. Most families take a 2-day package; some add Panchgani.
Crisp weather, clear viewpoints, strawberry season begins December. Sweater required.
Still cooler than Mumbai. Strawberry farms in peak. School vacation rush.
Spectacular waterfalls, foggy viewpoints (visibility limited). The Sahyadri at its greenest.
Sample itinerary: Day 1 — leave Mumbai 6 AM, lunch in Pune, arrive Mahabaleshwar 4 PM. Sunset at Wilson Point. Day 2 — Arthur's Seat, Lingmala falls, strawberry farm, return to Mumbai by 9 PM.

