Trip to Mahabaleshwar - Day 1

Yeay!! So finally we were off. A break from the daily routine was very much needed. After much deliberation, we zeroed down on Mahabaleshwar to spend a long weekend. It was one of my best trips so far.

Our tour package consisted of three parts: Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Pratapgrah. However, what made the holiday enjoyable and interesting was the beautiful weather and the trip to Pratapgrah.

On the first day, we left Mumbai early morning and reached Mahabaleshwar at lunch time. After a yummy lunch and some rest, we proceeded to Venna lake for boating and some fun. Venna lake is situated 1.5 kms away from the market area. Private tours as well as tours conducted by MTDC do not cover Venna lake. You need to visit this place separately. A cab ride from the market to Venna lake costs Rs. 40.

View of Venna lake from a distance

The main attraction at this place is boating. However, it comes at a heavy price. You can choose between a row boat and 'paddle' boat. Yes, you heard it right. That's what pedal boating is called at Venna lake. For row boat, you have the choice of rowing on your own or hiring a rower do the job.

You can hire a row boat for half an hour or an hour. Pedal boats, however, can be hired for an hour only. The cost of hiring a row boat for an hour is 300 bucks and a pedal boat would cost you 400 bucks.

To hire a row boat for half an hour, you would need to shell out 150 bucks. In addition, the rower needs to be paid 30 bucks for a half an hour ride and 60 bucks for the one hour ride. If you choose to row the boat yourself, you have to pay 300 bucks an hour. Row boats without the rower are not available for half an hour rides. Ridiculous :|

Beautiful view from the row boat

All prices are fixed by the government. So no negotiating or bargaining. One good thing is that the price is fixed for up to six people. So if you are visiting the place with a group of friends or family, it would turn out to be advantageous.

Boating

Apart from boating, you can try out horse-riding.

Horse-riding at Venna lake

There is a small amusement park opposite the lake. The free-fall ride is the biggest attraction here. You can also try munching some yummy sweet corn, with masala or butter. Boiled corn is also available and tastes much better than the baked corn. Beware of cows running amok trying a take a bite from your corn. We had one of the cows chasing us around the lake.

All said and done, the trip to Venna lake was eventful....

However, a trip to Mahabaleshwar is incomplete....

Without juicy strawberries...

And ...

Delicious mulberries