Sir Charles Malet was the first Briton who set foot in Mahabaleshwar in 1791. In 1828 in Mahabaleshwar a sanitarium was built under the governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm and General Peter Lodwick. The name of Mahabaleshwar was then “Malcolm Peth” and the hill station was considered a British territory. John Malcolm was enticed by the beauty of Mahabaleshwar and thus under British rule, a lovely resort was developed in Mahabaleshwar. The Mahabaleshwar Club along with roads, churches and bungalows were built. A race course and polo ground were established. Mahabaleshwar has an interesting history. An open jail reformatory was built with the sanitarium. Convicts from Malaysia and China were brought here and they worked on constructions of roads, maintenance of gardens and did other works. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital during the British rule of Bombay Presidency. The bungalows, cottages and mansions built by the British bestowed a quaint sophistication on Mahabaleshwar.
Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra is a popular tourist destination with several tourist attractions. The roads of Mahabaleshwar are scenic leading to other beautiful attractions.
- Catholic Church: Visit the Roman Catholic Holy Cross Church, one of the souvenirs of the prosperous yore of Mahabaleshwar. The church is almost in rumbles but the stained glass windows are beautiful. A Hindu family looks after the deserted church.
- Mount Malcom: Mount Malcom is one of the most famous buildings speaking of the history of Mahabaleshwar. The building boasts of fine architecture. This building was built in 1829.
- Morarji Castle: This old structure is one of the nice sights in Mahabaleshwar. In 1945 Mahatma Gandhi lived here.
- Mahabaleshwar Club: The Mahabaleshwar Club was built in the year 1881. The building is well maintained and flourishing. To stay here you need to be a member of the Mahabaleshwar Club. The jogging track is good and the rose garden is beautiful. Christmas is celebrated in Mahabaleshwar Club each year. The golf course is open to all the visitors.
- Pratapgarh Fort: Pratapgarh Fort is located at a distance of 24 kilometers. Follwing the command of Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler Moropant Trimak Pingle built the fort in 1656. Here Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, the general of Bijapur. The view from the fort is beautiful.
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