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Mumbai, a combination of seven reclaimed islands, is known by different names.  Portuguese called it ‘Bom Baia’ meaning ‘good bay’ in their language. The Britishers changed it to Bombay. Another version is that the original inhabitants of the islands were fisher folks called Kolis. They worshiped a Hindu deity called Mumbadevi.  Bombay is now renamed as Mumbai.

Mumbai houses several heritage sites, particularly the Gateway of India, which interest globetrotters. Other important sites Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Vasai Fort, Flora Fountain, Essel World, Water Kingdom, Prince of Wales Museum, Nehru Planetarium , Jehangir Art Gallery, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai Zoo, Taraporewala Aquarium, Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach, Vihar Lake, Hanging Gardens, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Nariman Point, Marine Drive (‘Queen’s Necklace’), Mahalaxmi Temple, Iskcon Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Mosque, Film City, Kanheri Caves, Jogeshwari Caves, Mahalaxmi Race Course and Elephanta Island.

Mahabaleshwar, located at an elevation of 1,353 metres, is a plateau measuring an area of 150 sq km. The Krishna River originates from the mouth of the legendary statue of a cow in the temple of Mahadev situated in Old Mahabaleshwar. The River flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 

Tourists can visit several waterfalls like Lingmala waterfall, Chinaman's waterfall and the Dhobi waterfalls. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful sight of the mountains and green valley from over 30 viewpoints including Wilson Point (highest), Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point and Kate's Point.  Other attractions in Mahabaleshwar are Pratapgarh Fort, Arthur's Seat and Rajpuri Caves. Mahabaleshwar is famous for strawberries and mulberries and products made of them.

Mahabaleshwar has moderate climate throughout the year. There is no shortage of accommodation options in Mahabaleshwar which include high-end, middle-range and budget hotels.

The distance from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar, a hill station, is around 247 km (Via Mahad).  The convenient way to reach Mahabaleshwar is to take a State Transport or private bus or hire a taxi from Mumbai.  Taxis will take four to five hours to reach the hill station.

All types of State transport and private buses are available at regular intervals from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The Volvo bus ride from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar will take six hours and will cost around Rs 500.  An ordinary a/c bus will cost Rs 200.

Pune International Airport, situated about 120 km away from Mahabaleshwar, is the nearest accessible airbase from here. But going to Pune first by air and then take a bus or taxi to Mahabaleshwar from there is not convenient for travellers going from Mumbai.

The nearest railway station is Wather, which is situated about 62 km from Mahabaleshwar.  But it is not convenient for the travellers from Mumbai to go to Wather by train and take road route to the hill station.

To Know more about the popular trip Mumbai to Shirdi and Pune to Mahabaleshwar visit HolidayIQ.