Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is located at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara area. The hill station has a legendary past. The name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, "Maha" (great), "Bal" (power) and "Ishwar" (God). However, various say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which just means very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past.

The British in organize to escape the summer heat of the plains and in their search for cooler enjoyable climates, were forever looking for mountain tops and plateau for recreation and change.

So it happened that Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face success what is at present known as the Lodwick Point. Thus Mahabaleshwar was "exposed".

Mahabaleshwar is well-known for its scenic beauty and the splendid views of the valleys and the sea, which is quite visible in clear days pony rides on the lanes of Mahabaleshwar, are quite thrilling.

Numerous attractive mount resorts nestle in these mountains. They appear to belong to the colonial era while people traveled up to these resorts to escape the heat of the plains.

Several of them still retain some of the Old World charm and create an ideal holiday destination. Mahabaleshwar is by far the greatest of any holiday spot in Maharashtra for climate, excursions, sports and various other activities. It is, behind all, the "Queen of all Hill Stations".