Arthur's Seat

Lovingly coined as the 'Queen of the Points', the actual name of Arthur's Seat in Mahabaleshwar is Madhi Mahal. Arthur’s Seat is nestled at a height of about 1470 m above sea level and is located some 13 kilometres away from the city centre of Mahabaleshwar. Looked upon as one of the most famous viewpoints of the city, Arthur’s Seat Point is listed among the best jewels of Mahabaleshwar, and is thronged by tourists from across the world.

The place derived its name from Arthur Malet, who happened to lose his wife along with his month old girl child to a horrific accident in the Savitri River. While one part of the place is encircled by the deep gorge of Savitr, the other part is surrounded by the verdant green plateau. Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar is said to have derived its name from Sir Arthur Malet, who is believed to have built the first house there. The only viewpoint to overlook the geological contrast between the Deccan territories and Konkan, Arthur’s Seat point comprises of 6 points.

Traveller Tips to Keep in Mind

• The parking slot for the place is a little far away, and would thus need you to walk 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint.

• You can expect myriad vendors all along your way to the viewpoint.

• The trek to the Arthur’s Seat Point is considered easy, given the stone steps that cover most of the route.

• The viewpoint is a 1km walk from the base, and is worth all your efforts and energy, given the outstanding views it offers you with.

• You must carry sufficient water, as the chances of getting fresh water along the route are bleak. There happens to only one source of fresh water along the entire trek to the viewpoint.

• It is advisable to hire a guide with you as the route might sometimes get confusing.

• Try visiting the viewpoint in the early morning to avoid the parking problems and crowds.

• The place gets unbelievably crowded during the weekends. Hence, always plan your trip to the viewpoint during the weekdays.

Things to Do at Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar

The barren deep Savitri valley on one side of the viewpoint and the verdant green Jor valley on the other side allows a breath-taking view to the seat point which you can enjoy. Upon moving a few steps downward, you can witness the window point just beneath the viewpoint beside the beautiful Tiger Spring, which is looked upon as the origin of Savitri River. You can also gaze at the spellbinding views of the great Mahabaleshwar Range which runs inclusive of Koleshwar, Chandragad, Pratapgad, and Raireshwar. Arthur’s Seat offers pleasant views of the Western Ghats, the Koyna and Sita rivers, and some dense jungles around. Besides, you can treat your taste buds to some sparkling natural spring water. The most interesting activity one engages in while at Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar is throwing light objects like bottle caps right in the valley, to watch it bounce back due to extreme air pressure. Be prepared to get up and personal with numerous monkeys at the viewpoint.

Availability

The Arthur’s Seat Point in Mahabaleshwar is open between 9 in the morning to 8 in the night. Plan your trip either in the early morning hours, right when it opens for tourists, to marvel at the sunrise, or during the evening time to get awestruck by the marvellous sunset views.

The Interesting History Behind Arthur’s Seat Point

Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar is said to have derived its name from Sir Arthur Malet, who according to folklore had lost his wife and his month old daughter to a horrific accident in the Savitri River. Upon witnessing the gruesome ferry accident and having lost his beloved ones, he was seen to be sitting at the viewpoint every day, wishing and hoping for them to return to life.

The Marvellous Architecture of Arthur’s Seat Point

Arthur’s Seat Point has gained popularity and fame amongst tourists from all over the world due to its stunning rock settings and formations here. Thanks to its geographical design, magnificence, and grandeur, Arthur’s Point, Mahabaleshwar is frequently compared with the famous Great Canyon in the States.

Colourful Festivals Held

One of the most significant festivals held in Mahabaleshwar is Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Followed to this, Diwali is also seen to be enjoyed with the entire hill station getting decked up in lights and decoration. Another most enjoyed festival of Mahabaleshwar is the famous Strawberry Festival, which is held during the March for two consecutive days.

Popular Culture

Mahabaleshwar is blessed with an unparalleled beauty, characterized by marvellous foggy hills, picturesque valleys, breath-taking waterfalls, sparkling spring water, dense woods, and stretches of lush strawberry farms. The visitors thronging the place enjoy adventurous sports like trekking, horse riding, boating, etc. Marathi, is the most spoken language of Mahabaleshwar, which also unfolds the vast Maharashtrian culture.

Best Time to Visit Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar

The ideal time to visit Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar is between June to February when the viewpoint is endowed with nature’s bounty and allows breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding place.

How to Reach Arthur’s Seat Point?

Arthur’s Seat Point is an hour’s drive from the city centre of Mahabaleshwar, Pune. It is always wise to book a taxi from the city of Mahabaleshwar, as public transportations aren’t always available.

Pune on the other hand is one of the vital railway stations in Maharashtra, which has several trains coming and going from all parts of the nation.

You can also expect direct state transportations from Mumbai, Pune, and Poladpur. You can hire shared public transports and buses from Poladpur to Dhawale, the base village.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar

• One has to cross a minimum of 5 different viewpoints before reaching Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar.

• Sharing close vicinity with Arthur’s Seat Point is a man who helps tourists have a telescopic view of the Pratapgad Fort in exchange for some pennies. You can enjoy a brief glimpse of the fort and the magnificent statue of King Shivaji.

• The viewpoint offers a 360-degree view of the Mahabaleshwar hills where it is centred.

• The place is also referred to as the Pocket Valley.

• The valley is in a perfect V shape between the mountains. With tremendous air pressure all around, to have enough wind lashing against your face.

• Few other interesting viewpoints that you can enjoy are the Tiger Spring Point, Echo Point, and the Malcon Point.

Frequently Asked Questions on Arthur’s Seat Point, Mahabaleshwar

Q1) Does the place have any entry fees?

No, the place doesn’t require any entry fees.

Q2) Is Videography and Photography allowed at Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar?

Yes, both videography and photography are allowed at Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar. You can capture the breath-taking views of the valleys, hills, and Pratapgad Fort from here.

Q3) What are the nearby hotels from Arthur’s Seat Point?

A few of the nearby hotels are:

• Citrus Chambers Mahabaleshwar

• Bella Vista Resort

• Ever shine Resort

• Bella Vista Resort

• Le Meridian Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa

• Rasmukh Resorts and Spa

Q4) What are some of the restaurants near Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar?

Few of the famous restaurants near to the viewpoint are:

• The Grapevine

• Bagicha Corner

• Farmhouse Bistro

• Mad Smoke House

• Mapro Garden