July 2023
Visited Mahabaleshwar in the rains. Intense winds and rains prevented any adventure activities. Hence was confined to hotel room all the time. However, did manage to visit Mapro shop and restaurant and a couple of temples. Could not visit Wai, a town on the banks of Krishna River and lots of temples. Also, a location for a lot of Rohit Shetty film shootings. Also, weather prevented a trip to Pratapgad.
First temple visited was Sri Mahabaleshwar temple on a hill top. Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. For once, we could drive right up to the temple. Different from the Hoysala, Vijayanagara or the Chola temples in the south. The temple in its shape today was built in 16th century and follows the hemadpanti (correction pointed out by my architect cousin) style of architecture. No adornments outside except the Pyramid shaped top. It is the place where Chatrapati Shivaji donated gold equal to weight of his mother to the poor. An image taken in the rains below.
Another temple visited was the Krushnabai or Krushnamai temple. A temple with Shivalinga inside is the origin of Krishna River. Again, similar architecture as the Sri Mahabaleshwar temple. With rains and clouds could not see the valley and the mountains across the valley. I can imagine how wonderful view it would be on a bright day. Images below
While very little could be done in the inclement weather, it was a restful trip. I would love to visit one more time in better weather and move around to various viewpoints, paraglide and most definitely visit Pratapgad.
Until the next trip update, Good-bye.
sunilmatange.in 
Leave a comment