It is often said that Mahabaleshwar is marathi manus Kullu Manali and ofcourse it is. Or it can be also said that Kullu Manali is North Indians Mahabaleshwar. All seasons the weather is soul soothing and the landscape of Sahyadris which meet at Mahabaleshwar is out of this world.
We visited for a family function. My brother in law works in Mahabaleshwar (i know how exotic it sounds). The function was organised at Greenland Stay Hotel and Resort, which is only 2 kms offset from the Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Road and 5-6 kms away from Panchgani market. The location was bit offroad and small vehicles or sedan will have bit of struggle to reach the location, but it is motorable. The location is amazing with views of Sahyadris on the north side of Mahabaleshwar mountain. The fort Kamalgad view is breathtaking and you can enjoy the same sitting in lawns of the resort whole day. The resort has 18-20 rooms, some big some small. As we arrived early, we had the choice to choose the best room for us (early bird catches the worm), which was the corner room with windows on three sides, the overall view from the room was superb. The room size is spacious, ideal for 2 adults and one child. Resort has swimming pool with kids and adults section separate. But swimming pool in 15 degree celsius weather is not a good idea, but my 5 yr old daughter as usual didn't care about the temperature and dipped into the swimming pool. With her I also had to dip in for her safety and gossshhh!! the water was bone chilling. My daughter was enjoying like it was a temperature controlled pool.
The resort overlooks a large strawberry plantation on the north side which is controlled by the land owner of the resort. The hotel visitors are not welcome in the garden, which is Ok, but if someone is ready to pay then they shall allow. All around there are private properties where trespassing is not allowed, unfortunately while having evening walk I ventured into one and I was reprimanded. No issues, I found a way to reach the valley overlooking Dhom dam. The view from that point is why people come to Mahabaleshwar. The view of large water body between Mahabaleshwar and Kamalgad mountain is eye-soothing and the terraces of strawberry garden give them an extra premium touch.
There was dinner and bonfire in the evening. The hotel owner had arranged food from outside for 25-30 people of our group because they ddin't have a big kitchen and enough manpower to cook food for large groups. Food was really good, less oily and rightly spiced. Breakfast next morning was Misal pav and Upma, but I didn't have it due to my fast. Lunch before leaving the place was good like the Dinner. Overall experience of stay was good, the location is awesome as it is offroad from main tourist attractions, the environment is really peaceful for a quiet weekend stay. The service was slow as I think the hotel is newly constructed and the staff is ran by a small family, still they were doing their best. The most disappointing thing was about availability of hot water. They have only one solar water heater, the water of which is only sufficient for 15-20 people, after that people are left with heater to dip inside the bucket which is not at all safe. atleast they shall have geyser at a common location, if not in each and every room, I am ok with that, many would have made an issue on this problem. Hot water is very much required in such a cold place.
Food - 7/10
Rooms - 8/10
Service - 6/10 (due to hot water issue one point reduced)
Amenities - 5/10
Location - 9/10
Views - 10/10
Cleanliness - 8/10
Overall rating - 7/10 (Must visit)
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