Nature’s Throne-The Panoramic Arthur’s Seat Point
Arthur’s seat point
Arthur’s Seat Point is a popular viewpoint located in the hills of Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Maharashtra, India. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, lush greenery, and the Krishna River. The point is named after Sir Arthur Malet, who is believed to have developed this area. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty, take walks, and capture photographs at this picturesque spot.
Arthur’s Seat is a famous tourist attraction that invites people from all walks of life to look over the mesmerizing views of the Savitri Valley on one side and the verdant green plateau on the other side. It’s the only viewpoint where you can observe the geological contrast between the Deccan and Konkan territories and has a kind of atmosphere that lets you relax, rejuvenate, and return home refreshed.
Perched at the height of 1470 meters above sea level, Arthur’s Seat point, also referred to as the Queen of all the points, comprises 6 points – Arthur’s Seat Point, Window Point, Tiger Sprint Point, Malcolm Point, Hunter Point, Echo Point. The attractive feature of this place is the floating of light objects which simply means that if you throw things like a cap in the air, they will automatically float back due to the certain air pressure.
Other places near Arthur’s Seat Point
From Arthur’s Seat Point, one can see a picturesque vista having Konkan on one side and Deccan on the other. The stratification of rocks on the southern side looks like the world-famous Grand Canyon of Colorado.
Echo Point
Echo Point returns back one’s voice when shouted loudly into the valley. There is one more Echo Point in Mahabaleshwar at Kate’s Point which is the more popular of the two.
Tiger Spring Point
Tiger Spring Point has springs having natural cool and safe potable water. Wild Animals used to drink water here.
Window Point
Window Point is in front of Arthur’s Seat Point. It got its name because of its naturally formed window-shaped mountain.
Hunter Point and Malcom Point
Hunter Point as its name suggests was used for hunting by British Officers. Malcolm Point is a great place to view Toranagad, Pratapgad, and Savitri Valley.
Also, read- Mahabaleshwar: ‘Needle Hole Point rock formation’ And The Most Beautiful Views Of The Deccan Traps
Things to do at Arthur’s Seat Point
There are many things to engage yourself in other than enjoying the beautiful scenery of the area. The following are the 2 important activities-
Trekking
Considered the most beloved trekking point for trekkers, Arthur’s Seat offers a mind-boggling opportunity for adventure seekers looking to bring out the best of adventure. It’s a one-day trek that takes nearly 7 to 8 hours and can be enjoyed by both novices as well as experienced people.
Photography
Heaven for shutterbugs, Arthur’s Seat has a picture-perfect setting for photographers looking to capture some memorable photos with a jaw-dropping backdrop for their social media feeds like Instagram. Don’t hesitate to ask others to click on your pictures if you’re traveling alone on your Mahabaleshwar tour.
If interested and have time, visitors can also pay a visit to the other nearby places like Lingmala Waterfall, Venna Lake, Krishna Temple, and Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Arthurs seat walk
The Arthur’s Seat walk refers to a popular walking trail. It is a well-known route that takes you to the top of Arthur’s Seat, a basaltic volcanic hill, and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The walk offers stunning views of Mahabaleshwar. The trail is relatively moderate in difficulty and can be accessed from several points in the park. It’s a favorite activity for locals and tourists alike, providing an opportunity to enjoy nature and experience breathtaking vistas.
Arthurs seat hike
The Arthur’s Seat hike refers to the activity of hiking up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. It is a popular outdoor adventure that allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and surrounding Basalting landscape. The hike involves ascending the slopes of the ancient volcanic hill, which can be moderately challenging depending on the chosen route and individual fitness level.
Best Time to Visit Arthur’s Seat Point
June to February is the ideal period to head toward Arthur’s Seat point in Mahabaleshwar. This is the time when this viewpoint looks absolutely mesmerizing and breathtaking with panoramic views surrounding the area from all sides.
How to Reach Arthur’s Seat Point
Located at a distance of 13 km from the center of Mahabaleshwar, Arthur’s Seat can be easily accessed by locals and tourists via a taxi as public transportation is not readily available within the city.
The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune International Airport, which is approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mahabaleshwar. The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Wathar Railway Station, located about 60 kilometers away.
Mahabaleshwar is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by car or bus. It is approximately 120 kilometers from Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai. You can take the Pune-Mahabaleshwar Road or the Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar Road to reach the place.