The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
India is often thought of as filled with huge, noisy, busy cities like Mumbai and New Delhi. These cities are big and exciting, but there are also small pockets of peace and relaxation even in the heart of India.
Mahabaleshwar is a small town in the state of Maharashtra. It’s a popular resort town for people from Mumbai who need a break from the city. On top of that, it’s an important place of pilgrimage for people of the Hindu faith.
The town itself is fascinating, but figuring out where to stay in Mahabaleshwar can be overwhelming! To help you out, we’ve figured out three awesome areas in Mahabaleshwar to suit any travel style and budget.
- Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
- Mahabaleshwar Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
- Mahabaleshwar’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mahabaleshwar.
- What To Pack For Mahabaleshwar
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mahabaleshwar
- Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Need some quick recommendations for the best places to stay in Mahabaleshwar? Here are our top picks.
Top Floor Villa | Best Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa sleeps up to four guests and is one of the best places to stay in Mahabaleshwar for groups. It’s located close to the forest areas, so you’ll have access to all the best outdoor spots and activities. The house offers spacious living with free wifi, pool access, and a garden.
Treebo Trend Ammy’s Vally Mahabaleshwar | Best Hotel in Mahabaleshwar
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mahabaleshwar for one night or a longer visit, this hotel is a great choice. It’s in the heart of the town, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and less than two kilometers from Venna Lake. There’s a restaurant on-site as well as large rooms with private bathrooms and work areas.
Arowana Villa | Best Luxury Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar
This villa is ideally located in one of the best areas to stay in Mahabaleshwar if you want to be close to everything. It sleeps up to eight guests across three bedrooms. It offers a full kitchen, free parking, and beautiful valley views as well as breakfast and a live-in chef!
Mahabaleshwar Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Panchgani
Panchgani is a small town located very close to Mahabaleshwar. It has several good hotels but fewer local attractions, which is why it’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mahabaleshwar on a budget.
Mahabaleshwar Market
Mahabaleshwar Market is the city center, and it’s just as busy and crowded as you might think. This is where you’ll find the greatest density of tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants which makes it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mahabaleshwar for families.
Located in the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, Mahabaleshwar has great weather year-round, spectacular natural landscape, mysterious forests, and incredible food. It isn’t a large city, so there aren’t a lot of areas where you’ll find good Mahabaleshwar accommodation options. In fact, there are only three main areas where travelers tend to stay.
The Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road stretches between the two towns and is one of the coolest places to stay in Mahabaleshwar. It offers easy access to restaurants and to both towns as well as lots of transport options so you can explore the surrounding areas.
Then there’s Panchgani, the best place to stay in Mahabaleshwar to stay in on a budget. This smaller town has fewer hotels and attractions, which is why restaurants and accommodation tend to be cheaper!
Finally, there’s the Mahabaleshwar Market. This is in the center of town and a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mahabaleshwar with family. The area itself is quite busy and noisy, but you’ll also have restaurants, shops, and transport within easy reach.
Want to save money on accommodation?
Enjoy 20% OFF on stays ALL around the world.
Mahabaleshwar’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Mahabaleshwar is a small town, but there are still several cool places to stay. Let’s look at each area in more detail.
1. Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road – Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road – Tantalize your tastebuds at Aradhya Strawberry Farms or the ever-popular Mapro Garden.
- BEST Place to Visit in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road – Mahabaleshwar Temple for history and an insight into the religious past and present of the area.
Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road stretches between the towns of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, and there are hotels and attractions all along it. This is the best place to stay if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mahabaleshwar for your first visit, as it offers a combination of a quieter environment as well as lots to see and do.
When you stay in this area, you can arrange for transport with your hotel, hire a car, or arrange a tour with one of the local providers. This road is also lined with restaurants, so you certainly won’t have any problems finding something amazing to eat while you’re there!
Cowboy Castle | Best Luxury Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road
This castle is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Mahabaleshwar Panchgani! With seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, it’s got space for 16 guests. With views over the mountain, not to mention the mountain breezes, this spacious and warmly decorated villa should be on top of anyone’s list.
West Valley Villa | Best Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road
This villa is ideal for families or groups traveling on a budget. It sleeps ten guests across three bedrooms, and also boasts spacious rooms with modern appliances. It’s right on the main road for convenience and has a private garden that you can enjoy during your stay, as well as mountain and lake views.
Shiva Valley | Best Hotel in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road
This hotel is close to Lingmala Falls and offers free parking, a restaurant, and car hire so you can control your own transport. The rooms all have their own bathrooms and the hotel serves a delicious breakfast every morning. It’s great value for money and is close to all the top attractions.
Things to See and Do in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road:
- Check out the displays at the Hollywood Wax Museum.
- Go go-karting and enjoy the arcade at Velocity Entertainmentz.
- Have a meal at the Royal Garden Family Restaurant or Gokul’s Food Planet.
- Explore the mysterious Kamalgad Fort.
- Explore the Rajpuri Caves and temple.
- Visit the nearby town of Wai for temples and trekking.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey2. Panchgani – Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Panchgani – Go shopping at the Panchgani Market.
- BEST Place to Visit in Panchgani – The second highest plateau in Asia, Table Land, for horse riding, hiking, and nature.
Panchgani is a small town located very close to Mahabaleshwar. It has several good hotels but fewer local attractions, making it the best choice for those backpacking India on a budget. Everything is just a little bit cheaper in this town, so you may be able to do more than you expected during your stay!
When it comes time to eat, you won’t be disappointed, as Panchgani has a good collection of restaurants serving delicious and varied food. It’s also slightly quieter than Mahabaleshwar, which means you’ll get to see a more local way of life in this town.
Delightful Shyama Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Panchgani
Located just five minutes drive from the heart of Panchgani, this bungalow offers gorgeous outdoor spaces and a modern interior. The bungalow offers complete privacy, two outdoor courtyards, and a bonfire pit so you can make the most of the warm weather during your stay.
Ambassador Hotel | Best Hotel in Panchgani
This hotel in Mahabaleshwar offers an on-site restaurant, free parking, a BBQ area, and a children’s playground. The rooms have private bathrooms, and some of them have sitting areas while others have balconies or patios so you can enjoy the outdoors.
4BR Secret Villa | Best Luxury Airbnb in Panchgani
This beautiful villa is one of the coolest places to stay in Mahabaleshwar if you’re traveling with a big group. It sleeps up to 12 guests and has a private garden, a full kitchen, and a balcony. It also boasts beautiful décor that will add immeasurably to your experience!
Things to See and Do in Panchgani:
- Take the kids to enjoy the rides at the On Wheelz Amusement Park.
- Enjoy the views from Parsi Point or Sydney Point.
- Go paragliding or take the chance to learn in the stunning surroundings.
- Support local creatives at Devrai Art Village.
- Have a meal at Devil’s Kitchen or Café Arsh and Seafood.
- Hike the Footway to Pandav cave.
3. Mahabaleshwar Market – Where to Stay in Mahabaleshwar for Families
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Mahabaleshwar Market – Take a stroll through the market and pick up some souvenirs.
- BEST Place to Visit in Mahabaleshwar Market – Venna Lake for boating and boat tours.
Mahabaleshwar Market is in the city center, and it’s just as busy and crowded as you might think. This is where you’ll find the greatest density of attractions, shops, and restaurants which makes it a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mahabaleshwar for families.
It does get a little busy in this area, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, then look for a hotel that’s 5-10 minutes away from the center. You can always find taxis and tours from this part of the city too, so you won’t even need your own car!
Luxurious 3 BHK Villa | Best Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar Market
This budget-friendly villa is in the best neighborhood in Mahabaleshwar to stay in for family-friendly activities and atmosphere. It offers lots of outdoor spaces including a private yard as well as a full-time caretaker. The villa is beautifully decorated and meals are also available.
Misty Meadows | Best Luxury Airbnb in Mahabaleshwar Market
This beautiful apartment is in the best neighborhood to stay in Mahabaleshwar if you want to be close to the market and to the forest. It offers beautiful forest views as well as eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms – perfect for large groups or families who need to spread out.
Hotel Shanti Palace | Best Hotel in Mahabaleshwar Market
Located right in the center of one of Mahabaleshwar’s best neighborhoods, this hotel is close to the market and to local restaurants and shops. It has a shared lounge and terrace where you can relax and socialize as well as comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel also serves breakfast every morning so you can start your day out right!
Things to See and Do in Mahabaleshwar Market:
- Take in the views from Kate’s point.
- Head out of the city and go jungle trekking in Tapola.
- Explore the ponds and mysterious tunnels of Pratapgarh Fort.
- Cool down at the beautiful Dhobi Waterfall.
- Check out the views and go for a horse ride at Sunset Point.
- Marvel at the views from local scenic spots like Plato Point or Wilson Point of Sunrise.
- Go birdwatching at Babington Point.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the whole area at Arthur Seat Mahabaleshwar Point.
- Eat at some of the area’s best restaurants like the Grapevine or Saayali Restaurant.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mahabaleshwar.
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Mahabaleshwar and where to stay.
What To Pack For Mahabaleshwar
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mahabaleshwar
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Mahabaleshwar
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mahabaleshwar for adventure or for a quieter, more authentic experience, there are some awesome accommodation options. It’s the surrounding landscape and historic attractions that really make this an amazing destination year-round.
Hopefully, by now, you have a clearer idea of hwere to stay in Mahabaleshwar. If you’re still unsure, you can’t go wrong staying on Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road! It provides easy access to the top attractions of the city, so you can really make the most of your visit.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around India.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in India.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for India.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
