Elphinston
Point
This is one of the famous and most beautiful point in Mahableshwar. It was founded by Dr. Murray in 1830 and was named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Mount Elphinston. From this point we get a clear view of Pratapgarh. It over looks two valleys the Koyana on the left and the Savitri on the right.
Arthur’s Seat and Window Point
Towards the Northwest of Mahableshwar is the Arthur’s Seat Point. It has been named after Mr. Arthur Mallet who first built a house here. From this point one can view the valley of Savitri river and the valley of Jor. The forts namely Raigarh, Tornagarh and Kangari are also viewed from here. In the summer season the haze usually obstructs the view but in October –November these hills are seen to a fine advantage. About 200 ft below is the window point. This point five a magnificient view of the natural beauty of the valley below. On way to Arthur Seat is a stream known as Tiger Spring it is considered to be the source of the river Savitri.. It is believed that tigers and other animals came there to drink water at night. The stratification of rocks on southern side is compared to the famous Grand Canyon of Colorado, U.S.A.
Elphinstone Point is a seven-mile drive from Frere Hall. Two miles more lead to Arthur Seat. The cliffs at these points are higher than at any of the nearer eminences. These rise from the Konkan which is some two thousand five hundred feet below the level of the Koyna valley. The ravine between Elphinstone Point and Arthur Seat is the rise of the Savitri river, and the height of the cliff at the point where the stream reaches its base is not less probably than 3000 feet. There is a small bungalow at Elphinstone Point, which provided accomodation for visitors. The bungalow is now out of repairs, Mahabaleshwar municipality had decided to demolish it and to construct a new picnic shed on a suitable spot at Arthur seat. The road which passes the Mahabaleshwar temple is passable for light vehicles, but is unbridged and abounds in steep inclines and sharp curves. From Elphinstone Point to Arthur's Seat it runs close to the edge of the cliffs from which only a small stone parapet divides it. Great care should be taken in driving through this portion. Arthur Seat, so called after Mr. Arthur Mallet who first built his house here, is the highest point of the range in the neighbourhood, being 4421 feet above sea level. The view is of immense extent in all directions. North-west over a ridge about five hundred feet lower is seen the Jor valley dense with forest and concealing the head waters of the Krishna. Rajgad (3992) and Torna (4605), in Poona and Kangori (2457) in Kolaba are all visible from this point. During the hot weather the haze usually obstructs the view, but in October and November these and other hills are seen to fine advantage. They form masses of huge rocks rugged beyond description and appartently unscalable. In most places the vegetation has been cleared or burnt off them. This adds to the wildness of the scene. But notwithstanding its grandeur the eye would gladly find some relief from the universal bareness, and turns with enjoyment to the masses of foliage on the southern side. About half a mile from Arthur Seat itself is a small path, which by a scramble, leads down to a spring 200 feet below called the Wishing Well. The path follows the line of the cliffs and mounting up meet the carriage road at the little cleared spot which constitutes Arthur Seat. A very steep and rather unsafe path over the eminence enables a good climber to get down to a small ledge known as the window. It is about 200 feet below the Arthur's Seat and once reached gives a magnificent view of the extraordinary drop on into the valley below. The ledge is so low that the visitor can lean over it and gaze securely into the depths below without endangering his balance by straining in any way. Another circuitous path starts northwards from the Seat and is a safer way of reaching the window. Beyond the window a long spur projects into the Konkan, and by the path above mentioned the people habitually pass the range, sometimes even with heavy burdens. Considerable time is usually necessary for seeing Elphinstone Point and Arthur Seat. The best plan is to send out provisions and make a long morning of it.