Mahabaleshwar's main attractions are its viewpoints, its old temple, and the surrounding countryside. The viewpoints are the reason most visitors come, and the best of them reward the early morning — hire a taxi from the main bazaar for a half-day circuit, starting with Wilson Point for sunrise and following the plateau rim to Arthur's Seat, Kate's Point, Elephant's Head Point, and Bombay Point for sunset.
Arthur's Seat is the most dramatic of the viewpoints — the sheer drop below it into the Konkan plains is about 1,200 metres. Wilson Point is the highest point of the plateau and the place to come for sunrise, arriving before dawn if you want the view to yourself. Venna Lake is the lower-key family attraction: rowboats, horses, and an atmosphere closer to a village fair than a nature experience.
The Old Mahabaleshwar Temple is a significant Shiva temple and one of the source points of the Krishna River. The Pratapgad Fort at 24 km distance is the best day trip from the hill station — a major Maratha fort with a famous story attached.
Strawberry picking at the farms around Panchgani and at Mapro Garden is popular with families. The berry season runs from November to April.