Mhaismal, Ellora Caves - Best Season to Visit, Things to Do
#22 of 22 Places to Visit in Ellora Caves
Distance (From Ellora Caves): 15 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): Full Day
Transportation Options: Cab
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 15 km from Ellora Caves, and 37 km from Aurangabad, Mhaismal is a beautiful hill station in located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the unexplored hill stations in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Aurangabad.
Mhaismal is situated at an altitude of 1067 m amidst the Sahyadri Ranges. Also titled as the 'Mahabaleshwar of Marathwada', Mhaismal is a hill station that gets its name from a nearby village, Maheshmal. Mhaismal is a perfect blend of the undefiled nature and the breathtaking terrains. Mhaismal is renowned for its temples, gardens, valleys, caves, and forts, all contributing to its intrinsic natural allure. It offers a serene retreat for city dwellers seeking a peaceful weekend escape from Mumbai, Aurangabad, or Pune.
The hill station features a plateau adorned with lush greenery, hills, and forest cover, making it a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. It is also celebrated as a Botanical workshop due to its diverse flora and fauna. Like most hill stations, Mhaismal boasts several viewpoints such as Sunset Point, Valley View, and Necklace Point. The Valley Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the green slopes and valleys, while Necklace Point offers a glimpse of the countryside and is a popular tourist attraction, complete with tea and snack stalls.
Visitors can also explore the Girija Devi temple, Balaji temple, or the ancient Jain temple. The Grishneshar Shiva temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas, is located about 18 km from Mhaismal. No visit to Mhaismal is complete without paying respects at the Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple, renowned for its cleanliness and being one of the Ashtavinayaka.
Mhaismal is particularly alluring during the monsoon season (from June to September), when it is cloaked in vibrant greenery. The landscape, including the neighboring valleys and hills, becomes even more breathtaking during this time, attracting visitors seeking the enhanced beauty of the hill station.
Timings: 24 Hours
Entry: Free