Main Info
Arthur’s Seat, Mahabaleshwar, Overview
Arthur’s Seat, commonly known as Suicide Point, is a massive table-like structure supported by a rocky pillar. It overlooks the Brahma-Arayana Valley and Savitri River and the view from the top is simply mesmerizing. Arthur’s Seat is referred to as the queen of all the tourist points in the region and is visited by tourists all year long. There are other interesting places situated nearby including Tiger’s Spring and Window Point.
More on Arthur’s Seat
Trekking to Arthur’s Seat
All those who love adventure should undertake a trek to Arthur’s Seat. You can either begin your trek from Shelarwadi village or Dhawale village. It will take around 15-20 mins of walk to reach Shelarwadi from Dhawale. The initial phase of the trail passes through fields and clusters of the small houses. As you keep walking, you will finally reach a ridge that gives away to a hillock. Throughout the route, the signboards inscribed with ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, is put in order to ease the navigation.
As you proceed, the trail gets steeper till you reach a rocky area. You need to carefully climb this rock patch in order to reach the top of the fort. This point is then followed by a popular stopover named Bhairichi Ghumati. After this, the trek route is followed by another narrow ridge with deep valleys on the sides. You will also cross a dense forest before reach Arthur’s Seat. The entire excursion to Arthur’s Seat can be spread over two days. However, the trek can be completed in one day as well.
Note: Hire a local guide who will direct you as the routes are confusing at times.
Food Availability
There are no food stalls at the top and the trek is long and very tiring. Therefore, it advised to carry enough supplies of food and water. There is only one suitable source of freshwater supply along the trek route.
Accommodation
Since the base point of the trek is a rural setting, there are no hotels or resorts. However, the locals here are sweet enough to provide arrangements for your stay at affordable rates. In Dhawale village, the government school can be used as a place to stay.
How to Reach Arthur’s Seat?
Rail: The nearest railway station to the village is Pune Junction. The railhead is well-connected to various nearby local regions and major cities in the country. There are many local trains that connect the small towns to Pune.
Road: If you are planning to travel to the village by bus then fist you will have to reach Poladpur. From here you can take another bus or a shared auto-rickshaw to reach Dhawale village.
