Mahabaleshwar Experience: I always liked the Hill Stations, the view, the weather., everything attracts me towards it. Mahabaleshwar is again a very attractive place, slightly far from Mumbai when compared to Matheran; but definitely not worth skipping from your holiday list. the weather was very pleasant with fresh and slightly cod breeze which kept me swinging all day long, worst part for me is if i love any place i hate to leave it and i always wanted to stay as long as i can; so it happened to me - where i had to leave with my feelings dead as i had planned only 2 days n 2 nights for this trip - which is definitely not useful - i wanted to stay for another 6-7 days to be into it n to feel its smell deep into my heart when i leave.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Local people as we call localities were very generous, helpful and with a quick responsive nature. I haven't noted any type of nuisance in Mahabaleshwar be it related to Food, Shopping or Sight seeings as compared to other Hill stations. prices were slightly higher but they were reasonable because we cant expect the normal metro shoppers rate at hill stations. Pratapgarh Fort was worth walking to take the trip followed by Mapro Gardens all filled with Falero plumpy chocolates.

Activities & things to do: Best is hiking and walking all by your own.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Make sure you pack up some snacks on your way down;hire a best travel agent with comfortable vehicle as from Mumbai its a slightly long journey; don't try to book the cheapest hotel; but the best you can according to your budget; but definitely not the costliest one as its wont be of any good use. A descent hotel will do.