The best time
to visit Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is lovely all year, but it is a different place in each season. The right time depends on what you are after: green hills and waterfalls, strawberries, or clear, cool days for walking.

The monsoon: June to September

This is the hills at their most dramatic. Everything turns deep green, the waterfalls run strong, and the mist drifts through the valley. Expect rain, carry it lightly, and you will be rewarded with the kind of views the region is famous for. Mornings on a covered balcony, watching the cloud move, are hard to beat.

Strawberry season: winter

From late winter the strawberry farms around Bhilar and Panchgani come into their own. It is the classic time for a Mahabaleshwar trip: cool, bright days, fresh strawberries and cream, and comfortable evenings. Book ahead, as this is the busiest stretch.

Clear skies: October to May

Between the monsoon and the peak of summer the weather is settled and pleasant, with long views and comfortable days for exploring Table Land, the lakes and the viewpoints. This is an easy, reliable window for a first visit.

What to pack, whenever you come

• Layers. The hills are cooler than the plains, and evenings cool down quickly.
• Comfortable shoes for the plateaus and viewpoints.
• A rain shell in the monsoon months.

Whatever season you choose, your balcony and the valley will be waiting.