Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is synonymous with its spectacular viewpoints, and doing the classic viewpoint circuit is a non-negotiable rite of passage. Wilson Point (the highest point in the Sahyadris at 1,439 metres) gives you a 360-degree sunrise panorama across the Western Ghats. Arthur's Seat — often called the 'Queen of all Points' — offers a sheer 600-metre drop to the Konkan coast below. And Lodwick Point is a serene forest-fringed spot perfect for watching the mist roll in from the valley at dusk.
Hire a cab for the full viewpoint circuit — the roads between points are winding and distances add up; most drivers charge ₹600–₹900 for the half-day round.