History:
The first historical mention of Mahabaleshwar dates back to year 1215 when the King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar. He built a small temple and water tank at the source of the river Krishna. Around 1350, a Brahmin dynasty invaded this area. In the middle of the 16th century the Maratha family of Chandarao More defeated the brahmin dynasty and became rulers of Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar, during which period the temple of Old Mahabaleshwar was rebuilt.
In the 17th century Shivaji took over Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar and renovated the Pratapgad fort in 1656.
In 1819, the British included the hills in the territory of the Raja of Satara. Col. Lodwick (Late General Sir Peter Lodwick) stationed at Satara, in April 1824 with a contingent of soldiers and Indian guides climbed up the mountain face reaching what is now known as the Lodwick Point.
Starting with Sir John Malcolm in 1828, a succession of them from Elphinston, Arthur Malet (for whom the seat at "Point Arthur" is named), Carnac, Frere and many others became regular visitors.
Present day Mahabaleshwar came into existence in the year 1829-30. In old records it is mentioned as Malcolm Peth, but in practise today it is known as Mahabaleshwar.
Added to the scores of magnificent scenic "points", the perennial springs, streams, and waterfalls of Mahabaleshwar plateau, with its year round superb climate, drew the English and others to Mahabaleshwar like honey bees to sweet nectar. By the end of the 19th century it had become an attractive popular hill station of world renown.
Raj Bhavan, the Summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra, is also located here.

Geography:
Mahabaleshwar is located at 17°55′N 73°40′E / 17.92°N 73.67°E. It has an average elevation of 1,353 metres (4,439 ft).
Located about 120 km (75 mi) southwest of Pune and 285 km (177 mi) from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 km2 (58 sq mi), bound by valleys on all sides. It reaches a height of 1,438 m (4,718 ft) at its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson/Sunrise Point.
Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar and part of the Shindola village. Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The legendary source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Old Mahabaleshwar. Legend has it that Krishna is Lord Vishnu himself as a result of a curse on the trimurtis by Savitri. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma themselves. An interesting thing to notice is that 4 other rivers come out from the cow's mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna. These rivers are the Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri, and Gayatri.

Weather:
Located atop the Sahyadri mountain ranges on the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 1353m (4438 ft), Mahabaleshwar stretches for 5 km from one corner of the town to the other. The coniferous forests in and around the hill resort plays a major role in determining its rainfall and climate. Bestowed with some of nature's choicest splendor, the place is a favorite holidaying destination among tourists, for its pleasant climatic conditions. The weather also facilitates the cultivation and growth of various soft fruits and berries, that adds to its variegated vegetation.
Summers
Summers, that generally lasts from March to mid-June, are generally warm. The temperature during summers rises to a maximum of 29oC. Days are warmer, though temperature drops down to a minimum of 16oC during the night. Because of its high altitude, the heat during these months is mild and welcoming. With the constant mountain breezes, the harshness of the summer sun is not felt here. The place generally remains packed with tourists from the nearby cities of Pune and Mumbai during the summer months, because of its mild and favourable climate.
Winters
Winters generally lasts from the month of November to mid-March and the climate is cooler. However, due to its close proximity to the warm water of the Arabian Sea, the hill resort escapes the extremes of nature during these months. Days are warm and pleasant and the sun is soft and solacing, unlike the urban sun. But during the night, the temperature may fall down to a minimum of 13oC. The place sees a lot of tourists during the festive months of December and January and becomes ideal for Christmas and New-Year revelries.
Monsoons
During monsoons (mid-June to September), the weather remains wet and extremely damp. But the incessant showers enhances the beauty of the place, and it emanates a charm during this season. Seasonal waterfalls abound the place and the forests and trees prosper in all their lushness. But the place virtually becomes uninhabited during this season, except for the locals, due to the continuous rainfalls.
The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar remains anytime between October and June. During the festive months of October and December, the place radiates a joyous spirit and remains packed with tourists.