Mahabaleshwar has a way of making you feel like you've stepped into a slightly different, cooler, sweeter version of reality. Situated about 260 kilometres from Mumbai in the Sahyadri range at an elevation of 1,372 metres, it's been one of Maharashtra's most cherished hill stations since the British discovered it in the 19th century and made it the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency. And despite the crowds that descend every long weekend, it hasn't lost any of its charm.

The town is famous for a few things: its extraordinary number of viewpoints (some guides list over 30), its strawberry farms (Mahabaleshwar produces the bulk of India's strawberry crop), and the cool, crisp air that settles over the plateau even in summer. The drive up from the base is itself a treat, the road cuts through thick forest with valley views appearing between the trees as you climb.

This 4-day package from Mumbai is paced generously, which is exactly how Mahabaleshwar should be experienced. You don't rush from one point to the next; you linger at a viewpoint until you've fully taken it in, stop at Mapro Garden for strawberry milkshakes, stroll through the old market for fresh honey and strawberry jam, and spend an afternoon doing nothing except sitting in a garden with the hills around you.

Panchgani, just 19 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar, is woven into this itinerary as well. The two towns make a natural pair. Panchgani is slightly quieter and home to Table Land, a massive high-altitude plateau that has one of the most unusual landscapes in the Sahyadri range. The views from here, particularly towards the Krishna Valley and the surrounding hills, are genuinely breathtaking.

Venna Lake, Wilson's Point (the only place in Mahabaleshwar where you can see both sunrise and sunset), Elephant's Head Point, and Arthur's Seat (known as the Queen of Points) are all on the route. The best time to visit is October through June, the monsoon is wonderful too, but many roads and viewpoints close during the peak rains.