The shopping areas are one of the best places to see in Mahabaleshwar. The moment you look closer and take a walk down the rich foliage bordered streets then only you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that in actuality it is a treasure trove for the true shopaholic in you. An amble down the pedestrian-oriented shopping streets of the Town Bazaar, also known as Malcolm Peth after Sir John Malcolm, the first British Governor to have visited and established Mahabaleshwar in 1828, is sure to take most of your time as you try to soak in, sample and look at all the unique things the shops have on offer.
Town Bazaar
It wouldn't be an exaggerated statement on our part when we say that this is the heart of the town. You will be greeted by a hustling crowd, small shops that sell everything and anything and shopkeepers and hawkers vying for attention. Most of the items like handcrafted walking sticks, leather goods and tribal trinkets will surely find their way to your shopping bag. A stroll around and across the network of streets and you will spot several outlets selling the comfortable Kolhapuri chappals. You will also love the juicy and flavored Strawberries, Gooseberries and Raspberries that are a trademark of Mahabaleshwar.
Along with fresh fruits, buying jams, preserves, marmalades and squashes made out of them is imperative; they are simply delicious and bound to awaken your taste buds. Pure honey, leather goods, clothes, crochet dresses and shawls, beautiful baskets, decorative items and other handmade items are popular here. Don't forget to haggle before you shop as the local vendors tend to overcharge for tourists.
Address: Town Bazaar
Mahabaleshwar
Maharashtra
Imperial Store
As you walk towards the end of the Bazaar, you will find you are making your way to Imperial Store, which is a one stop destination wherein you get everything right from Medicines to Videos to tempting Wines to yummy Pizzas. Established by an Iranian national at the time of the British era, the store was once a victualler (official grocery store licensed to sell alcohol) to the Raj. It has been and is operated by generations of the Iranian family till date.
Address: Dr. Sabane Road
Mahabaleshwar
Mapro Garden
If the sight and bite of juicy, positively divine berries has you astounded, then a visit to the Mapro Gardens, situated en route to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar, is inescapable. Not only are jams, preserves, marmalades, toppings, syrups and squashes manufactured and sold here, you can also treat yourself to wide variety of delightful fruit salads, Strawberry shakes and mouth-watering ice creams. You can taste the samples before buying them at the sampling counter. Of course, you might be tempted to 'sample' all the samples but then we won't hold that against you.
Address: Mapro Gardens
Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Road
Mahabaleshwar
Shop till you drop may not be the ideal line for shopping in Mahabaleshwar but still it holds exciting options for the shopaholic in you.