best 6 Mahabaleshwar strawberry farms locations | complete tour guide

Mahabaleshwar strawberry

Mahabaleshwar is famous for tourism as well as its food and fruits. Strawberries are the most famous fruit of Mahabaleshwar and are widely cultivated here. Strawberries are cultivated in many areas of Mahabaleshwar, ensuring a supply of fresh, delicious fruits. Now, let’s learn where strawberries are cultivated. Strawberries are mainly some fruits from Germany and are imported into India. The strawberry plant takes three months to grow in Wai and Mahabaleshwar.

After three months, the plants are divided into several smaller plants, which increases the time for strawberries to arrive. Strawberry cultivation in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani starts in October. Due to the favorable environment in October, strawberries are cultivated in large numbers here. Apart from Mahabaleshwar, strawberries are also grown in large quantities in Panchgani, particularly in certain villages where you can visit strawberry farms. The prices of strawberries can vary significantly between these regions.

Mahabaleshwar strawberry Farm

When strawberry season begins, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are the first places that come to mind. These areas are renowned for their abundant strawberry farms. Many villages in and around Mahabaleshwar cultivate strawberries on a large scale, making it a prime location for fresh, delicious strawberries

1.Venna Lake Complex

Venna Lake is renowned for boating and horse riding, drawing many tourists. The area around Venna Lake is also known for its abundant strawberry cultivation and sales. Just a short distance from Venna Lake, you’ll find a strawberry farm called Garden. Here, you can enjoy various strawberry-based treats like strawberry juice, strawberry milkshake, and more. Visiting this area offers a great opportunity to learn about strawberries.

2.Lingamala Village

Lingmala, a village located 6 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, is famous for Lingmala Waterfall and its strawberry farms. This area attracts many tourists. When you visit Lingmala Waterfall, you can also explore the nearby strawberry farms and pick fresh strawberries to take home. With numerous farms in the area, you have plenty of options to choose from.

3.Metgutad Village

The village of Metgutad, seven kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, is also famous for strawberries. You can visit the strawberry farms here to purchase fresh strawberries or even pick them yourself.

4.Avkali Village

The village of Avkali, located eight kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, is known for its strawberries. Here, strawberries are also processed into products like jam and jelly, increasing the demand for strawberry products in the market.

5.Gureghar (Mapro Garden)

Gureghar, located 14 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar, is renowned for its strawberry farms. In addition to strawberries, various fruits like raspberries, mulberries, and juice berries are sold here. Farmers process strawberries into a variety of products available in the market. You can visit the main strawberry farms to observe the cultivation of strawberries and other fruits.

Read More: Mapro Garden Mahabaleshwar?

6.Bhilar Village

Bhilar village is famous as a village of books and also for its strawberry cultivation. If you are coming to Mahabaleshwar from Wai, you can visit the strawberry farms in Bhilar village and buy strawberries there.

best time to visit strawberry farms

Strawberries are widely cultivated in Mahabaleshwar. The cultivation of strawberries starts in October. The harvesting period lasts for three months.In some areas, strawberry cultivation begins as early as September. The best time to visit strawberry farms is from December to March, when strawberries are abundant. However, strawberries become scarce in April and May, leading to a significant increase in prices.

things to do on strawberry farms

1. Strawberry Picking: The main attraction! Enjoy the experience of picking your own strawberries directly from the fields. It’s a fun activity for all ages.
2. Farm Tours: Learn about the cultivation process, from planting to harvesting. Some farms offer guided tours.
3. Tasting Sessions: Enjoy fresh strawberries and a variety of strawberry-based products like jams, juices, and desserts.
4. Picnicking: Many farms have designated picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views.
5. Photography: Capture the stunning beauty of the strawberry fields and the vibrant red berries.
6. Educational Activities: Some farms offer workshops or educational sessions on farming techniques and sustainable agriculture.
7. Farm Shops: Purchase fresh strawberries and other local produce, as well as handmade products like strawberry preserves and baked goods.
8. Family Activities: Farms often have additional activities like hayrides, petting zoos, or playgrounds for children.

best 22 strawberry varieties grown in Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is renowned for its strawberry cultivation, thanks to its ideal climate and fertile soil. Here are some of the best strawberry varieties grown in Mahabaleshwar:

1. Sweet Charlie: Sweet and aromatic.
2. Camarosa: Large, firm, and long shelf life.
3. Winter Dawn: Large, sweet, early-season berries.
4. Rania: Excellent flavor and high yield.
5. Nabila: Good disease resistance and sweet berries.
6. Festival: Large, sweet, and good shelf life.
7. Albion: Large, sweet, and high yield.
8. Allstar: Large, juicy, and excellent flavor.
9. Aromas: Day-neutral with good disease resistance.
10. Chandler: High yield and sweet, juicy berries.
11. Diamante: Large, firm, and good flavor.
12. Earliglow: Early ripening, sweet, and firm.
13. Elsanta: Large, juicy, and a European favorite.
14. Honeoye: High yield and excellent flavor.
15. Jewel: Large, juicy, and good flavor.
16. Mara des Bois: Aromatic and sweet, a French variety.
17. Monterey: Day-neutral with large, sweet berries.
18. Ozark Beauty: High yield and sweet, juicy berries.
19. Quinault: Large, sweet, and everbearing.
20. Seascape: Day-neutral with large, sweet berries.
21. Selva: Large, firm, and good flavor.
22. Sonata: Large, juicy, and good
23. flavor

FAQS

1.What makes Mahabaleshwar a prime location for strawberry cultivation?
   - Mahabaleshwar's cool, stable, and dry climate, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 25°C, provides ideal conditions for growing strawberries

2.What percentage of India's strawberry production comes from Mahabaleshwar?
  - Approximately 85% of India's strawberries are produced in the hilly slopes of Mahabaleshwar
3.When does the strawberry season begin in Mahabaleshwar?
- The strawberry season starts in December and lasts until April, with peak harvesting during this period

4. What innovative farming methods are used in Mahabaleshwar?
Strawberry farming is primarily done in poly-houses to increase yield and protect plants from harsh weather. Techniques like mulching, controlled temperature, and drip irrigation are employed to ensure optimal growth

5.Which are some popular strawberry farms to visit in Mahabaleshwar?
  - Mapro Garden: Known for strawberry products like jams, syrups, and ice creams, visitors can tour the farm, pick their own strawberries, and explore various strawberry-based offerings.
   - Strawberry Hill & Farm: Perched atop Mahabaleshwar's highest point, this farm offers breathtaking valley views. Visitors can pick strawberries and sample delicious jams and other products