Mahabaleshwar is the strawberry capital of India — the region grows the large majority of the country’s crop, and “Mahabaleshwar strawberry” has a Geographical Indication tag. The season runs roughly from December to April, peaking in February and March, when every roadside stall is stacked with punnets of fresh fruit.
Mapro Garden, at Gureghar on the Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani road, is the showcase of the local fruit-processing industry. The shop sells the jams, crushes, syrups and chocolates the brand is known for, and the garden café is famous for strawberries and cream, thick shakes, sandwiches and pizzas. In spring it is known for its strawberry festival — check dates locally, as they vary.
Top things to do at Mapro Garden & the strawberry farms
Order strawberries and cream
It is the dish every visitor has to try — sliced fresh strawberries (in season) with thick cream or ice cream. Outside the season, the café uses preserved fruit and crush.
Pick your own
Several farms around Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and the villages between them offer strawberry picking in season. Look for signs along the road and agree the price per kilo first.
Shop for edible souvenirs
Jams, fruit crushes, fudge and chikki make easy gifts. The bazaar in town sells local brands too — compare before you buy.
How to get to Mapro Garden & the strawberry farms
- From Mahabaleshwar: about 10–12 km towards Panchgani, 20–25 minutes by road.
- From Panchgani: about 8–10 km towards Mahabaleshwar.
- On a tour: both of our featured day trips from Pune stop at Mapro Garden.
Insider tips
- Weekends and holiday afternoons bring long queues — come mid-morning on a weekday.
- For the best fresh fruit, visit in February or March.
- Strawberries bruise easily; buy them on your last day if you are taking them home.
- Parking fills up in peak season; a taxi saves hassle.
Tours that include Mapro Garden & the strawberry farms
These guided trips cover Mapro Garden & the strawberry farms or combine easily with a visit:
Day trip from US$73 Pune: Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar, Wai & Panchgani
A slightly shorter, food-and-heritage-flavoured route: stop on the Krishna at Wai for the Peshwa-era Menavali ghat and Nana Phadnavis Wada, then climb to Mahabaleshwar for Arthur’s Seat, the temples and the market, with Mapro Garden and seasonal strawberry picking on the way back through Panchgani.
- Nana Phadnavis Wada and the Menavali ghat at Wai
- Arthur’s Seat viewpoint and old temples
- Mapro Garden, strawberries, honey and berry wines
Private day trip from US$145 per group Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani (Guided Full-Day Tour)
The most complete way to see both hill stations in one day from Pune. A private AC car with an English/Hindi-speaking driver-guide covers Panchgani’s Table Land and viewpoints, Mapro Garden and the strawberry farms, then Mahabaleshwar’s Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, the Panchganga temple and Pratapgad Fort.
- Table Land and Parsi Point in Panchgani
- Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake boat ride and Mapro Garden
- Pratapgad Fort and the Panchganga temple
