All About Bhilar: A Hidden Literary Gem Among Maharashtra Tourist Places

Maharashtra Tourist Places︱Mahabaleshwar, the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency, stimulates the senses not only because of its natural beauty but also because of the delightful tales spun around its most popular sites. It is located in the Western Ghats, about 120 km southwest of Pune and approximately 285 km from Mumbai. Nature is exceptionally generous here, with craggy hills, waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. It creates a twin prominent tourist destination with its neighbour, Panchgani. Though the strawberry farms and table plateau of these destinations are well known, not many know about the quaint book village that is located between the two places.

A tranquil village located in Maharashtra's Satara district, halfway between the beautiful Panchgani and the hill station of Mahabaleshwar, Bhilar was once a strawberry farming hub, but it is now known as India's first book village. The village was chosen for a restoration in 2016, which changed it into a book village comparable to Hay-on-Wye in the United Kingdom.

The Origins

It took some time to complete the work. Different locations throughout the community were chosen to be made into reading hotspots. These areas were divided into categories such as poetry, history, literature, and others. The Maharashtra government commissioned several artists to paint the chosen spots. The village was formally named "Pustakanche Gao," or 'the village of books,' and opened to the public in May 2017. This makes the village one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.

Writing On The Wall

On the walls, you'll find a variety of genres of art that advertise the nooks you will find inside the homes. For example, a house decorated with Warli art depicting folk legends has several books on folk tales. The "Mangaltara" mansion, which is painted with pictures of forts and Maratha monarch Shivaji, stocks many history books. There are books on environment issues as well as nature, and other topics. Some houses stock biographies and autobiographies, including memoirs by Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Marathi social worker Dr. Prakash Amte, and others.

Around 25 families in the village have given parts of their homes as reading hubs, which stock nearly 15,000 Marathi and 500 English books given mostly by the state administration. Bhilar has also become somewhat of a centre for those looking to research a topic as some of the books available here are hard to find.

Things To See And Do

Hikes, Cycles, And Forts

Mahabaleshwar is a good trekking destination. Its slopes are home to a wide range of medicinal plants and herbs. However, there are 'softer' options, such as a taxi sightseeing excursion. Alternatively, rent a bicycle and peddle around with the wind in your hair. Many of the guardians of the ghats, a.k.a fortresses of yore, around the holiday hill town of Mahabaleshwar, still stand firm. Deeply embroiled in the history of Maharashtra, these mighty citadels are the ancient crowns of many a mountain in the land-locked interiors of the state. Check our list here.

Venna Lake

On the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road, Lake Venna is the ideal place for an evening outing after you are done with all points, high and low.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries abound in Mahabaleshwar—jams, crushes, jellies, you name it and they’ve got it. Visit a farm to chug down a few milkshakes and learn a few things about strawberry cultivation. A visit to MAPRO on the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road must figure in your itinerary. The premises comprise a rose garden, the fruit juice/squash/crush factory, and a food court that offers several flavours of ice-cream and shakes including strawberry.

Places To Stay

If you’re escaping to the hill station for a peaceful weekend, Mahabaleshwar has many places you can stay in to fit any budget. You can find a list here and here.

The Information

Getting There

The nearest airport and railhead is in Pune (around 3.5 hours). You can hire a taxi from there.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Bhilar, Maharashtra, is from October to March. This period offers pleasant, cool weather perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the lush, post-monsoon landscapes. November to March is also the peak strawberry season, a major draw for the area, allowing visitors to pick fresh berries.

FAQs

Q1. What makes Bhilar unique among Maharashtra tourist places?
Bhilar stands out for being India’s book village. Unlike other Maharashtra tourist places, it's a peaceful literary retreat where public spaces are converted into open libraries.

Q2. Where is Bhilar located and how can I reach it?
Bhilar is located in Satara district, between the hill stations of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar—two of the most visited Maharashtra tourist places. It’s easily accessible by road from Pune and Mumbai.

Q3. What can tourists do in Bhilar village?
Visitors can explore themed reading rooms across the village, enjoy local art installations, meet resident artists, and buy or borrow books. It offers a quiet, immersive alternative to mainstream Maharashtra tourist places.

Q4. Is Bhilar suitable for a family trip or educational tour?
Yes, Bhilar is ideal for families, students, and book lovers. Its educational and cultural atmosphere makes it one of the more enriching Maharashtra tourist places for children and adults alike.

Q5. What is the best time to visit Bhilar among all Maharashtra tourist places?
The best time to visit Bhilar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring nearby Maharashtra tourist places like Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.