Strawberry picking at Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra –Where and when

Strawberry picking at Mahabaleshwar it is! I have been to this picturesque hill station quite a number of times but had never experienced the joy of strawberry plucking right from the farm. So, in our previous journeys, we never were in Mahabaleshwar during the strawberry season. But fortunately, this time we were and we took full advantage of it.

If you are traveling with kids, make sure to plan this activity. I can vouch they will love it. My 4-year-old was so excited, running around the green patch while plucking strawberries with her little hands. In this blog, I have shared the best strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar. 

When to go strawberry picking in Mahabaleshwar?

If you are planning a visit to a strawberry farm to pick your own strawberries, you could visit between November and March. Although, travelers vouch for January and February to be the best seasons. Luckily, we went in March 2020, just before the lockdown was announced. The climate was cool in the morning, but the afternoons were hot. So, we visited the farm early in the morning. Most farms open by 8 am in the season.

Recommended Months for Strawberry Picking:

• Best time: January to February (peak harvest, best taste)

• Good time: December to early March

• Off-season visits: April to early May (limited picking, fewer farms open)

Pro Tip: Make sure to call the farm in advance to check if picking is available during your planned visit, especially if you are traveling at the beginning or end of the season.

Where to go strawberry picking in Mahabaleshwar?

There are several pick-your-own strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar. We did a quick google search and visited the Laxmi Strawberry Farm, mainly because it had the most reviews.

It was approx. an hour drive from our hotel. After having a light breakfast, we headed to this beautiful farm, following google maps. We called a night before our visit to make sure strawberries were waiting to be plucked 😛

I have visited one more farm, Green Valley farm, for strawberry picking. You can read the experience here. This farm is located near Club Mahindra Sherwood Resort, Mahabaleshwar. Here, along with strawberries, you can also buy exotic vegetables. Of course, you can pick your own strawberry and buy from the farm. But if you wish to buy exotic vegetables too, the host will pick them up for you.

Our experience of strawberry picking at Mahabaleshwar

Run by a local family, this farm is beautiful and well-maintained. So before taking you inside the farm, they brief you on their charges. For every person deciding to pluck, they will hand a basket and charge for each basket (Rs. 100). So, if you are in a gang, and not everybody wants to pick, you can decide to take a few baskets.

Their only rule is to after you are done picking strawberries, you will have to compulsorily purchase them at their rate. It is not a big issue as the strawberries were fresh and juicy and the cost affordable considering you get to experience picking them on your own.

Tips for strawberry picking at Mahabaleshwar

Well, I had the most fun searching for red strawberries amidst the vast green patch. The rule is to pick the berry carefully, leaving the stem attached. Also, the redder the strawberry the better it is. Half green or orange berries mean they are not ripe and if you pick them at this stage, they may not ripe even with time. And yes, don’t fixate on the size of the strawberry, it has nothing to do with its sweetness. 

How do I know so much? Well, the farm staff helped us with tricks to choose the best. How to find them and pluck them. Please be aware of your surroundings, and make sure not to run around or step on the plants. The fun is when you follow the centre lines and pick them carefully.

Remember these tips while Strawberry Picking at Mahabaleshwar

1. Arrive Early — For the freshest berries and to avoid crowds, visit farms between 8 AM and 10:30 AM.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes — Farms have uneven or muddy ground, so closed-toe shoes are best.
3. Pick Only Fully Red Strawberries — These are ripe and won’t ripen further after picking.
4. Carry Cash — Some farms might not accept cards or digital payments, so have cash ready.
5. Wash Before Eating — Rinse them thoroughly before you eat.
6. Bring Kids Along — Strawberry picking is fun and safe for families—remind kids to stay on paths.
7. Ask Before Taking Photos — Always check with farm staff before photographing people or private property.

Recommended Farms for Strawberry Picking at Mahabaleshwar

Farm Name	Location	Highlights	Status
Laxmi Strawberry Farm	Near Venna Lake	Friendly staff, fresh strawberries, peaceful	✅ Visited
Green Valley Farm	Panchgani Road	Scenic views, seasonal picking available	✅ Visited
Mapro Garden	Gureghar (Panchgani Road)	Famous café, strawberry cream, festival (Mar-Apr)	📝 Not Yet Visited
Strawberry Den	Near Bhilar	Quiet, offbeat, homemade products	📝 Not Yet Visited
Dhanashree Farm	Near Mapro Garden	Family-run, seasonal jam-making demos	📝 Not Yet Visited

The first two Strawberry farms are places I’ve personally visited and recommend based on real experiences. The others are popular options in the area, backed by strong online reviews and traveller feedback—they’re on my list to explore next! I have visited the Mapro garden but in the off-season, so we have enjoyed the food at their restaurant. Strawberry cream is my personal favorite at Mapro Garden. Their sandwiches and pizza are yum too. Don’t forget to checkout the little mall at the entrance of Mapro Garden to buy delicious items like Cheese Khakra, jams and other such delicacies.

So next time you are in the idyllic hill station of Mahabaleshwar, do go for strawberry picking fresh from the farm. And it’s ok if you have them as soon as you pick. My daughter had it and relished the experience.

FAQs

Q1: What months are best for strawberry picking?

A: The best months for strawberry picking in Mahabaleshwar are from November to March, when the strawberries are ripe, fresh, and plentiful.

Q2: Which season is best for strawberries in Mahabaleshwar?

A: The strawberry season in Mahabaleshwar peaks during the winter months, especially from December to February, offering the sweetest and juiciest berries.

Q3: How much is the ticket for the Strawberry Festival in Mahabaleshwar?

A: The ticket price for the annual Strawberry Festival in Mahabaleshwar ranges from ₹100 to ₹200 per person. It is best to check the official festival website or local sources for the current rates and event details.

Have you visited any strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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