SEASONAL TOURISM PEAKS AND THEIR IMPACT ON VISITOR INFLOW IN MAHABALESHWAR AND PANCHGANI

Tourism in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani has grown steadily because of their scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and cultural importance. This paper examines how seasonal peaks such as summer holidays, winter festivals, and the strawberry season influence tourist inflow. The study is based only on secondary data from government reports, municipal records, and tourism publications. Results show that summer and winter are the busiest seasons, while the monsoon attracts a smaller but unique group of eco‑tourists. Seasonal peaks generate employment and revenue for local businesses but also create challenges like traffic congestion, sanitation issues, and shortages of accommodation. The discussion highlights the need for better planning, eco‑friendly tourism, and improved facilities to balance growth with sustainability.