John Malcolm was completely taken in by the hilI-station. Under Britis roads were built, folIowing which several resorts quickly sprang up. Bungalows, churches and the Mahabaleshwar Club were built. A polo ground and race course were opened. In the 19th century, as soon as the sanatorium was founded, an open jail reformatory centre was established. Convicts from China and Malaysia were stationed here. They were involved in constructing roads, grinding cornflour, maintaining potato cultivations and other vegetable gardens in the English resorts. Now, the Public Works Department bungalow stands on the site of the prison. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the Governor of the old Bombay Presidency. The Britishers built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around the town, lending it a charming, sophistication. The place is popular with tourists, especially from Mumbai and Pune, wanting to take a break from the rush of the rat race. The hilI-station is very crowded during vacations like Christmas & Diwali and in summers.