Written by: Divya Nadkarni
Panchgani
Nestled in the heart of the Sahyadri Mountains, Panchgani serves as a tranquil enclave, far from city clamor. In its pastoral, idyllic ambience enclosed by enchanting greenery, you can be one with the heavens. The feel of the ranges, the Krishna River making its way through the mountains is an experience so breathtaking, and so rustic.
Orientation
At 1334 meters above sea level, Panchgani spans over 5 hills and offers a panoramic view of the flatlands surrounding it and also of the valley below. Located just over 250 km from Mumbai, 98 km from Pune, and about 20 km east of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani has gained its place among the top few vacation getaways in Maharashtra
Weather
The weather at Panchgani varies from as low as 5°C in winter (November-December) to nearly 32°C in peak summer. But on an average the temperature is a pleasant 16°C. The ideal time to visit Panchgani is between September and May. Avoid the rainy season, as the hill station is subject to heavy downpour.
Getting there / Route Information
Distances from the cities:
Mumbai: 266 km
Pune: 98 km
Route
Mumbai → Pune→Wai→Panchgani
Mumbai→Mahad→Poladpur→Mountain Pass (Fitzgerald Ghats) →Mahabaleshwar→Panchgani
Pune→Katraj→Surur→Panchgani
Connectivity
By Bus: Plenty of State Transport buses are available from both the cities. Private tour operators organize luxury transport regularly from the city to the hill station. From Mumbai it is a comfortable drive along the Mumbai-Pune highway through to Satara and then off Wai. From Pune too, taxis and Luxury buses are available through the day.
Road Quality: Good
By Train: Although the nearest railway station is Satara, 47 km away, the most convenient route would be by rail to Pune, and then by road.
Pictures of Panchgani
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Major Attractions
First discovered by the British as a summer refuge, Panchgani is dotted with old British constructions of immense historical value and boarding schools founded over a century ago. You can stray along where the streets take you, as every canopied lane has a story to tell and is beautiful in its own right.
Table Land
The hills around Panchgani are crowned by a flat expanse of laterite rock which forms the second largest mountain plateau in Asia. The vast spaces, mountain faces and caves stretch as far as the eyes can see, and engulf the elements most magnificently. In the evenings, the quiet of the day gives way to a quaint bustle as Table Land serves as a fair cum marketplace with Ferris wheels, horse rides, other amusements and food stalls. You can watch the sunset as you revel in the local flavors.
Devil’s Kitchen
At the southern end of Table Land lies a mystical cave swirling amidst myths of the Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas have lived here and have used the cave to cook their food. The Pandavgad caves near Wai too are claimed to have been built by the Pandavas.
Sydney Point
Located on a small hillock overlooking the Krishna Valley, the point offers breathtaking views of the valley, the effervescent waters of Dhom Dam, and Pandavgad caves and Mandhardeo.
Parsi Point
This spectacular spot is located on the road to Mahabaleshwar and offers dizzying views of the Krishna Valley, the meandering Krishna River, and the Dhom Dam waters.
Dhom Dam
Just 21 km from Panchgani is the center of tourist activity today with its water sports and boating facilities. Those with an adventurous streak can enjoy Speed boating and scooter boats.
Vital Tourist Information
Local Transport
For places that are far away taxis are available locally; however, horses and bicycles are the most pleasurable modes of transport in a place as charming as Panchgani.
Hotel Availability
Comfortable accommodation is abundant in Panchgani. There are also several good hotels run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The peak holiday months require advance bookings of hotels, but accommodation is easily available the rest of the year. Moreover, several hotels also provide for transport to and from the resort.
Contact details in case of contingency
| Hospitals: | Indian Red cross Society Bel Air Hospital. Tel: +91-2168 240639 / 240309 Municipal Hospital: Tel: +91-2168-240257 |
| Police: | Police Station: +91-2168-240333 |
It will be nice, if you can also write about good hotels in Panchgani. There are many, and it is good if you recommend few.