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Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna
valley. Tucked away in the Satara district of
Maharashtra, Panchgani is a well-known hill station of
Maharashtra on the highway to Mahabaleshwar from
Pune
. It derives its name from the five hills around it.
At an altitude of 1,334m, it is just 38m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38m
translate themselves into a breathtaking 18-km approach, offering
heart-stopping views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal
plains on the other. It is far from the noise of Pune and the endless
hustle-bustle and pollution of Mumbai metropolis. It is the first hill
town one reaches from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road.
Tourists
can enjoy a network of nature walks through the woods, thickly canopied by
lush trees and vegetation. The river Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets,
farms and ravines, hundreds of metres below. Visit Table Land, a flat
mountain peak and feast your eyes on the coastal plains, looking like
miniature watercolours.
Another important place is Tapola, an enjoyable water sports centre. One
can also enjoy eating Strawberries with cream, which are served at various
joints located on the road to Mahableshwar - Panchgani and on the lake.
Other tourist attractions are Rajapuri Caves, where a
temple of 'Kartikswami', son of lord shiva is located; Parsi Point gives
breathtaking view of Krishna Valley and vast expanse of Dhom Dam
backwaters. A pagoda has been placed here to have a better view of the
surrounding areas.
Sydney Point is situated on a small Hillock facing the Krishna Valley.
Similarly Pandav-Ghat and Mandharodeo can been seen on the western side
the Dhom Dam with its lake is visible. The other important points to visit
are Kanga point and Kachhabavdi point.
Panchgani is also an ideal base for some good trekking from where one can
explore several mule tracks that lead through the now thinning forests. It
is also famous for old British Buildings, the Parsi houses and the
boarding schools that have been around for a century or more
Protected
from harsh winds by a Table Land on one side and high cliffs descending
into a valley on the other, Panchgani has a pleasant, bracing climate
throughout the year. October to May is the best time to visit.
Air: Nearest airport is
Pune
at 160-km from Panchagani.
Rail: Pune is the most conventent railway station.
Road: Panchgani is just 18-km from Mahabaleshwar. Panchgani can be
easily approached by road from Mumbai and Pune. Luxury bus services of
MTDC are a regular feature from Mumbai and Pune.
Accommodation is available at the hotels and holiday resorts in Mahabaleshwar.