Panchgani

Distance   98 km

District   Satara

Category   Hill Station

Overview

Panchgani is christened based on "Panch" - as it surrounded by five hills of Sahyadri, and "Gani" - meaning the settlement. This all season hill station elevated at 1305 metres above sea level and being an area of 6 sq. km is location 18 km east of Mahabaleshwar on Mahabaleshwar-Wai road on the leeward side of the Sahyadri ranges. Thus it escapes the heavy rain and fog. It is also shielded from the east wind by a larger extent of Table Land.
The magnificent scenery of Krishna Valley from West to East with its numerous hamlets, cultivated field and picturesque view of the backwaters of Dhom Dam can be seen along the whole northern ridge of the mountain.
The picturesque beauty of this hill station is enchanting and attracts tourists throughout the year. Walk on the lush green paths, with view of River Krishna snaking through beautiful valleys and gentle hills of Panchgani is truly a nature lover's delight.

Places of Interest

There are many places in Panchgani that are a must see. One of the most famous places in Panchgani is its Table Land . Situated around 60 mts high, Table Land is a flat stretch of laterite rock and is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Many large caves are seen from here, the most popular one being the Devil's Kitchen . It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place to cook their food.
Panchgani is renowned for its green environs that make it a perfect place for sanatoriums and boarding schools. Most of the educational institutes here are settled in the old British buildings and Parsi houses, which attract tourists with their gothic architecture. Thanks to the oxygen-rich air of Panchgani that cures breathing problems of people at sanatoriums.
Parsi Point is also one of the places which is a must see for every tourist in Panchagani. It is actually the windiest point in Panchgani and is situated on the road to Mahableshwar. Another important place is an enjoyable water sports center, Tapola.
On a small mound facing the Krishna Valley is Sydney Point, a vantage point that offers stunning vista of Pandavgad, Mandhardeo and the sparkling waters of Dhom Dam. From Parsi Point, one can get the impressive panoramic view of the profound Krishna Valley. The Kamalgad Fort nearby is another nice ancient structure to visit. You can also hire a bicycle to move around the place and brood over the splendor that the Almighty has bestowed. Often called the Mecca of Maharashtra, Panchgani would definitely enthrall you with its hamlets, farms, greens and ravines.
Other places that are worth a visit in Panchgani are Bhim Chula, Harrisons valley. The Lingmala Falls and Rajapuri Caves.

Accommodation

Plenty of hotels and resorts are available. Hotel run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is one of the many better accommodation options at Panchgani.

How to Reach

Panchgani is just under 100 kms from Pune and it takes around 3 hrs to reach Panchgani. First 70-80 kms is via NH4 (Mumbai - Bangalore National Highway 4) which is a toll road and then you need to make a right at Surul Village to go to Wai - Panchgani. Ample signboards are there on the road t guide you through.