|
Away
from the hustle bustle of city life, lies one
of the less publicized hill stations of Maharashtra,
Panchgani. It is also known as the “Mecca
of Maharashtra”. This hill station stands
38 meters below Mahabaleshwar, at an altitude
of 1334 meters. A 21-kilometer drive from Mahabaleshwar
to Panchgani is sketched by meandering flow of
Krishna River and the landscape of the coastal
plains.
A unique geographical feature
of this hill station is that it is shaped by flattening
volcanic rocks. Panchgani is named so because
of the five hills that surround it. The enchanting
beauty of Panchgani can be enjoyed by taking a
pony ride around the town. The old buildings of
this region have the charm of British Raj. Panchgani
also houses as many as 20 boarding schools. The
immaculate beauty of this hill resort and fresh
air acts as the most magical doctor, which is
said to have healed many TB patients. The presence
of valleys and steep slopes makes it suitable
for trekking too. |
| |
|
Places
to visit
Apart from the Parsi and British styled buildings
and mansion, Panchgani offers the tourists a wide
range of look-out points, water falls and caves. |
| |
|
 |
Table
Land |
| |
It is
a vast expanse of laterite rock. This plateau
is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia.
At 60 meters of height this plateau offers a thrilling
view of hills and caves. One can also see the
magnificent ruins of Kamalgarh Fort. |
| |
|
|
Devil's Kitchen |
| |
This
famous cave of Panchgani has a mythological history
to itself. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed
in the cave for a while and used it for cooking
their food. |
| |
|
|
Dhom Dam |
| |
Dhom
Dam. 21 kilometers from Panchgani is famous for
water sports. It provides boat rides for tourists
to explore the beauty of Krishna River and the
sprawling greenery that surrounds it. |
| |
|
|
Sydney Point |
| |
This point
offers the view of the sparkling waters of Dhom
dam and Krishna river. |
| |
|
|
Rajapuri caves |
| |
These
caves are situated 10 km away from Panchgani.
These caves house the famous temple of Lord Karthikeya,
(Lord Shiva's son) and local goddess Ghatjal Devi.
A local mela is also held here during the harvest
season. |
| |
|
|
Shopping |
| |
The
local bazaars on the streets are extremely quiet.
Panchgani does not offer any special items for
purchase but a stroll in the bazaar attracts the
tourists to various chappals, shawls, etc. The
bazaars of the hill station are famous for their
evening food stalls. |
| |
|
|
Getting to Panchgani |
| |
Nearest
airport is Pune
Nearest railhead is Wathar, 45 km from Miraj-Kolhapur
section of South Central Railway. However convenient
railhead is Pune.
By road, Pune-Panchgani is 98 km Mumbai-Panchgani
via Pune is 270 km. Mumbai Panchgani via Mahad
is 266 km. State Transport buses ply from Satara,
Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Mahad. |
| |
|
|
Where to stay |
| |
Though
most of the tourists stay at hotels in Mahabaleshwar,
there are a few hotels and guesthouses in Panchgani. |
|
| |
|
|
Best Time to Visit |
| |
September
to May. Panchgani does not experience extreme
weather conditions. |
| |
|
| |
Back |
