Famously known as the 'Switzerland of India', Panchgani is actually a paradise for visitors.

Panchgani

Location: 265 kms from Mumbai, Near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra
Attractions: Rajpuri Caves, Parsi Point Tableland and many other hills and caves.
Best Time to Visit: September through May

Parsi Point Panchgani
The 'Land of Five Hills', or Panchgani, is a distinguished hill station in Maharashtra. Located far away from the bustling city of Mumbai, Panchgani promises its visitors a trip they could cherish for life. The name Panchgani literally means 'five hills'. It was discovered by the British as an ideal summer resort. The climate here remains stable and pleasant throughout the year and the place pulsates with greenery and captivating scenic beauty and the environment is pristine and uncontaminated. One can enjoy the spectacular view of Krishna River, which accompanies you all the way through, until you reach Panchgani. The lush green scenery, fresh air and view of the Krishna River are simply breathtaking. Also adding to the overall charm, Panchgani is dotted with a number of cottages, build in the colonial style. You can also spot various buildings of British architecture. Read through the following section to get a clear picture about the place.

Places To See
  • The 'Table Land' in Panchgani is the most sought-after destination. It is a volcanic plateau situated at a height of 60 meters, and is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan Plateau. It earned the name 'Table Land' for its flat surface.
  • The Devil's Kitchen and Pandvgadh Caves are also places to visit. The Rajpuri Caves in Panchgani are vital for their religious aspects. Surrounding these ancient caves are many ponds called 'kunds', and it is believed that whosoever takes dip in these sacred ponds is freed of diseases, sins and evils. The temple dedicated to Lord Karthikeya is a chief attraction here.
  • The Parsi Point is a major picnic spot, situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar.
  • Wai, a city situated on the banks of the Krishna River, is famous for its picturesque scenery. It is also dotted with many temples in the seven Ghats, namely, Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh and Bhimkund.
Shopping
In Panchgani, one can shop for natural products and a variety of handmade goods. Local handicrafts, slippers and bags are certain products that may catch your attention. Following are some suggestions:
  • Fruit drink concentrates and crushes
  • Jam
  • Sweets
  • Leather items
  • Marmalades
  • Handicrafts
  • Organic fruits and vegetables
  • Candies
  • Honey
Panchgani bazaar, Shivaji circle and Buddha-Ka-Bazaar are among the popular market areas. Since these places are easily accessible, it is recommended that tourists shop from these markets.

Eating Out
Panchgani has plenty of restaurants. Depending on people's choice, there are vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants. Besides, you can find ample appetizing street foods, such as patties, Keema Pav, Pav Bhaji along with hot tea. Among ice-creams, the rose flavored ones are considered the best.

Accommodation
Hotels and resorts in Panchgani are available in different price ranges, from budget to luxury. Since it is an important tourist attraction, finding a hotel according to one's budget is not difficult. Below mentioned are some hotels, inns and resorts.

Budget Hotels
  • Prospect Hotel
    Ring Road, Panchgani- 412805
    Tel: +91-(2168)-240263/ 240763/ 241999/ 241009 (from India); +91-(2168)-240263, +91-9422442290 (from outside of India)
    http://www.prospect-hotel.com
  • Pan Hill Hotel
    Opp. Bus Stand, Main Road,
    Panchgani, Dist Satara,
    Maharashtra, India.
    Tel: +91 2168 240444
    Fax:  +91 2168 241115
    Website: www.panhillhotel.com
Star Hotels
  • Ravine (3 Star)
    Sydney Point, Wai-Panchgani Road, Panchgani 412 805,
    MH, India.
    Tel: +91 2168 241060 / 61 / 62
    Fax: +91 2168 241059
    Website: www.ravinehotel.com
  • Hotel Millennium Park
    S. No. 13, Godavali Village,
    Behind Bharati Vidyapith,
    Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar,
    Satara (Dist.), Maharashtra, India.
    Tel: +91 02168 - 241771 /72 /73, 9764018027/35
    Fax: 02168 - 241770
    Website: www.millenniumparkpanchgani.com
  • Blue Country Resorts
    Khingar Road,
    Panchgani,
    Satara, Maharashtra
    Tel: 02168-241521/522
    Fax: 02168-240341
    Website: www.bluecountryresort.com
How To Reach

By Road
Panchgani is well connected to Mumbai via roads. Frequent bus services are available from Mumbai. Another option is to hire a taxi, which may cost you more but would be infinitely more convenient in terms of sightseeing and photography.

By Train
The nearest railway station is Pune, which is 100 km away. Pune is a big city and is well connected to the rest of the country. After getting down at Pune Station, one can hire a pre-paid taxi to Panchgani.

Panchgani is a scenic spot located not so far from Mumbai. A visit to this place would definitely be a wonderful and rejuvenating experience. Try visiting this paradise whenever you visit Mumbai next.