Panchgani

The younger brother of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, redefines beauty. These scenic spots have an everlasting charm that continues to drive tourists, domestic and otherwise, in droves annually. The Britishers discovered Panchgani during their rule in India. History unfolds that the then supervisor, John Chesson was in charge of this place. He had to look after this popular vacation spot.

Panchgani translates to 'Five Hills' and is situated at an altitude of about 1350 m above sea level. The place is famous since the British era as a favorite summer escape and still continues to attract tourists from parts of the world. The monsoon introduces itself as a satisfying addition to the surreal mystique of these hill stations. The cloaked mountains in sumptuous waterfalls and narrow winding rivers are a beauty to behold.

Panchgani proves to be a destination for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a typical backpacker or a first-time traveler, these captivating hills of Panchgani have an incredible plethora to offer for everyone. Witness the most romantic sunset on the mountains miles away, take a leisure boat ride with the family, enjoy strawberry picking activity with your kids, or if you seek adventure, go for paragliding. Panchgani provides you with an ample amount of options. 

The city undoubtedly has one of the finest paragliding spots found in Western India, situated at an elevation of 4500 ft. The breathtaking valleys, refreshing breeze, and mesmerizing scenery will help you experience an impeccable visual treat. If you’re an amateur at paragliding, you can go for tandem flights with experienced pilots.

MORE ABOUT PANCHGANI

Panchgani is a perfect place for nature lovers. Visit Dhom Dam to get spellbound serene greenery around you. An excellent boating spot near Wai, Krishna river passing through the village. For the view of lavish Krishna Valley overlooking the lush, head to Parsi Point and Sydney Point. These points are excellent for outdoor ventures, picnics with family, or just to laze around.

Give your eyes the treat of Bhilar Waterfalls, extremely beautiful during monsoons. Conceivably the most iconic, a vast expanse of flat plateau formation, called the Tableland, is suitable for adrenaline freaks to experience some exciting activities like parasailing and horse riding. If you’re a nature admirer, Sherbaug is the place to be. A naturally well-designed landscape, it has a beautiful children’s park. This place is home to a host of turkeys, birds, swans, and rabbits. For all history buffs out there, visit this wide array of temples and historic caves. Also, don't forget to add places excitingly named Bhim Chaula (Devil’s Kitchen) and Harrison’s valley to your Panchgani list.

A Charming, Entiching Hill Station of Maharashtra. The place proudly boasts of many buildings and monuments that have their architecture inspired by the British age. A lesser-known fact is that Panchgani boasts of a highly pure atmosphere with a deficient level of pollution.

The climate of Panchgani and surrounding places is proved to be beneficial for people recovering from illnesses like asthma or allergies. The air does heal not only the body but also rejuvenates the mind. For people suffering from tuberculosis are advised to come down here for a pleasurable recovery.

FOOD AND SHOPPING PLACES

Panchgani's famous market features some exquisite wooden handicrafts, slippers, leather items, fruit-based products, and much more to fill your bags. Renowned Mapro shops offer jams, fruit crushes, marmalades, and fruit drinks, and these are found in every other corner of the city. Another famous outlet is Mala's Fruit Products, which also sells the same.

The Buddha Bazar is a famous and essential weekly market of the city. It is open only on Wednesdays and is thronged by locals and tourists for the best local produce at rock bottom prices.

It sells everything from different varieties of jams to organically grown fruits and vegetables. People also like to buy pots and pans and Kolhapuri chappals. Even if you are not a sweet tooth, check out Roach & Sons or Kerala Bakery, some of the oldest bakeries in the city. Sure of making you fall for the delicacies. 

Mapro Garden is a brand name associated with delicious fruit-based products. One will find a restaurant, chocolate factory, a small nursery, retail outlet selling Mapro products, and a children's play area with a beautiful surrounding. Mapro Garden started in the 1980s essentially as an extension of the Mapro Foods Factory. This extension permitted visitors to see the production of jams and syrups.

Best Time To Visit Panchgani

By now, you must have understood that the best time to visit this gorgeous hill station is post-monsoon to summer, i.e., September to May.

Winters at Panchgani are pretty cool, with temperature touching to 12°C, and the summers are moderately cool as well.

Panchgani makes a year-round destination. Hence, people visit this place even during the monsoons. Tourists like to lose themselves in the beauty of greenery and the smell of wet earth.

Best Places to Stay

Panchgani is full of numerous quaint cottages from the colonial era, and these are available for rent. Probably the best place for tourists looking to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of large cities and have some quiet time can spend their weekend here.

For backpackers, solo travelers, or people traveling with friends, zostels are undoubtedly the perfect place with budget accommodation and excellent facilities to add fun to your stay.