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.

The Walkways

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 ATTRACTIONS

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

BEST TIME TO VISIT

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.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Pune at 160-km from Panchagani.

Rail: Pune is the most conventent railway station.