Panchgani

Its unpolluted air has more oxygen content

Panchgani, literally meaning the place of five hills, is a renowned hill station in Maharashtra located at 1,334 mt. It is a vibrant scenic destination and its beauty multiplies with the backdrop of hilly terrains on one side and coastal plains on the other. This place had been used by the British officials as their summer resort.

Panchgani is known for its unpolluted air and it is believed that the oxygen content in atmosphere is more here compared to other regions. Due to this many people select it for convalescing from diseases. The ambience is very cool and calm and the exquisite environment is a perfect background for rejuvenation.

Panchgani is spotted with many attractive colonial period cottages with all luxurious facilities for the tourists to spend their vacation in perfect seclusion and enjoyment. This place is bestowed with buildings of British architecture, Parsi houses and the boarding schools. The town, a natural relaxation spot, adds its comforts with the soothing effect of cool breeze rustling through the thick woody regions. Panchgani has many western plant species including poinsettia and silver oaks, which are originally planted by British people.

Fresh air, unspoiled natural beauty, breathtaking panoramic views and lush greeneries make this place one of the most sought after hill stations in Maharashtra. It is also renowned for international quality education and there are at least three dozen schools offering high standard facilities for children. The Mahabaleshwar Hill Station and Venna Lake are some attractions nearby.

Attractions

Kamalgad Fort: A wonderful tourist destination, Kamalgad Fort is located just 69 kms from the city and provides an exquisite view of verdant green vegetation, dense woods and Dhom backwaters. The fort is situated at an altitude of 4522 ft and is worth visiting.

Rajpuri Cave: The Rajpuri Caves in Panchgani is a religiously important tourist spot. These ancient caves are surrounded by many water kunds (ponds). Devotees believe that taking bath in these holy kunds will provide relief from all kinds of diseases and evils. Legends claim that the holy Ganges also flows into these kunds.

Lord Karthikeya temple is the main attraction in these caves. The temple itself is constructed out of the sand taken from the caves. The journey to the Rajpuri caves from Panchgani through serene, greenish villages will rejuvenate the mind of the traveler.

Parsi Point: Parsi Point, a renowned picnic spot, lies on the Mahabaleshwar road in Panchgani. It offers panoramic views of picturesque Dhom Dam backwaters and the lush green Krishna valley. Sydney point is another breathtaking beautiful spot near Parsi Point.
Pratapgad Fort: A historical destination, Pratapgad Fort is located at a distance of 40 kms from Panchgani city and is believed to be one of the very popular forts in Maratha history. This fort reminds one of the ancient Maratha relics and is a wonderful destination. It was constructed by the Maratha chief Chhatrapati Shivaji in the year 1656.

Mahabaleshwar Temple: Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the famous temples of the city and is devoted to Lord Shiva and holds strong religious values. It is located inside a five feet high stone wall and has a Shiva Lingam which is of black stone.

Sydney Point: Located at a distance of just 3 kms from Panchgani, Sydney Point is famous for providing charming views of the Krishna Valley, Dhom Dam, Kamalgad Fort and the city of Wai. The point was named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, Commander in Chief of the council.

Wilson Point: An astonishing viewpoint, the Wilson point is situated at a distance of 19 kms from Panchgani and is known as the Sunrise Point. This is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar and is very popular for its three watch towers.

Lord Karthikeya Temple: Located inside the Rajpuri caves, Lord Karthikeya Temple is devoted to Lord Karthikeya, son of Lord Shiva. The Thaipooyam festival is the main attraction of this temple which is celebrated in the months of January and February and attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Tableland: Tableland has been credited with the privilege of being Asia’s second longest mountain Plateau. This is a wide expanse of laterite rock and this place offers the grandeur view of Panchgani hill station itself. One can get breathtaking views of Rajpuri caves and the place known as “Devil’s Kitchen from here.

Tableland provides a natural protection for Panchgani from strong winds, heavy rains and it helps Panchgani to keep its ambience enjoyable for tourists. Tableland serves as a great sports and games place for children and young.

Best time to visit

Panchgani has a moderate climate all through the year. But the best time to visit is from September to May.

June to September there occurs medium level rainfall. The place is not crowded and monsoon lovers as well as peace seekers are sure to enjoy their visits.

How to reach
By Train: Pune Railway station, about 95 km away, is the major railway station near Panchagani. Pune is well connected to all cities in India by rail.
By Air: Pune, which is 95 km away from Panchgani, is the nearest airport. Pune is connected to Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore by air.
By Bus: Panchagani is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Pune to Panchagani. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available in this route.