Named after the five majestic hills enclosing it, Panchgani makes for a renowned hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevation of around 1,334 meters above sea level, this hill town is packed with towering mountains, serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests.
Overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains, this town served as a beautiful summer retreat for the British officials in the bygone times. At the present day, Panchgani is visited by a plethora of tourists seeking peace, romance, nature, and adventure. Enthralling local destinations such as Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam form the major attractions of Panchgani and add to the beauty and charm of the place. Panchgani is not limited just to a few picturesque sights, but also goes beyond to offer its visitors a plethora of mind-boggling activities.
From shopping at Shivaji Circle to admiring nature at Wai and from exploring history at Kamalgad Fort to boating at Venna Lake, this place has everything to let you experience an action-packed holiday. If you are a daredevil and seeking adventure activities, Panchgani can offer you a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horse riding.
One of the top aspects that adds to the pleasurable vacation at Panchgani is the availability of top-class accommodation facilities in this town. Panchgani is bestowed with a plethora of budget-friendly as well as luxury resorts and hotels that are suitable for families, couples, and friends. These hotels are well-equipped with modern amenities and offer amazing facilities including thrilling outdoor activities. Furthermore, packed with many nature-friendly camping destinations, this place also allows the travelers to enjoy surreal night camping opportunities.
So, no matter the kind of traveler you are, pack your bags to Panchgani and discover an exquisite holiday brimming with history, adventure, nature, and a lot more.
1. Kaas Plateau:
Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Kaas Plateau is an amazing biodiversity hotspot perched at an elevation of around 1200 meters. Also known as the “Valley of Flowers”, this beautiful plateau shelters over 840 species of colorful wildflowers and the famous Kaas Lake.
Some of the endemic flowers you can spot here include Kaasa, Kondal, Anjani, Sonki, and Paner. People visiting this place usually enjoy landscape photography, hiking, and picnicking.
Location: 25 kilometers from Satara, Maharashtra.
2. Sydney Point:
Nestled at the beginning of the town of Panchgani, Sydney Point is a very popular viewpoint that is quite well-known to hikers and backpackers. This mesmerizing hillock is believed to have got its name from the name Lieutenant General Sir Sidney Beckwarth, who was a high-ranking English officer in the British army.
Sydney Point is known to offer its visitors awe-inspiring panoramic sights of many famous local attractions including the ancient Kamalgad Fort, the breathtaking Krishna Valley, the wonderful Wai city, and the serene Dhom Dam.
Location: Dandeghar, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
3. Devrai Art Village:
Sheltering a highly skilled non-profit artist community, Devrai Art Village is known popularly for its creative works that try to form an inspiring connection between art and nature. The community includes Adivasi artists and craftsmen, who find a safe and secure refuge in the Devrai Art Village and continue to present their talent to the whole world.
Their art and craft works usually involve materials like fabric, wood, iron, bamboo, stone, and brass. Tourists visiting this place can take a walk through the village and marvel at the beautiful creations or go ahead and buy some stunning souvenirs.
Location: Devrai, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
4. Mapro Garden:
‘Mapro’ is the abbreviation of “Mahabaleshwar Products” and the Mapro Garden is an extended venture of the famous Mapro Foods Factory. This place was founded back in the 1980s in order to let the visitors watch the production process of syrups and jams.
At present, Mapro Garden is packed with a restaurant, a chocolate factory, a kids’ playground, a retail outlet dealing in Mapro products, and a nursery. Visitors coming here enjoy walking through the garden, relishing wood-fire pizzas, and buying their favorite fruit-based products.
Location: Gureghar, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
5. Rajpuri Caves:
Known popularly for its religious significance, Rajpuri Caves is believed to have served as an accommodation facility for the Pandavas in the course of their exile. These caves are enclosed by a number of sacred ponds that get water from the Ganga river, which is believed to heal all types of ailments.
It is also believed that Lord Karthikeya had also performed his holy rituals in one of these caves, which is why the Kartikeya temple lying here forms one of the major attractions of this place.
Location: Rajapuri, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
6. Table Land Viewpoint:
Forming the loftiest point of Panchgani, Table Land is a beautiful plateau perched at an elevation of around 4500 feet. Spanning over a whooping area of about 95 acres, this amazing viewpoint offers its visitors unparalleled views of many towering hills and lush valleys.
This spot also offers picturesque sunset and sunrise views that is sure to captivate every traveler. Table Land even offers the visitors the chance to indulge in a number of thrilling adventure activities including trekking and horse riding. You can also find a plethora of small food kiosks lined up here serving delicious Indian street foods.
Location: Panchgani, Maharashtra.
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1. Enjoy Boating at Venna Lake:
If you are a nature lover seeking a serene evening in Panchgani, head to the very popular Venna Lake for a peaceful boat ride. Spanning across a huge area of around 28 acres and enclosed by lush trees, this lake pledges to offer you a memorable peaceful and tranquil boating experience.
In the course of your boat ride on the Venna Lake, you can capture some stunning landscape photographs, soak in the natural greenery of the place, and catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset.
Location: Towards Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.
2. Soak in the Splendors of Nature at Dhom Dam:
Established back in 1976, Dhom Dam offers a truly captivating treat for the eyes. Built on river Krishna at Wai, this breathtaking dam is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush meadows, which add to its charm.
Constructed to supply an adequate amount of water to the local industries and agricultural lands, this dam propels a heavy influx of nature lovers, photo fanatics, and peace seekers at the present day. Travelers visiting Dhom Dam get a chance to indulge in a plethora of exhilarating activities including boating, banana boat riding, and water scooter riding.
Location: Near Wai, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
3. Shop Leather Items at Shivaji Circle:
If you call yourself a shopaholic, you cannot leave Panchgani without visiting the shoppers’ abode of Shivaji Circle. Sheltering a plethora of bustling shops, this shopping destination has gained a lot of popularity among the locals and the tourists over the years. Some of the most recommended picks at Shivaji Circle include wooden decors, Indian spices, chikkis, and leather bags.
Location: Panchgani, Maharashtra.
4. Explore History at Kamalgad Fort:
No history fanatic and architecture lover can miss out on visiting Kamalgad Fort when in Panchgani. Constructed during the rule of the Marathas, this majestic square shaped fortress makes for a paradise for the offbeat travelers at the present day. Perched atop a hilltop and surrounded by a thick forest, this fort can be accessed only by trekking.
Hike to the surprising destination of Kamalgad Fort and take a stroll through its ruined corridors and discover some centuries old stories, griefs, and mysteries.
Location: Wai Taluka, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
5. Witness the Magical Panoramic View from Parsi Point:
Head to the breathtaking viewpoint of Parsi Point to enjoy the tempting splendors of nature. Surrounded by green mountains, this place offers unadulterated panoramic views of the sparkling Dhom Dam and the lush Krishna Valley.
This place is also known to offer awe-inspiring views of sunsets and sunrises. Travelers visiting Parsi Point love to engage in photography and camel riding. Parsi Point also has a nice play area where kids enjoy spending time during their visit. You can also find a number of local sellers offering delicious snacks and fresh fruits here for the refreshment of the visitors.
Location: Ganeshpeth, Panchgani, Maharashtra.
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The most ideal time for visiting Panchgani is from the month of September until the month of May.
1. Monsoons (June to September):
Panchgani becomes greener and livelier during the monsoons. However, the foggy weather can obstruct the mountain views and heavy downpours can hinder sightseeing.
2. Winters (October to February):
Winters are an amazing time to visit Panchgani. During this time, the skies remain clear allowing you to enjoy sightseeing and paragliding.
3. Summers (March to May):
With a number of waterfalls and lakes, Panchgani makes for the best destinations to escape the scorching heat during the summers. The Strawberry Festival is one of the main attractions here in the summers.
Panchgani makes for one of the top shopping destinations of Maharashtra and offers the tourists the chance to enjoy an endless and fulfilling shopping experience. Some of the most recommended things you can purchase on your trip to this place include:
-Strawberries
-Jams and syrups
-Leather products
-Wooden handicrafts
-Local spices
-Sculptures and paintings.
There is no direct train, bus, or flight from Bangalore to Panchgani.
1. By Air:
Take a flight from Bangalore and reach Pune Airport. From here, take a local taxi to arrive at Panchgani.
2. By Train:
Take a train from Bangalore and reach Satara railway station. Take a taxi from here to reach Panchgani.
3. By Bus:
Board a bus from Bangalore and arrive at Satara. From here, take a local taxi to reach Panchgani.
1. Chinaman’s Waterfall:
Cascading down rugged mountains, Chinaman’s Waterfall has been named after a Chinese man, who used to take care of this place in the bygone times. Set amidst lush greenery, this waterfall offers a breathtaking sight to enjoy, especially during the summers. You can also get a glimpse of the spectacular Koyna Valley from this site.
2. Bhilar Falls:
Bhilar Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfall that gets water only during the winter and monsoon season. This waterfall not only makes for a great sightseeing experience, but also forms the perfect hub for enjoying waterfall rappelling.
3. Lingmala Falls:
Falling from a whopping elevation of around 600 feet, Lingmala Falls offers an enthralling view coupled with a melodious rhythmic sound. Lying far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place is a paradise for peace seekers and nature lovers. One of the most interesting things about this site is that it offers unadulterated views of the Chinaman’s Waterfall and the Dhobi Waterfall.
4. Vajrai Waterfall:
Located near the Kaas Plateau, Vajrai Waterfall is considered to be the loftiest fall in Maharashtra. Falling from an altitude of around 560 meters, this place offers mesmerizing views, especially in the monsoons. This 3-tiered fall can be accessed by trekking, which makes it very popular among the trekkers and backpackers.
1. Royal Land Luxury Tent:
As its name suggests, Royal Land Luxury Tent offers lavish camping facilities in the wilderness of Panchgani. This place features splendid AC chalet tents, a lawn, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, a swimming pool, and a library. They can also arrange bonfires on request.
2. Sherbaug The Theme Park and Luxury Tents:
Sherbaug is a unique camping facility that offers lavish chalet tents coupled with an amazing theme park. Known as a totally family-friendly camp, this place provides its guests a number of attractions including a Rose Garden, an artificial waterfall, Fossil Museum, and Horror House.
3. Krishna River Camp -Wai:
Perched near the Krishna river, Krishna River Camp offers excellent tent stay amidst the breathtaking greenery and the gurgling sounds of the flowing river. The tents are well-furnished to offer standard beds, attached bathrooms, and mesmerizing river views. Guests can also enjoy fun-filled outdoor activities like trekking, jungle safari, bonfire, archery, and cricket during their stay here.
4. Lotus Campstays:
Lotus Campstays features basic tent facilities for a budget-friendly camping experience in Panchgani. The property has an in-house restaurant and a common bathroom and offers activities like sightseeing tours, trekking, and bonfire.
1. Hotel Millenium Park:
Millenium Park is one of the best places to stay in Panchgani for travelers seeking luxurious facilities at a budget-friendly price. This splendid resort flaunts a set of well-appointed rooms, an inhouse restaurant and bar, a jazzy nightclub, a gym, a sparkling pool, and an Ayurvedic massage center.
2. IL Palazzo Hotel:
Counted among the most ancient hotels of Panchgani, IL Palazzo Hotel takes you back to the bygone British era. Showcasing a colonial style architecture, this property features luxurious rooms, a nice gym, and a decent restaurant.
3. Blue Country Resort:
Spread across an area of around 3 acres, Blue Country Resort is a splendidly constructed resort that makes for a brilliant accommodation facility for a blissful vacation. Packed with a large swimming pool, a multi-cuisine in-house restaurant, and a health center, this place is perfect for families and friends.
4. Prospect Hotel Panchgani:
Nestled amidst green surroundings, Prospect Hotel boasts an impressive Victorian style design and architecture. This amazing property features cottage style accommodation facilities and an elegant Parsi restaurant. This place also offers exquisite views of the famous Table Land and many other lush valleys.
5. Ravine Hotel Panchgani:
Surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas, Ravine Hotel offers a totally rejuvenating stay with its top-class amenities and facilities. The property is bestowed with an impressive fountain, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa.
1. Paragliding:
With clear skies, astounding mountain views, and favourable wind, Panchgani makes for the perfect hub for enjoying paragliding. Some of the top destinations where you can paraglide in Panchgani include Tapola, Khinger, and Bhilar.
2. Boating:
The famous Dhom Dam and the amazingly serene Venna Lake make for the best sites to enjoy boating in Panchgani. Surrounded by scenic beauty, these places let you soak in the enthralling views of towering mountains, lush valleys, and breathtaking sunset while you enjoy your boat ride on the serene waters.
3. Trekking:
Known as a picturesque hill retreat, Panchgani offers its visitors an excellent scope to enjoy trekking. No matter if you are a seasoned trekker or a mere beginner, the treks of this town will never disappoint you. Some of the popular treks of Panchgani include Sinhagad Fort trek, Naneghat trek, Ratangad trek, Kothaligad trek, and Rajmachi trek.
4. Horse Riding:
Horse Riding is yet another exhilarating activity that can be experienced in the valleys of Panchagani. Enchanting viewpoints of the town like the Table Land and the Parsi Point offer tourists the chance to enjoy the best horse riding experience.
5. Rock Climbing:
The rugged hills and valleys of Panchgani make it a nice place to enjoy a challenging rock climbing experience. Some of the best places where you can do rock climbing here include Parsi Point and Sydney Point.
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