About
Panchgani
Panchgani earned fame when John Chessen, a British Warrant Officer founded
it in 1854 and formulated it with a grant from the Governer of Bombay. He
chose the place to experiment and to create it into a European-style health
resort. The ancient building, Parsi cottages and exquisite boarding schools
tucked away into the hills make a splendid sight. The hill station is
located at an altitude of 1334 metres above sea level. It's a delight
walking along the wooded walkways and the lush trees and vegetation. One can
even have a glimpse of the Krishna as it meanders through small hamlets and
valleys.
Climate of Panchgani
The hill station of Panchgani enjoys a pleasant climate. Temperature during
summers touches a maximum of 35 degrees while in winters the temperature
goes down to a minimum of 16 degrees. The annual rainfall records 216 cm.
September to May is the best time to visit Panchgani.
Major Attractions of Panchgani
» Table Land - Perched at an elevation of 60
metres, the Table Land happens to be the second longest mountain plateau in
Asia. This flat gigantic mass of Laterite rock also provides views of some
sizable exquisite caves that are a total delight.
» Devil's Kitchen - To the south of the Table Land
lies the Devil's Kitchen. Belief exists that the Pandavas stayed here for
some time and cooked their food here. The place sees a huge number of
visitors and has a mythological significance.
» Sydney Point - Sydney Point rests atop a small hillock. The
place gives miraculous views of the Dhom Dam. Pandavgad and Mandhardeo can
also be seen from this place.
» Rajapuri Caves - Rajpuri caves are located at a
distance of 10 km from Panchgani. The caves have astound religious
significance as the temple of Lord Karthikeya is also located here. During
the harvest season a fair is held by the locals of the place.
Shopping
Panchgani grows one of the finest strawberries in the country. Don't miss
the Budh Ka Bazaar meaning market held on Wednesday. Villagers from
neighbouring area gather to sell fruits, vegetable, pots and pans. There are
jams, fruit crushes and honey available.
Accommodation
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporations runs a number of hotels in
Panchgani. The Cliff Inn Resort near Sydney Point offers facilities like
well-furnished rooms, parking space, multi cuisine restaurant, swimming
pool, children's park, pool table, indoor games etc. Blue Country Resort is
another accommodation point near Sydney Point. Comfort Inn Dhanhills is a
2-star hotel. Hotel Ravine is located at an elevation of 4500 feet above
sea-level. This is the only certified 3-star hotel in Panchgani.
How To Reach
» Air - Pune (98 km) is the closest airport.
» Railway - Pune is the nearest railway station.
» Road - The road-network of Panchgani connects to
places like Mumbai and Pune.
