Places to visit in Panchgani, Things to Do, Travel Guide & Itinerary

Places to visit in Panchgani: Panchgani is a pleasant hill station snuggled amidst the five hills on the rugged Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats in Satara district in Maharashtra, India. It’s an ideal weekend getaway from Pune and Mumbai, the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From the 19th century there have been numerous schools started in the region and is also popularly known as an educational town which is surrounded by many convent boarding schools. The calm hill town is just 18km away from Mahabaleshwar, famous for panoramic views of mesmerizing sunrise and sunset points. 

Places to visit in Panchgani, Things to Do, Travel Guide & Itinerary

Panchgani is a perfect destination which offers something or the other for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The hill station is equipped with green landscapes, evergreen forest, cascading waterfalls, delicious local cuisine, rich cultural heritage etc. Panchgani was developed as a hill station by the British in the 1860s and it used to be a summer resort for the British officers as the climate was quite pleasant. It is located at an elevation of 1,334 meters above sea level and it got the name Paachgani as the town is surrounded by five villages such as Dandeghar, Godavali, Ambral, Khingar and Taighat. 

Panchgani implies “land between five villages” and it is bordered by five mountain ranges, Wai, Bavdhan and Nagewadi dam towards east, Gureghar on west, Khingar and Rajpuri towards south, Dhom Dam on north.  The five hills adjoining Panchgani are surpassed by a volcanic plateau and this flat terrain, on the other hand known as “table land” is one of the best places to visit in Panchgani. Apart from just being a scenic hill town, Panchgani is also famous of its red and juicy strawberries that are produced throughout the year and is popularly known as the ‘Strawberry Garden of India’

How to Reach Panchgani

By Air:

Pune International Airport (111km) is the closest airplane terminal to Panchgani and another Airport that is close by is Mumbai, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (162 km). Both the airports have excellent connectivity with most major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata etc. From the air terminal, rent a taxi or take a transport to reach the hill station.

By Train:

Satara railway station is the closest railway track to Panchgani and alternatively, you can also take a train to Pune, Sangli railroad station and Kolhapur station with appropriate network. From there take any public transportation to reach Panchgani.

By Bus or By Road:

Panchgani has great public transportation and is well connected by road with major cities. Travelers can board private or state MSRTC buses that run through cities like Mumbai, Satara, Pune etc.

Suggested Read: Nashik Tourist Places

Best Time to visit Panchgani

No matter what season it is, being a hill station, you can enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year in Panchgani. It’s one of those places which looks eye pleasing in every season as mother nature keeps changing its essence and colors year through. 

However, the best time to visit the hill station is from March to June when the climate is at its best. Rainstorms start from June to September and Winter from October to February.

Places to visit in Panchgani

Parsi Point

Panchgani is all about spectacular viewpoints and one among them is Parsi Point, named after the Parsi community. It’s the best spot where you can enjoy the scenic views of the mountains, Krishna valley and the backwaters of Dhom dam. Parsi Point offers best sunrise and sunset experiences and is surrounded by a small stall, where tourists can buy souvenirs and snacks.

• Timings: Every single day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Rajpuri Caves

The ancient Rajpuri Caves have a lot of religious significance. There are four caves, three caves are associated by underground tunnels and the fourth cave is estranged. The caves contain many water ponds and people believe that water of holy Ganges flows into them and is considered holy. There are various myths around these caves, used for penance and spiritual ceremonies by Lord Kartikeya and shelter to Pandavas during their exile. The main attraction of the Caves is the Lord Kartikeya Temple.

• Timings: Every single day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Sydney Point

Sydney Point is one of the most admired viewpoints in Panchgani, surrounded by splendid views of Krishna Valley, Kamalgad Fort, Dhom Dam and city of Wai. It is named after the Commander in Chief, Sir Sidney Beckwarth.

• Timings: Every single day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Table Land

It is one of the highest points located at a height of 4550 feet above sea level and it’s a flat mountain plateau surrounded by hills; hence it got the name as Table land. These geographically flattened peaks are the second top volcanic plateau in Asia after the Tibetan highland and a best spot to see the aerial viewpoints of the Rajpuri Caves and Devil’s Kitchen from its elevation. It is one of the best places to visit in Panchgani.

• Timings: Every single day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Mapro Garden

Mapro Gardens is a place where you can try some organic edibles and fruit-based products, it’s not actually a garden. The hub is equipped with a chocolate factory, strawberry trail, an eatery cum bistro, a nursery, kids’ play zone and retail outlet that sells Mapro products. It’s a perfect spot where you can taste the freshly grown strawberries served with whipped cream. Mapro garden is one of those places to visit in Panchgani which is not to be missed.

• Timings: Every single day from 8am to 8pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Dhom Dam

The earth fill gravity dam, Dhom Dam is located 21 km away from Panchgani near Wai. It is one of the largest and the first dams built on the banks of River Krishna in 1976 for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation. It’s the best spot for nature and water sports activities like scooters, speed boats, banana boats and motorboats. There is a well-known Narasimha Temple located on the riverbanks of Krishna.

• Timings: Open all day (Boat club is open from 7am to 7pm)
• Entry Fee: No fee

Lingmala Waterfall

Lingmala Waterfall is a perfect weekend getaway which is equipped with Stony Highlands and lush greenery all around. The waterfall is divided into two parts, while the lower falls is an ideal place for swimming and relaxing, the upper fall has the main waterfall which flows from a height of 500 feet.

• Timing: Every single day from 8am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 20 per person and INR 10 for Still Camera

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the popular hill stations and the pilgrimage site for Hindus, located just 18km away from Panchgani. Mahabaleshwar is titled as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra and there are a bunch of things to explore in the region.

Kamalgad Fort

Kamalgad Fort, also called as Kattalgad or Bhelanja, is a square shaped hill located near Wai, 41 km from Panchgani. If you love history and want to explore the ancient past of the region then visit Kamalgad Fort. Holding centuries old secrets and stories, the fort is spread around 4 acres of land surrounded by huge trees and steep rocks at an altitude of 4511 feet, built by Maratha rulers.

• Timings: Each day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau is also called the valley of Flower located at an elevation of 1200 m which covers an area of 1,000 hectares. It is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where you find around 850 different species of flowering plants and the best spot for hiking. This Plateau is formed by volcanic activities and has a beautiful lake named Kaas Lake towards the south.

• Timings: Every single day from 9am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: INR 50 per individual on Weekdays and INR 100 per individual amid Ends of the week and Public Holidays

Paragliding in Panchgani

Panchgani is an ideal place where you experience the best Paragliding activity and can see the breathtaking aerial view of lush vegetation, never ending mountains, the Krishna River valley from high above the Western Ghats. It is a unique and memorable experience one needs to try flying from the second highest volcanic plateau, Tableland.

• Timings: Each day from 6am to 6pm
• Ticket Costs: Approximately INR 2000 per person and price varies across levels

Devils Kitchen

Devil’s Kitchen is an intriguing natural wonder that draws guests with its legendary significance and sublime magnificence. It is situated between the Table Land and Rajpuri Caves and the place is surrounded by many myths. Devil’s Kitchen is a place where the heroes of epic Mahabharata, Pandavas, cooked their food at the time of their exile. It’s an enjoyable spot for adventure travelers, nature enthusiasts and mythology explorers.

• Timings: Each day from 6am to 6pm
• Entry Fee: No fee

Apart from these attractions there are various spots to visit in Panchgani such as, Bhilar Waterfalls, Tapola, Devrai Art Village, Kate’s Point, Harrison’s Folly, Sherbaug, Panchgani Bazaar etc.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options available in the hill station ranging from budget hotels or guest houses to luxury resorts. As per your budget and requirement choose the best option that works for you, but it’s a good idea to book them in advance to get better deals and discounts.

Conclusion

Panchgani is a sustainable and eco-friendly destination where travelers get to enjoy annual festivals, events, and local heritage that showcase the culture, food and crafts of the region. Over the years this small hill station has evolved drastically and remains the best vacation spot with a timeless appeal. 

Other than attractions, Panchgani is famous for its varied culinary culture, don’t miss out visiting the oldest bakery, Roach and Sons started in 1901 and locally grown produce such as strawberries and honey. Apart from its picturesque beauty it’s a hub to numerous historical landmarks, temples and viewpoints and if you’re an adventure lover don’t forget to try Paragliding and jeep safari.

Suggested Read: Ramdara Temple in Pune