Panchgani Hill Station – Colonial Heritage, Scenic Points & Nature’s Bliss
If you’re someone who wishes to breathe, slow down in chaos, and need some space, then Panchghani is the place to be.
Lush green hills that have some fresh air. You can walk through the hill town between decade-old trees and blooms. You can smell the essence of the forest while you walk through Panchghani. That’s the real beauty. Cover yourself up in a winter shawl and enjoy some fresh strawberries and cream.
The cold breeze murmurs across your hair, and the peace you feel is ultimate. Along with colonial charm, you will come across scenic charm. A hilly station in nature’s lap.
It’s a good destination for a weekend or vacation with family. It can also give a place of solace for couples. You can chuck the busy touristy Mahabaleshwar and stay at Panchghani too. You can drive up and down to enjoy both the places in one go.
It has pleasant weather from September to May. It’s quite pleasant to do activities around the hill station. It has many bungalows that have a rich history and old structures. It’s also a large volcanic plateau.
You will also notice a lot of schools, especially boarding schools. A lot of children take admission in these British-era schools. Many schools have evolved significantly and expanded since then. It was developed as a summer resort by the British. It was a retirement destination due to its cool climate and serenity.
The name of the five hills, referred to as “Land of Five Hills,” is surrounded by 5 tablelands in the region. It also has an ancient connection as the Pandavas stayed here during their exile. Many wealthy Parsis settled here in the early times. It is located in the Western Ghats in the Sahyadri mountains and is a famous hill station in Maharashtra.
Did you know that Maharashtra, too, has a Valley of Flowers? Oh yes! Just some distance away from Panchghani, you shall reach Kaas Plateau. It’s one of the sites under the UNESCO World Heritage places in India. It has thousands of blooms in several colors, making the plateau breathtaking. From rare orchids to wildflowers, it’s full of pink and purple flowers. It’s a paradise for photographers, reel makers, visitors, and trekkers. It’s the most scenic and enchanting place one can be.
Next, you can visit the Thoseghar waterfalls just 35 km away. During the monsoon, it’s a great place for a picnic and fun.
Tableland is the second-longest mountain plateau in Asia. This land is flat in shape and vast. It’s fully surrounded by valleys and hills. One can enjoy the Sunset and sunrise.
You get busy clicking selfies, chilling on the valley benches, or sipping a cola while you take a selfie. You will also find some horse riding and adventure activities.
From the Parsi point, you can see the Krishna River unfolding like a live painting. The Dhoma dam( clear blue water), shimmering, captures the beauty superbly well. The Sydney point is another historical beauty for summer retreats for the Britishers.
Panchghani has some lovely plant nurseries. If at all, you’re homebound in your car, then pick a wide range of flowering and green plants for your home or garden.
You can also visit strawberry farms, pick some of them, and enjoy local meals. From confectionery, syrups, and chikkis, you can pick some yummy stuff for your homies.
You can get your hands on some locally crafted goodies, handicrafts, and leather goods.
While some may just want to chill, some might want to trek and experience forest adventures and do some camping. You can explore the Rajpuri Caves, Pandavleni Caves
How to reach Panchghani.
Mahabaleshwar is also not that far from Panchghani, so you can spend a day and rest it out in Panchghani. The Best time to visit here is from September to May. Peak season is from October to February for cool temperatures. July to September has some moderate rains. You can reach Pune by road, train, or air. It’s just 110 km away. Then take a taxi or bus to reach Panchghani.
