Panchgani hill station-Maharashtra: Five Plateaus

Panchgani hill station located only 16 kms from the Mahabaleshwar hill station is often deemed to be its lesser known sibling. Though it does not rival Mahabaleshwar hill station in its popularity, Panchgani is equally enchanting. Panchgani hill station draws its name from the most prominent geographical phenomenon of the region: the five plateus that surround the region (‘panch’ means five, gain means plateaus).

Among the many things that one enjoys about Panchgani hill station is the view that the region’s swoops with greenery: on one side lies the mighty Krishna river, whereas on the other, the coastal plains of Konkan. Once a popular British holiday resort, even today is rich in oxygen; it is also said that the water of the region contains traces of haemoglobin boosting iron. Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the British Raj stamped indelibly all over it. The British soul of the Panchgani hill station is evident when one looks at the architectural style of the old British buildings, Parsi houses, and boarding schools that have been a part of Panchgani for more than a century.

Panchgani hill station truly comes alive in the evenings with ferris wheels, rides, ponies and many food stalls. Often referred to as the “Mecca of Maharashtra”, a pony ride is a must for any tourist. Find Travel Agents & Panchgani Packages on Tripraja

PLACES to VISIT in Panchgani- DESTINATIONS

Panchgani hill station has many destinations that are worth visiting. Almost any part of the region can be deemed to be a good picnic spot. There are a number of valleys and picturesque hills in the region surrounding Panchgani.

• If there is one thing, however, that is particularly noticeable about the Panchgani hill station, it is the sheer variety and number of structures from the British Raj that the region is well endowed with.
• Beautiful Parsi bungalows and cottages depicting the grandeur of the Raj adorn the hillscape.
• Panchgani hill station is also very famous for its educational institutes; note that the region is home to as many as twenty boarding schools.

Panchgani Hill Station- TRAVEL TIPS

Though slightly more urban than many other Indian hill stations, the Panchgani hill station abounds in greenery.

• Trek: Trekking and going for long walks are a good way to enjoy the pristine surrounding of the region.
• Accommodation: The Panchgani hill station abounds in British era heritage structures; the Parsi bungalows of the town are particularly famous.
• Languages: The local populace is well versed in Hindi, English, and Marathi so communication shouldn’t be a problem at all.

BEST TIME to visit Panchgani

• The best time to visit the Panchgani hill station is between the months of October and May.
• And unless and until you really intend to get drenched in hurricane-grade heavy rains, visiting Panchgani in the middle of the monsoons may not be that great an idea. However, it is best to visit Panchgani in the start of the monsoon season.

BEST WAY to reach Panchgani hill station

• By Air: Pune (98 kms) is the nearest airport; Mumbai-Pune connectivity is excellent.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Wathar. However, Pune is a more preferable option as it boasts of better road transport connectivity to the Panchgani hill station.
• By Road: Panchagani hill station is well connected to all the important cities in the region.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, guest houses, etc. are available to suit all budgets. Panchgani abounds in family holiday resorts. One can get excellent discounts on accommodation via package tours.