Panchgani Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: September to May Read More

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Also Refered As:

Paachgani

"The Table Land"

Panchgani Tourism

Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, famous for its various sunset and sunrise points and scenic valley view.

Located at an altitude of 1,334 mts, Panchgani is also known as Paachgani as the five hills that form the Sahyadri mountain ranges offer Panchgani its name. The picturesque backdrop of hills on one side and coastal plains on the other makes for an amazing view. In the British era, the place was treated as a summer resort and hence many colonial period establishments can be seen here. Mahabaleshwar is like a twin city to Panchgani.

Other than the verdant green valleys, and soothing environment, the red, juicy strawberries are a major attraction of Panchgani. Rightly known as the ‘Strawberry Garden of India’, the farms of Panchgani are full of enchanting views of luscious berries, especially during February and March.

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Viewpoints in Panchgani

Located very close to the city of Pune, Panchgani is an ideal getaway from Mumbai and Pune to find comfort and peace in the lap of nature. Table Hill spread over an area of 95 acres is one of the astonishing beauty of Panchgani. It is the second-largest mountain plateau in the whole of Asia. Not only it is a wonder in itself, but the top hill also offers a great view of Panchgani hills.

Other viewpoints of Panchgani are- Sydney point, Kate Point, and Parsi Point. When in Panchgani do not miss one of the enthralling experience that this small hill town has to offer. Paragliding above the lush green hills of Western Ghats is the must-do activity in Panchgani.

History of Panchgani

Panchgani was discovered during the British Raj and was tagged as their summer capital. British superintendent, in the name of John Chesson, can be credited for the improvement and grooming of the hill station during the 1960s. Initially, Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the British, but they could not retire there during the monsoon. Later, they decided on Panchgani for the same as the town remain pleasant throughout the year.

John Chesson was assigned the task of finding a suitable spot for the summer vacation retreat. He finally settled on the scenic area between five villages- Dhandeghar, Godavli, Amral, Khingar, and Taighat. Post discovery of the beautiful region, John was made superintendent, and the place was named Panchgani.

Restaurants and Local Food in Panchgani

Panchgani does not really have a unique local cuisine but is famous for its strawberries. One must definitely try the fruit and maybe even take some home. Other than that, the area, true to the nature of the state, sustains a huge variety in the cuisines available here. One can choose from Gujrati, Parsi, Continental, Chinese, Moghlai, Punjabi, South Indian and Marashtrian menus along with countless options for desserts. Those interested in non-vegetarian delicacies will also find a lot to indulge in from a rich Biryani to various chicken and mutton preparations.
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How to Reach Panchgani

How to Reach Overview

Panchgani is connected to all parts of India through air, rail and road. The nearest airport and railway station to Panchgani is located in Pune, around 100 km away. This is the most convenient option for those travelling from outside Maharashtra. State transport buses ply regularly between Panchgani and nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, etc connecting it to all cities within Maharashtra.

How to reach Panchgani by flight

The closest airport is Pune airport, at a distance of 100 km. Pune is domestically well connected with frequent flights running from major cities. You can either take a direct cab which cost around INR 2,000 or go out of the airport and take a bus from Pune to Panchgani which is much cheaper. The major international airport in Mumbai which is 250 km from Panchgani. Frequent buses and cabs are easily available from Mumbai to Panchgani.

How to reach Panchgani by road

There are regular direct buses from Pune/Mumbai to Panchgani. Based on your budget you get a range of buses from super fast to deluxe AC and Volvo sleeper.

How to reach Panchgani by train

The closest railway station to Panchgani is Wathar, but it is not so well-connected. Getting down at Pune station would work out better in terms of convenience. Pune is a well-connected railway station. You could direct pre-paid taxi service to Panchgani from Pune railway station.

Local transport in Panchgani

Like most hill stations, getting around the place on foot is not too difficult. You find cabs easily but there are no autos in Panchgani.

Most frequently searched routes to Panchgani

Route Name Distance Time
Mumbai to Panchgani 242 km 4 hours 13 mins
Pune to Panchgani 98.4 km 2 hours 13 mins
Hyderabad to Panchgani 604 km 11 hours 25 mins
Mahabaleshwar to Panchgani 19.0 km 36 mins
Lonavala to Panchgani 159 km 2 hours 49 mins
Delhi to Panchgani 1,556 km 1 day 2 hours

Panchgani Photos

Panchgani, Maharashtra
Parsi Point

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FAQs on Panchgani

What are the places near Panchgani?

The top places near to Panchgani are Mahabaleshwar which is 14 km from Panchgani, Lavasa which is located 62 km from Panchgani, Pune which is located 67 km from Panchgani, Mumbai which is located 160 km from Panchgani, Goa which is located 269 km from Panchgani

What are the things to do in Panchgani?

The top things to do in Panchgani are Kaas Plateau, Table Land, Mahabaleshwar, Kate's Point, Paragliding in Panchgani, Mapro Garden. You can see all the places to visit in Panchgani here

What are the top hotels in Panchgani?

There are 160 in Panchgani which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Panchgani are Pan Hill Hotel, Climb Villas, Vibhuti Villa, Swarnam villa and rhytham vila, Kadam Villa, Chocolate Villa Mahabaleshwar. You can see all the hotels in Panchgani here

What is the best way to reach Panchgani?

Once you are in Maharashtra, connectivity to Panchgani is not an issue. Even though Panchgani does not have an airport or a railway station, the closest ones are within 100 km radius.
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What is the local food in Panchgani?

Panchgani does not really have a unique local cuisine but is famous for its strawberries. One must definitely try the fruit and maybe even take some home. Other than that, the area, true to the nature of the state, sustains a huge variety in the cuisines available here. One can choose from Gujrati, Parsi, Continental, Chinese, Moghlai, Punjabi, South Indian and Marashtrian menus along with countless options for desserts. Those interested in non-vegetarian delicacies will also find a lot to indulge in from a rich Biryani to various chicken and mutton preparations.
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What is the best time to visit Panchgani?

Nestled in the middle of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Panchgani is a perfect winter destination. Its altitude and the densely vegetated forests on the mountain ranges also make it an apt escape from the scorching summers in Maharashtra. It is, therefore, best visited between October and April. The weather remains pleasant almost throughout the day making it a perfect time to explore the hill station and go sightseeing. The captivating mountain views attract tourists in large numbers. Owing to its location, many resorts and hotels are located amidst nature ensuring a lovely and rejuvenating experience for the tourists. The time between July and September is the Monsoon season in Panchgani. This is when the entire region is covered with lush greenery. The skies are cloudy most of the day, and climate remains damp, misty and cold. This sometimes affects sightseeing, but there is nothing to stop the offbeat travellers and monsoon lovers who often visit Panchgani for its unique charm and beauty.

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Who should visit Panchgani?

Perfect place weekend trips from Mumbai and Pune. Can be visited by adventure enthusiasts and nature seekers.

What is not so good about Panchgani?

Does not have its own airport and railway station.

What is famous about Panchgani?

Lot of activities to do here, apart from sightseeing. Close proximity to Pune and Mumbai makes it an ideal weekend getaway.

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Panchgani Reviews

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JK MUSICS

on Paragliding 6 years ago
Lovely and new experience and it was something new for me so was very much excited .. try this guy's don't miss it so that next time may be you don't get a chance again in ur life so better don't thi (Read More)nk twice and if u love heights then go for it give a try

Strawberry Farm

on Mapro Garden 6 years ago
Laxmi Strawberry Farm, the place to be all year round and especially at strawberry season!!! Come and spend the day picking and eating ripe organic strawberries, down in our fields! For more informat (Read More)ion please call on
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