Panchgani
Panchgani is a quiet town and a charming hill station with colonial cottages dotting the streets. The breathtaking beauty with the magnificent Krishna River on one side, the view of the backwater of Dhom Dam and numerous hamlets make it one of the best tourist spots of western India. Panchagni is also well known for its number of residential schools and sanitoriums.
Location of Panchgani
Panchagni is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra located at an elevation of 1305m above sea level. It is 38m below Mahabaleshwar on Mahabaleshwar-Wai road. It is on the river side of Shayadri ranges thus escaping the heavy rain and fog.
What to see in Panchgani?
Parsi Point: This point gives the most beautiful view around the Krishna Valley. The point is so named as it was a favourite spot for the Parsi community. Sydney Point: This point is on a small hillock and it is named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, who was Commander in Chief and senior member of council, and temporarily succeeded Sir John Malcolm as the Governor of Bombay in 1830. From here, you can see the glittering waters of Dhom Dam.
Tableland: Tableland is the highest part of Panchgani at an elevation of 4550 feet above sea level. You can view some caves from here, one of them being Devil’s Kitchen. It is a place visited by many tourists as it provides many forms of entertainment like horse riding, mini trains and merry go rounds.Devil’s Kitchen: Devil’s Kitchen is situated south of the tableland and is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place for cooking.
Rajapuri Caves: Rajapuri caves are situated about 10kms from Panchgani. It houses a temple of Lord Karthikeya. Atemple of local goddess Ghatjal Devi is also found here. There are stone plates at the entrance of the caves. There are four main caves, three of them being joined by underground tunnels and one which
is separate.
Dhoom Dam: Dhoom Dam is a major tourist attraction for tourists about 21kms away from Panchgani. It is a beautiful boating spot. Accomodation options in Panchgani Panchgani offers a variety of homely and comfortable options. Hotel Ravine near Sydney Point is a great place for couples. Palazzo Hotel near Parsi Fire temple is an English style bungalow. Some of the other hotels are Cliff Inn Resort, Hotel Millennium Park and Blue Country Resort.
Best season to visit Panchgani
Panchagani can be visited anytime of the year. It rains heavily during the monsoons. However, the best time is from September to May. How to reach Panchgani
How to reach Ooty
By Air: The nearest airport is Pune. It is 98kms from Panchgani.
By Rail: The nearest rail station is Wathar. It is however, best to reach Panchgani via Pune.
By Road: Panchgani is very well connected with Pune and Mumbai. NH4 and NH17 are popular routes to reach Panchgani.
