Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Panchgani is a beautiful hill station famous for its amazing natural beauty and picturesque locations. Panchgani is located in the state of Maharashtra. It means five hills. The spectacular beauty of this place, with the mountains on one side and the coastal plains on another makes it worth visiting.
The city is the ultimate destination for nature lovers. The ambience of the place is very soothing, cool and serene and the beautiful unpolluted environment further adds on to this. It is said that the oxygen content here is quite high in comparison with other regions.
Read More : Not To Miss Hill-Staions In Maharashtra
PC: wikimedia.org
Panchgani is located at a distance of 242 km from Mumbai, about 99 km from Pune and approximately around 778 km from Bengaluru.
Pune Junction happens to be the nearest railway station. Pune Airport is the nearest airport. There are also plenty of buses from Pune Junction to reach Panchgani.
PC: wikimedia.org
More About The Place
It was discovered by the British during their rule in India as a place to spend their summer. A person named John Chesson, who was a superintendent, was given charge of the hill station in the 1860s. He planted many plant species, which include the silver oaks and poinsettia which have flourished since then in this area.
It was developed as a retirement place for the British because it remains pleasant throughout the year. The name Panchgani was given by John Chesson after he surveyed the place which had five villages in its vicinity namely Dhandeghar, Godavali, Amral, Khingar and Taighat.
Read More : 7 Weekend Getaways From Maharashtra
PC: wikimedia.org
The infrastructures here are heavy of British influence. The town of Mahabaleshwar is considered as a twin of this place, because of its similarities in weather and also as they are located very close to each other at a distance of 16 km.
Best Time To Visit
Although it is a place which can be visited throughout the year, the best season to visit is during winters and during the onset of summer. The best months to visit are from September to May.
PC: wikimedia.org
Places To Visit
1.Panchganga Mandir
This renowned temple was constructed in the 13th century, by the then King, Raja Singhandeo. The temple is at a distance of 18 km and is situated in Old Mahabaleshwar. When you enter the temple you would come across a carved gaumukhi from which five rivers flow.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and it is open to devotees from 5:00 AM To 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The best season to visit this place is during the months starting from October to June.
PC: wikimedia.org
2.Kamalgad Fort
The fort covers a flat area of 3 to 4 acres and is surrounded by steep rocks which one needs to carefully scale to reach its base. On the top of the fort, one would find a hole which is the remains of a well, which had been bored right through the rock into the soil and it still holds water.
It is said criminals were kept within its recesses and had to choose between starvation or drowning to decide their own mode of death.
PC: wikimedia.org
3.Sydney Point
This hillock is named after Sir Sydney Beckwarth, who was the member of the council and was succeeded by Sir John Malcolm as the Governor of Bombay in 1830. These places give you a magnificent view of the hill ranges of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo. It also gives a magnificent view of the Krishna Valley, Kamalgad Fort and Dhom Dam.
PC: wikimedia.org
4. Pratapgad Fort
The construction of the fort is done in such a way that it overlooks the connecting villages of Par and Kineswar. The plus point of this fort is the serene and calm atmosphere which will rejuvenate you at once.
The fort was constructed by Chatrapathi Shivaji in the year 1656 and is believed to be one of the very popular forts in the Maratha history.
PC: wikimedia.org
5. Veena Lake
This man-made lake was constructed in 1842 by Sri Appasaheb Maharaj. The main idea of constructing this lake was to cater to the water needs of the people of Mahabaleshwar. The lake offers boating and fishing and is a perfect place to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
PC: wikimedia.org
6. Table Land
It is one of the famous destinations of the city and it is the highest point in the area. It is believed to be Asia's second longest mountain plateau at an elevation of 1387 m above sea level and is covered by hills.
7. Rajpuri Caves
The Rajpuri caves are one amongst the attractions of this region. The cave is surrounded by lakes from all sides; it is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Karthikeya. It is said the temple is made of the sands of the caves. Many believe that it was the shelter of the Pandavas during their exile period.
PC: wikimedia.org
Food And Accommodation
There are ample options for one to stay and eat at this place. You would find places to stay from pocket-friendly ones to the ones which can burn a hole in your pocket. There are also a number of resorts which offer you a very good place to stay and a variety of food.
