Panchgani is a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located at an elevation of 1293 meters and is situated right in the middle of five hills of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It boasts of having the second-largest volcanic plateau in the whole of Asia. The town has beautiful lush greenery, strawberry farms, and a pleasant climate throughout the year. Panchgani hill station is well known among nature enthusiasts and people usually come here to get away from the busy fast-paced city life. The station is known for its scenic locations, adventure activities such as paragliding along with beautiful waterfalls and forest cover. No matter what you’re seeking, whether it be quietude, adventure, or spending some time close to nature, Panchgani has it all. Here is everything you need to know about traveling to Panchgani:
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When to Visit Panchgani?
Although Panchgani remains pleasant throughout the year, if you want to experience the place in its full glory, the post-monsoon season is perfect to visit. The weather is pleasant and the flora is in full bloom. September to February is the best time to plan a visit as the temperature hovers between 17 to 30 degrees celsius.
The summers are very hot and arid, so it isn’t advisable to visit Panchgani during the peak summers. So, keep this in mind before planning your visit to Panchgani.
How to Reach Panchgani?
Panchgani is a well know tourist destination and is, therefore, well connected by air, road, and rail to all the major cities of the country. You can choose to travel whichever way suits you and fits your budget. Below are the several ways in which you can travel to Panchgani hill station.
By Air
The nearest airport from Panchgani is in Pune. The airport is well connected to many different cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, etc., and has all the major flights coming in and out. From Pune, Panchgani is just two and a half hours by road. You can easily hire a taxi/cab service or even travel by availing of a bus service.
By Rail
The nearest railway station from Panchgani is Satara which is around 53 kilometers away. It is well connected with many trains from different cities. From Satara, you can hire a taxi/cab service or travel by bus.
By Road
The town is very well connected by a network of roads. It is connected to all the major cities. There are regular bus services, both government and private that run in the state. From Mumbai, Panchgani is around 245 kilometers away. So, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys road trips, this option might be the best as you’ll experience the beauty of the changing terrain as you get closer and closer to the hill station.
So, now that you know the various ways you can reach Panchgani, plan your trip accordingly, keeping in mind the kind of experience you want and budget constraints, if any.
Where to Stay in Panchgani?
Panchgani is filled with a huge variety of homestays, hotels, cottages, and inns for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious experience or an experience where you interact with the locals up close, Panchgani has it all. It is best to choose a homestay for your accommodation. You can choose from a wide variety of accommodations and finalize one that suits your budget and comfort standards
Best Places to visit in Panchgani
Now that we’re done with the When, How and Where?, next comes the question ” What places to visit”? You’ll need a minimum of 2 days to explore all the major attractions in Panchgani. Below are the best places Panchgani has to offer and ones that you shouldn’t skip:
Table Land
Tableland is the highest point in Panchgani and is located at an altitude of 4550 feet. It’s called Table Land because its terrain is made of flat laterite rocks which looks like a table when compared to the surrounding hills. From here, you can look upon the entire valley and the town of Panchgani. You can also enjoy activities such as horse riding and mini trains here. This plateau is the second largest volcanic plateau after the Tibetan Plateau in Asia. You shouldn’t skip on this destination as the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Sydney Point
Named after Sir Sydney Beckworth, this is a beautiful location situated among hills looking down on the Krishna Valley. You shouldn’t miss the serene and peaceful natural beauty of this place, as it is famous for its view of the hill ranges.
Rajpuri Caves
Known as the place where Lord Kartikeya completed his penance, the Rajpuri caves are a place of historical and ancient importance. Here you can find many ponds and it is believed that bathing in the holy water will rid you of all diseases. You can also visit the temple of Lord Kartikeya which is supposedly built from the sand taken from the caves.
Paragliding in Panchgani
The breathtaking scenic beauty of Panchgani along with the ideal altitude makes it perfect for paragliding. It is an experience that you must have when visiting. Many paragliding clubs operate here and you should be carefree about your safety as these are experienced and well-equipped clubs. So, if you’re an adventure enthusiast or want to taste the thrill of paragliding, there is no better place to be. Whether you’re an amateur or an advanced-level paraglider, there are various courses offered to help you.
Conclusion
Panchgani isn’t just known for one particular thing, it is a complete package of fun rolled into one. Pleasant and romantic weather, beautiful terrains and scenery, adventure sports, and rich culture, Panchgani has it all in plenty. So, whether you want to spend some time with friends and family amidst nature, or are seeking a thrill, Panchgani has got you covered. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, it is an abode of nature, which detoxes you and rejuvenates your soul. So, what are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Panchgani worth a visit?
Yes, it absolutely is. The town has beautiful lush greenery, strawberry farms, and a pleasant climate throughout the year. Panchgani hill station is well known among nature enthusiasts and people usually come here to get away from the busy fast-paced city life. The station is known for its scenic locations, adventure activities such as paragliding along with beautiful waterfalls and forest cover. No matter what you’re seeking, whether it be quietude, adventure, or spending some time close to nature, Panchgani has it all.
What are some fun things to do in Panchgani, India?
Panchgani has a lot of fun things to do. You could go shopping in the bazaars for exquisite handicrafts or visit one of the many beautiful and scenic points the town has to offer. There are a wide array of adventure activities such as horse riding, paragliding, trekking etc. that you can participate in. Other than that, the Rajpuri caves are famous for its temple of Lord Kartikeya which is of ancient importance.
Panchgani isn’t just known for one particular thing, it is a complete package of fun rolled into one. Pleasant and romantic weather, beautiful terrains and scenery, adventure sports, and rich culture, Panchgani has it all in plenty. So, whether you want to spend some time with friends and family amidst nature, or are seeking a thrill, Panchgani has got you covered.
What is the best time to visit Panchgani, and why?
Ans. Although Panchgani remains pleasant throughout the year, if you want to experience the place in its full glory, the post-monsoon season is perfect to visit. The weather is pleasant and the flora is in full bloom. September to February is the best time to plan a visit as the temperature hovers between 17 to 30 degrees celsius.
The summers are very hot and arid, so it isn’t advisable to visit Panchgani during the peak summers. So, keep this in mind before planning your visit to Panchgani.