Panchgani Tourism And Travel Guide

Panchgani is a pleasant hill station that lies in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The town which is renowned for its lovely seasons lies in close proximity to the hill station of Mahabaleshwar and the quaint towns of Wai or Dakshin Kashi that’s known for its temples and the inspiring naturally beautiful landscape of Tapola, so that makes Panchgani an ideal weekend holiday destination.

Panchgani is easily accessible from Pune, all the more why tourists prefer a holiday spent in the hill town, which has the second largest Plateau in Asia after the Tibetan Plateau, along with rugged, rolling mountain slopes, verdant valleys and the most picture perfect setting for sightseeing and all kinds of adventure tourism.

If you would love to spend your holidays in Panchgani, our travel and tourism guide should help you plan a good trip.

There are the most beautiful country roads that lead to Panchgani and a trip by road is a charmer by itself. The best way to reach Panchgani would be to arrive at Pune by rail or air and hiring a cab to Panchgani.

By Air:

The closest airport is the Pune International Airport that caters to flights to most Indian cities and international flights to Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, Sharjah and Dubai. You could hire a cab from the airport to Panchgani. The other alternative would be taking a flight to Mumbai which serves domestic flights to most cities in India and international flights to Singapore, Dubai, Kuala Lampur, Zurich, Bangkok and Hongkong. You could travel by bus from Mumbai (250 km) to Panchgani.

By Rail:

The nearest major rail head is Pune Railway Station that caters to train services from most cities across the country. Take a cab from Pune railway station to Panchgani. The other alternative is a train to the nearest, yet smaller train station at Satara. Get a cab or hop onto a bus from Satara to Panchgani.

By Road:

You could drive to Panchgani from Pune or Mumbai. There are plenty of private as well as state run buses to Panchgani from Pune, Mumbai, Satara as well.

Getting Around:

You could hike to places close by. Or get a cab to take you around or if you are staying in a resort you can get help in fixing up a cab. There are local buses as well that halt at significant touristy spots in Panchgani. 

Panchgani has a pleasant all time weather, but the best time to visit would be from October to June.

Summer (March - June):

March is cooler than the rest of the summer months. Though summer is hot, it is not as hot as it is in the plains. Tourists come to Panchgani during summer, for the hill station is pleasantly warm and ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Monsoon (July - September):

Monsoons rains may vary from the intermittent to very heavy rain showers. Though monsoon turns Panchgani appealing, travelling and adventure tourism might be a bother. Monsoons are off season for tourism.

Winter (October - February):

With pleasant, breezy day time and cool nights, Panchgani looks and is great to be in during winter. Explore the town, go trekking or boating and strawberry picking in the farms. You could have a real, good time in Panchgani in winter without any seasonal hassles.

Mini Kashmir:

With seasonal charms akin to the appeal of Kashmir, the little hamlet of Tapola is ideal for a day’s drive from Panchgani. Indulge in water sports in the 90 km long Shivsagar Lake or go strawberry plucking.

Boating:

Shivsagar lake in Tapola, the enchanting Dhom Dam and Venna Lake are some of the most popular water regions in and near Panchgani. Go off on a boat ride across the cool waters or on a pony ride on the banks. Bite into a piping hot corn on the cob or a carrot at the lakeside.

Trekking Trails:

Panchgani’s trekking trails are the most sought after adventure for those who love nature and exploring the countryside on foot. There are some of the most lofty hill peaks with ancient citadels on top and lovely country roads that would please the trekker out on a easy walk or to one who needs an adrenaline pumping climb up a rugged hill.

Picnic at the Falls:

Panchgani’s natural treasures include some of the most beautiful waterfalls. Get off on a picnic trip to the Lingmala Falls, Dhobi Falls or the Chinaman Falls. Some of the waterfalls are in Mahabaleshwar, but are easily accessible through a short drive through verdant country roads.

Adventure Hub:

Adventure is one of the best means to enjoy nature it seems and Panchgani promises a beautiful experience with paragliding, bicycling through the flowery meadows, camping with a barbecue dinner under the starry skies or trotting around on a pony.

Devrai Art Gallery:

Devrai Art Village that showcases the traditional art and craft forms of India, has an Art Gallery in Panchgani that displays lovely art pieces created by Adivasis. You could watch the craftsmen at work or even buy souvenirs to carry back home.

Mapro Garden and Chocolate Factory:

One of the most popular places to visit in Panchgani, Mapro Garden offers a feast to the eyes with its strawberry plantations and food to the stomach with the farm fresh strawberry products and chocolates.

A Drive to Mahabaleshwar:

A trip to Panchgani is never complete without a drive to Mahabaleshwar, a verdant hill station that lies about 19 km away. Packed with strawberry farms and undulating slopes as far as the eyes can see, Mahabaleshwar is yet another place that beckons with its beauty!

Dakshin Kashi:

The temple town of Wai, known in mythology as Viraatnagari as the Pandavas were said to have stayed with the King Viraat of Wai, is known as Dakshin Kashi for its plethora of ancient temples and Ghats. Lying on the banks of the River Krishna, Wai promises a perfect stopover holiday for history lovers, pilgrims and adventurists who would love the beautiful trekking trails of Wai.

Trekking up and down the slopes of Panchgani, is bound to make you feel ravenous. There are several restaurants in Panchgani where you could get food from the Parsi, Maharashtrian, Gujarathi, Goanese or South Indian cuisine. There are bakeries, ladling out fresh brun maska, sandwich pizzas, cheese omelettes or hot dogs, downed with a cup of piping hot tea if you are feeling peckish.

You might check out the rose flavoured ice creams, mava cupcakes, melt in the mouth doughnuts and vanilla rolls from the bakeries. There are restaurants and street side cafes where you could find delicious cheese and aloo paranthas, missal pav and vada pav, bhajias or non veggie Chicken Farcha or Patrani Macchi wrapped in fresh leaves, plucked straight from their gardens.

Shopping in Panchgani would never get done without buying boxes of leaf draped fresh, succulent fruits, straight from the farms. If you are not out plucking strawberries from the plantations, you would find heaps of these fruits in the markets. Shop for strawberries, mulberries, raspberries and blueberries as well as wild honey to take home.

On way from Wai, there are little shops that sell organic produce like spices, nuts, pickles and a variety of papads. You could go in for locally made fruit fresh litchi and strawberry crushes, marmalades, jellies and jam as well. Check out the exquisite locally crafted wooden handicrafts made by the tribes folk , Kolhpuri chappals, handmade slippers and authentic leather goods like gloves, jackets pouches, wallets and bags.