Panchgani Travel Guide

Panchgani is situated 20 kms East of Mahabaleshwar and spreads out over five hills. The name actually means 'five lands' and in this very popular hill station, that bears the Raj stamp all over it, you can have some excellent views of the flat surroundings. It is also famous for its boarding schools, its Parsee Bungalows, the fresh air, tasty strawberries and the rich Indians who like to spend some time here. Picturesque Panchgani has served as the background for several films.

From Mahabaleshwar, it takes only twenty to twenty-five minutes to reach Panchgani. It can also be easily visited from Poona or Bombay. .

Panchgani derives its name from the five hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 20 kms approach from Mahabaleshwar, that swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other. Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more.

Amble along the walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees & vegetation & delights in the secrets you come upon. The Krishna, snaking through tiny hamlets, farms & ravines, hundreds of meters below. Visit table land, a flat mountain peak & feast your eyes on the coastal plains, looking like miniature water colors. Select a horse from one of the numerous stables & canter along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes, to the caves & kamalgad fort. Or while away at the bazaar. Panchgani is one of the rare places that doesn't crowd anyone, yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches  every visitor.

Sydney Point is situated on a small hillock facing the Krishna Valley. From here one can see the the glittering waters of the Dhom Dam and Pandavgad and Mandhardeo are also easily seen. Table Land
Situated around 60 mts high ,this flat large expanse of laterite rock is the second longest mountain plateau in asia.There are some spacious caves that can be seen from here and one of them is Devil's Kitchen. Parsi Point
This windy road situated on the way to Mahableshwar overlooks the Krishna valley and the blue mirror like waters of the Dhom Dam. Devil's Kitchen
The Devil's Kitchen situated to the south of tableland, is also a place of mythological interest. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place to cook their food. There are some legends regarding this, though most of them appear to be mere tall tales. Some people claim that Pandvgadh Caves ( near Wai ) are also built by them and bear their name. Dhom Dam
Dhom Dam water sports is one more amazing attraction for tourists which is 21 kms away from Panchgani. A beautiful boating spot.

Here one can enjoy with Scooter boats and Speed boats. Sporting in Krishna river stream with the beautiful natural surrounding is a wonderful experience in itself. The Lingmala Falls
The Lingmala Falls in Mahabaleshwar can be reached by road. It lies on the Mahabaleshwar-Poona road. The stream here precipitates over the face of steep cliff, unbroken when the torrent is swollen by rain but ordinarily divided by projecting rocks about one third of the way down into thin silver streaks and sprays often circled by rainbows. The forest bungalow of lingmala is also close by.
 
About 10 km from the town, Rajapuri Caves have a religious importance as there is a temple of Lord Karthikeya, (Lord Shiva's son) here. A temple of local goddess Ghatjal Devi is also in the area. A small local fair is held at the time of the harvest season.