| In nearby Panchgani - which derives its name from the
five hills that surround it - you set out on one of the special visits arranged
by MTDC for a peep into the past. and some old British and Parsi homes. |
| Then you amble along the walkways thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation
and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The Krishna snakes through tiny
hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of metres below. From Table Land, a flat
mountain top, you look down in wonder at the coastal plains. |
| The next day you're astride your faithful horse as it canters along uncharted
routes through hidden lovers' lanes to Kamalgad Fort. |
| Panchgani
derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills
around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just
38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate
themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach
offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River
on the one side and the coastal plains on the
other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential
hill station with an old world charm. This can
be seen in the architecture of the British buildings,
the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that
have been around for a century or more. For glimpses
of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged
to some of the old British and Parsi homes. |
| The walkways are thickly canopied by lush trees and
vegetation. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines,
hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically
overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar -- Panchgani is
one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way
deeply touches every visitor. |
|
| Taxis are available easily, though here
too, bicycles and horseback are recommended for
travelling distances. |
|
In winter the temperatures are around a cool 16
C.
Whereas in summer it can get quite hot reaching
35 C.
The annual rainfall is 216 cms.
September to May is the best time to visit. |
|
 Nearest airport is Pune, 98 kms. |
 Nearest railhead is Wathar, 45 kms om Miraj-Kolhapur section of South
Central Railway. However convenient railhead is Pune. |
Mumbai-Panchgani via Pune, 270 kms. Mumbai Panchgani via Mahad, 266 kms.
State Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Mahad tp
Panchgani. |
|
 Hotel 'Five Hills's self-contained Standard/Deluxe/Suites (64 rooms)
and 2 dormitories. |
|
| 9.00 a.m. |
|
Mumbai and Panchgani. |