Panchgini is tucked away in Satara district. It is best approached from Pune. The way to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar, which is 18 kms, is absolutely spectacular. This is an ideal base for some good trekking. Situated at an altitude of 1334m, it gets its name from the five hills around it. The Krishna River that meanders through the farms, ravines and hamlets on one side and the coastal plains on the other side has a special charm. Panchgani displays architecture of Old British buildings and Parsi houses.
Horses are the best mode of travelling, which will gently gallop you through the thick, lush green trees, to unmarked routes, to the caves and the Kamalgad fort. The bazaar is also a place worth visiting. For long distances though taxis are available, bicycles and horses are the best mode of transport. Panchgini is situated about 285 km, 100 km and 18 km, respectively, from Mumbai, Pune and Mahabaleshwar.
What is the temperature in Panchgini?
The temperature in Panchgini is around 12C during the winter, and sometimes reaches 34C during the summer; however the humidity level is very low.
Scenic Panchgani was discovered by the British as a summer resort, and was founded by a Brit named John Chesson who was placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s. He is credited with planting many plant species from the western world in Panchgani, including silver oak and poinsettia, which have flourished since then in Panchgani. John Chesson surveyed the hills in this region and the vicinity of the five villages:Dhandeghar, Godavli, Amral, Khingar, and Taighat. The place was named Panchgani, and Chesson was made Superintendent. To develop the infrastructure, Chesson encouraged various professionals – tailors, dhobis, butchers,vegetable vendors, building contractors etc to also settle in Panchgani. The area below the bazaar was allotted to them, and is known as the gaothan. Chesson is buried in the St. Peter’s Church graveyard.
Is Panchgini a plateau?
The five hills surrounding Panchgani are topped by a plateau, which is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan plateau. These plateaus, alternatively known as “table land”, are a part of the Deccan Plateau and they were raised by pressure between the earth plates. The area has high seismic activity, with an epicenter near Koynanagar where the Koynanagar Dam and a hydroelectric power plant have been built.
What are the points in Panchgini worth visiting?
Sydney Point: This point is situated on a hillock facing the Krishna Valley. One can see from here the glittering waters of the Dhom Dam, and Pandavgad and Mandhardeo.
Table Land: This flat large expanse of laterite rock is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Some spacious caves including the “Devil’s Kitchen” are visible from here.
Parsi Point: This scenic point is situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar, and overlooks the Krishna valley and the blue shiny waters of the Dhom Dam.
Devil’s Kitchen: Situated at the south of the table land, the Devil’s Kitchen has a mythology associated with it: It is believed that the Pandavas of the Mahabharat epic had stayed here for a while. Pandavgad Caves (near Wai) are also said to be built by them then.
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.
What is the best time to visit Panchgini?
Panchgani attracts many tourists throughout the year especially from September to February, mainly from Mumbai on weekends. A well-known Ganesh Temple is located close by in Wai. Panchgani’s famous ‘table land’ has been the location for many Indian Movies.
What else is Panchgini known for?
New Era School is probably the biggest school in Panchgani. Panchgani is known for its many boarding schools established since the late 1800s. They attract students from the nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune, and also from abroad. The high standards maintained by these schools encouraged others to set up schools as commercial ventures. As a result the number of schools in Panchgani is almost forty. Some are very good. Some not so good. but all appear to be thriving.
The fresh air and invigorating climate of Panchgani made it a good place for convalescence, especially for those suffering from tuberculosis. Thus Panchgani became famous as a health resort. A well known TB specialist from Bombay, Dr. Rustom Billimoria set up the Bel Air Sanatorium, also known as Dalkieth as a centre for the treatment of Tuberculosis, with the help of his son, Dr. Bomy Billimoria, an eminent surgeon. Till the advent of antibiotics, Dalkieth was the premier place for the treatment of tuberculosis in the whole of the Bombay Presidency.
How to get to / reach Panchgini?
Panchgini is 98 kms from Pune, 266 kms from Mumbai via Mahad 20 kms from Mahabaleshwar
The nearest airport is Pune.
