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As an avid traveler who loves exploring offbeat destinations in India, I recently visited Panchgani - a beautiful hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. With its looping roads, lush forests, stunning valleys and pleasant climate, Panchgani offered the perfect quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Why Visit Panchgani?
Panchgani is not as popular as other hill stations like Ooty or Shimla, which adds to its peaceful charm. Its high altitude keeps the temperatures pleasantly cool even during summers. The forests and valleys provide plenty of scenic walking trails.
As I discovered during my trip, Panchgani is great for nature lovers and those seeking silence and solitude. It's also well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra.
Top Attractions in Panchgani
Here are some of the best places I explored in Panchgani that should definitely be on your itinerary:
Table Land
This unique geographical feature is a vast open expanse of laterite rock with deep ends on all sides. The plateau offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and Krishna valley. I could spend hours admiring the landscape or watching the sunrise and sunset from Table Land.
Sydney Point
True to its name, this vantage point offers a bird's eye view of the Krishna River flowing through the valley. The perfect place to admire nature's beauty in solitude. The route to Sydney point has some steep inclines but the rewarding scenery at the top makes it worth the effort.
Mapro Garden
Mapro strawberry farm and factory lets you pick juicy strawberries, sample jams and baked goods, and buy fruit products. You can also enjoy a lovely lunch or coffee break at their restaurant surrounded by fragrant flowers.
Bhilar Waterfalls
Nestled amidst lush forests, this gorgeous waterfall is a 15-minute drive from Panchgani. The soothing sound and views of cascading water provide a delightfully serene atmosphere for a picnic.
Also read - How to Go From Ratnagiri Station to Ganpatipule
Things to Do in Panchgani
Beyond sightseeing, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy with family or friends:
Trekking - The hill trails offer scenic treks of varied difficulty levels. I enjoyed the moderate trek through Devil's Kitchen to table land.
Adventure Sports - Try paragliding at Tilak School to enjoy stunning aerial views. Other options are rock climbing or rappelling.
Camping - Pitch a tent under starry skies amidst meadows for a peaceful camping experience.
Where to Stay
Panchgani has budget homestays to luxury resorts in scenic locations. I stayed at a comfortable MTDC hotel with valley views. Hotel Ravine is also highly rated for its hospitality and facilities. Dalia Homestay and Nandanvan Spa & Resort offer great views alongside good food.
Getting to Panchgani
Pune and Mumbai have the nearest airports and railway stations, just 4-5 hours away from Panchgani by road. Buses from major Maharashtra cities ply frequently. I took a rental car from Pune which provided flexibility to explore at my own pace.
A Peaceful Escape Amidst Natural Beauty
Free from crowds and chaos, Panchgani turned out to be the relaxing hill station holiday I envisioned. With its gorgeous scenic spots, adventure opportunities and tasty strawberries - I left with a refreshed mind and fond memories.
Its unspoilt natural charm, Alpine-style architecture and friendly locals come together to make Panchgani the ideal quick getaway from city life. I highly recommend visiting and even staying a few nights to experience the town's relaxing vibe along with great homestyle Maharashtrian food.
A trip here before Panchgani gains more tourist popularity is totally worth it.
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