Maharashtra Tourism: Things to see in Panchgani

Panchgani is a delightful hill station in the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. The unhurried relaxed charm, fresh air, strawberry farms, ravines and rivers and quaint old bungalows make it the perfect getaway.

We look at some of the places in Panchgani to explore. If the weather is good head out into the great outdoors with a picnic. Pack your baskets, fold up your sheets, get out and enjoy the sights of this delightful hill station.

Panchgani-view

Tableland

Panchgani’s crowning glory, this is a vast stretch of flat plateau offering great views of the hill station. Situated at an elevation of 4,550 ft, Tableland is a laterite rock formation, said to be the second-highest volcanic mountain plateau in Asia. The plateau gets covered with gorgeous blue bonnets and star and grasses from August-October. During peak season, there’s lots to do here with Ferris wheels, a merry-go-round, toy train, pony and horse rides and games stalls.

Parsi Point

A popular picnic spot with beautiful views of the Dhom Dam backwaters and the lush Krishna Valley. It used to be a favourite spot for the Parsis of Panchgani at one time, hence the name.

Sydney Point

Situated upon a small hillock facing the Krishna Valley, Sidney point presents enchanting views of the valley and the tranquil lake of the Dhom Dam.

Panchgani-sydney-point

Dhom Dam 

The Boat Club on the waters of the dam provides water bicycles and steamers.

Devil’s Kitchen

This cave is located in the southern part of Tableland and is believed to have served briefly as a shelter for the Pandavas during their exile.

Venna Lake

Venna Lake is located on the Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar road. Fishing and boating are popular here and you can also enjoy the mini train ride and stalls offering food and drinks and some games.

Panchgani-venna-lake

Kate’s Point

Located about 5 km away from Venna Lake towards Panchgani, this place has a beautiful view of the Krishna Valley and the Dhom Dam. It was named after the daughter of Sir John Malcom, who ‘founded’ Mahabaleshwar as a British hill station.

Panchgani-kates-point

Sherbaug

Located just beyond the Check Post, this place has a huge cacti collection, a restaurant and a children’s park.

Mapro farm

You can get a delicious lunch of cheese sandwiches, pizzas and strawberry creams at the Mapro farm, a couple of kilometers towards Mahabaleshwar. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh jam and syrups.

GETTING TO PANCHGANI

Panchgani is 98 km from Pune, 266 km from Mumbai, and 20 km from Mahabaleshwar. You can take the NH4, via Pune, Surul and Wai or come down NH17, via Poladpur. The nearest airport is Pune. By rail: Nearest rail head is Wathar.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

The protected Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary offers an impressive amount of wildlife and fauna for the outdoors enthusiast. Just 10km from Kashid beach in Maharashtra it’s a great spot to get back to nature. Our guide gives you the essential visitor information.

About the sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary has four major trails and umpteen opportunities to spot wildlife. Though spread over only 52 sq km, the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is replete with a large variety of flora and fauna.

Butterfly-in-Phansad-wildlife-sanctuary

It is well known for its population of leopards, hyenas, jungle cats, barking deer, sambhar, wild boars, giant squirrels and bonnet macaque. Even the bird watchers have a notable list of avian friends to follow- Pied hornbills, three toed Kingfishers, Malkohas, Pittas and more. Almost 90 species of butterflies and a number of insects are also a part of the sanctuary. For herpetology enthusiasts, there are a large number of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. With its growing popularity, specialists are at work in identification of all flora and fauna. The list of plants stands at about 710.

Getting Around

The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a favourite with weekend photographers, who are free to take guided hikes around the forests on the specified trails. Private vehicles need prior permission from the Forest officials. Observation kiosks are made near the water bodies.

Phansad-wildlife-sanctuary

Location

The Phansad Wildlife sanctuary lies in Raigad, which is about 150 kms from Mumbai. The distance is convenient for also a weekend trip. It is just a short trip from the wonderful Kashid beach destination.

Best Season to Visit

The sanctuary is best to see in the warmer months of April and March before the rains, so that there are more chances to spot wildlife.