Panchgani has always been a fond getaway from the sweltering heat of summers since the British times. Now famed for the strawberry farms, boarding schools and old British buildings Panchgani has still managed to retain its unhurried relaxed charm. Along with the pleasant weather that it is blessed with all through the year Panchgani turns out as an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
The primary attraction in Panchgani, the Table land is a vast expanse of flat laterite rock surrounded by hills. Panchgani has been the location for many hindi movies thanks to the table land! In Panchgani there are so many old British buildings and Parsi houses though the most famous are the educational institutes. There are as many as twenty boarding schools in Panchgani.
The vistas that Panchgani open up for you is not limited to certain points or spots but is all around you. The rustic charm follows you where ever you go in this beautiful hamlet. The points in Panchgani are the epitome of the beauty of this place if you want to see it in snapshots! The main points of tourist interest in Panchgani are Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point, Bhim Chula, Harrisons valley, Dhoom Dam, the Lingmala Falls, Rajapuri Caves and Devil’s Kitchen.
Sydney Point – This 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 Mahabaleshwar overlooks the Krishna valley and the blue mirror like waters of the Dhoom 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 – Dhoom 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.
Rajapuri Caves – About 10 km from the town, the 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.
Other places nearby
Sajjangad – 12 kms
Wai – 18 km
Mahabaleshwar – 18 kms
Tapola – 45 km
Pratapgad – 40 kms