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Brief -
  
 
Winding paths disappearing into woods, a river that meanders through farms and ravines, old colonial buildings and charming Parsi houses, Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. Like a postcard come alive, it can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding schools that have been for a century or more. Besides the spring season, when buttercups and pimpernels carpet the hill slopes, Panchgani is also famous for an amble along the walkways, thickly canopied lush trees or a visit to the table land, a flat mountain peak to feast your eyes, on the coastal plains, looking like miniature water colors, or to while away at the bazaar. Panchgani is one of the rare places, that does not crowd anyone, yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.
  
 
 
 
History -
 
 

The charming town, that gets its name from the fact, that it is surrounded by five hills, was founded by John Chesson in the 1850s. A retired East India Company Warrant officer, he, selected it as an experimental site, for a European style health resort in 1860.Some of the cottage buildings still exist and attract the tourists interested in period buildings. In 1863 Panchgani was accorded the status of a Hill Sanatorium and Chesson was appointed as its first magistrate and superintendent. The popularity sheen has not dulled since.

  
 
 
 
Culture - Climate & Geographical Location -
 
 
It has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In summers, temperatures range between 16 ad 20 degrees Celsius and in winters it falls even further. Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna valley. Situated at an altitude of 1334 mtrs, it lies just 38 mtrs below Mahabaleshwar.
  
 
 
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Rail, Road & Air connect Panchgani. By air, the nearest airport is at Pune at 120 Km and Mumbai at 195 Km and is therefore easily accessible from both these cities. By rail, the nearest railhead is Wathar in Satara at 47 Km, but the convenient rail head is at Pune at 120 Km. By road, it is an easy and comfortable drive from Mumbai along the Bombay- Pune highway and then along the road to Satara, turning off at Wai for Panchgani. Another route would be along the Mumbai-Goa highway up to Mahad, Poladpur and over the exciting and testing Fritzgerald Ghats (Mountain Pass) on to Mahabaleshwar. Private Luxury Buses and private (chauffeur-driven or self-driven) Taxis as well State Transport Buses and Luxury Coaches are easily available all through the day.
  
 
 
 
: T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :
  
 
 
 
Table Land -
  
 
Tableland in Panchgani, is the most visited tourist attraction. This is the largest expanse of flattop of laterite rock and the second largest mountain plateau in Asia, next to Pamir in Tibet. It is situated 60 meters high on the eastern side of the town. By vehicle, one can reach the top of the table, which gives a spectacular panoramic view of the Panchgani town below. The Devils Kitchen situated to the south of the tableland, has mythological interest.
  
 
 
 
Mahabaleshwar -
  
 
The summer capital of Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular and the largest of Maharashtras hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar, which means God of Great Power is a popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty. Pass your time boating or fishing in the placid Venna Lake or explore the points that offer panoramic views, of the valley and sea; or take a dip in the crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls, around this picturesque locale can be an enthralling experience, that may want one, to come over and over again.
  
 
 
 
Pratapgarh (Hill Fort) -
  
 
An interesting place to visit in Maharashtra, Pratapgarh fort was built by Shivaji to strengthen and dominate the road system of the empire. Pratapgarh is closer to Mahabaleshwar and one can trek to this Shivajis hill fort of Pratapgarh from Mahabaleshwar. To reach the fort, one has to climb 500 steps. It is best to climb these steps early in the morning or mid afternoon,as one can see the distant sides, then. As one climbs up the 500 steps, one comes across the Bhavani Temple in the Power fort. "Chattrapati Shivaji" built this temple in a religious emergency, as he was unable to visit the Bhavani temple at Tuljapur. The windswept Bhavani temple, possesses a pair of rugged lantern pillars. Below the fort is a tomb dedicated to Afzal Khan the Muslim general of Bijapur, who was killed by Shivajis steel-claws, or Wagnakh. Muslims hold a memorial service every January or February (depending on the Islamic Calendar) at the Dargah of Afzal Khan.
  
 
 
 
Others -
  
 
 
 
ASIA PLATEAU - In 1963 Rajmohan Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, led a 6,500km march on wheels, in a campaign for a clean, strong and united India. Thousands responded, including the citizens of Panchgani, in the mountains of the Western Ghats.
  
 
 
 
MAHULI - 5 km east of Satava, it is near Mahuli, that the Krishna River joins the Yenna River. A old temple is dedicated to Sangameshvara and the other temple to Vishveshvara, Lord of the Universe. There are also other temples dedicated to Rameshvara and Bholeshvara.
 
 
 
 
PARSI POINT - It is situated 1km away from the main bazaar on Mahabaleshwar road. The point gives breathtaking view of Krishna Valley and vast expanse of Dhom Dam backwaters. A pagoda has been placed here, to have a better view of the surrounding areas.
  
 
 
 
RAJAPURI CAVES - These caves are about 10 km from Panchgani, wherein a temple of Kartikswami, son of lord Shiva is located. The patron goddess of local people is Ghatjal Devi. The fair of this deity is celebrated, at the end of harvesting season, to inspire the deity.
  
 
 
 
SATARA - Satara, still bears marks of the great Maratha leader, Shivaji. While there, check out the Shivaji Maharaj Museum and the Wasota Fort which was the venue, of a bloody battle between the Marathas and the Mughals.
 
 
 
 
SYDNEY POINT - This Point is situated on a small hillock facing the Krishna Valley. A picturesque view of terraced agriculture land, with a winding road, leading to Wai and beyond, is visible from this vintage point.