Panchgani, literally mean the place of five hills, is a renowned hill station in Maharashtra. This majestic hill resort is located at 1,334 mt altitude. Panchgani is a vibrant scenic destination and its beauty multiplies with the backdrop of hilly terrains at one side and coastal plains at the other side. This place had been used by the British officials as their summer resort. The Panchgani hill station is known for its unpolluted air and it is believed that the oxygen content in atmosphere is more here compared to other regions. Due to this many people select this for convalescing from diseases. The ambience is very cool and calm and the exquisite environment is a perfect background for rejuvenation.

Panchgani is spotted with many attractive colonial period cottages with all luxurious facilities for the tourists to spend their vacation in perfect seclusion and enjoyment. This place is bestowed with buildings of British architecture, Parsi houses and the boarding schools. The town, a natural relaxation spot, adds its comforts with the soothing effect of cool breeze rustling through the thick woody regions. Panchgani has many western plant species including poinsettia and silver oaks, which are originally planted by British people. Fresh air, unspoiled natural beauty, breathtaking panoramic views and lush greeneries make this place one of the most sought hill station in Maharashtra. This place is renowned for international quality education and there are at least three dozen schools offering high standard facilities for the children. The Mahabaleshwar Hill Station and Venna Lake are some attractions nearby.

ATTRACTIONS
Devil’s Kitchen
The Devil’s Kitchen is situated to the south of Table Land with a bit of mythological interest attached to it. 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 Pandavgad Caves (near Wai) are also built by them and bear their name.

Rajapuri Caves
Rajapuri Caves is situated at a distance of 7 km from Panchgani. The cave is a virtual delight for adventure lovers and is famous for the beautiful Lord Karthikeya Temple. The temple itself is constructed out of the sand taken from the caves. The journeys to the Rajapuri caves from Panchgani through serene, greenish villages will rejuvenate the mind of the visitors. The several water kunds in the premises resemble the Tiveni Sangam Temple at Prayag. It is said that the water kunds have curative powers.

Table Land
Privilege of being Asia s second longest mountain Plateau, the Table Land has a mythological story attached to it. It is believed that the Pandavas halted here and used it as a cooking place for themselves.

Lord Karthikeya Temple
The Lord Karthikeya temple is located at Rajapuri Caves in Panchgani. The temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (Lord Muruga, Son of Lord Shiva). The temple premise is a calm and cool place and is best suited for people looking for serene environment for relaxation and meditation. The spiritual atmosphere adds impetus to relaxing moments. Rajapuri caves got the religious importance due to this famous temple. Thaipooyam festival during January- February month is celebrated here with lots of enthusiasm. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during this period.

Bhilar Water Falls
The Bhilar Waterfalls are named after the village where it is located. It descends from a height of 4500 feet with mist. During the monsoons, you can enjoy the full force of the water gushing down.

Dhom Dam
Dhom Dam near Panchgani is an amazing tourist spot for water sport lovers. The elegant Krishna River along with its green environs augments the pleasure of adventure water sports. A beautiful boating spot where one can enjoy with Scooter and Speed boats. Sporting in Krishna river stream with the beautiful natural surrounding is a wonderful experience in itself.

Sherbaug
Sherbaug is a panoramic destination in Panchgani with well laid out gardens, mini zoo that showcases small animals for children s amusement. Children s Park and a landscaped Rose Garden add elegance to the place. One can also visit the Parsi Point and Table Land that are close by.

View Points At Panchgani
Panchgani has quite a few renowned view spots that offer panoramic views of the picturesque lush green mountains and valley.

How To Reach
By Air- Pune is the nearest airport which is 100 km away from Panchgani. Pune is connected to Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore by air. Tourist taxis cost about Rs. 2000 from Pune to Panchgani. Railway route- The nearest railway station is Wathar, 45 km from Panchgani on the Miraj-Kolhapur section of South Central Railway. However, convenient railhead is Pune from where you hire tourist taxis and buses to reach Panchgani. Bus route- Panchgani is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Pune to Panchgani. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available on this route. Road route- Panchgani is very well connected with Pune and Mumbai. NH4 and NH17 are popular routes to reach the place.