Panchgani is a hill station southeast of Mumbai in the Maharashtra state of India. Toward the southeast, the Rajapuri Caves are encircled by sacred lakes and contain a temple devoted to the Hindu god Lord Kartikeya. The name Panchgani in a real sense signifies 'five hills'. Panchgani is a well-known location for its natural beauty that draws in tourists from various parts of the world.

Distance from Mumbai:  280 kms

Districts/Region

Satara District, Maharashtra, India.

History

It was discovered by the British as an ideal summer resort under the supervision of Lord John Chesson in the 1860s. Panchgani was developed as a retirement place because it remained pleasant throughout the year.  He surveyed the hills of this region with Rustomji Dubash, and finally decided on this nameless area around the five villages: Dandeghar, Godavali, Ambral, Khingar, and Taighat. The place was aptly named Panchgani, meaning "land between five villages", and Chesson was made superintendent.  
Panchgani was discovered by the British as an ideal summer resort under the supervision of Lord John Chesson during the 1860s. Panchgani was developed as a retirement place since it explores delightful nature throughout the year. He surveyed the hills of this district with Rustomji Dubash and lastly settled on this anonymous region around the five villages: Dandeghar, Godavali, Ambral, Khingar, and Taighat. The local was suitably named Panchgani, signifying "land between five villages', and Chesson was made superintendent of the place.

Geography

Panchgani is 4242.1 ft above sea level. Panchgani is amidst five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. There are five villages around Panchgani named Dandeghar, Khingar, Godavali, Ambral and Taighat. The Krishna River flows in the valley on which the Dhom Dam is constructed around 9 KM from Wai. The east of the Panchgani is Wai, Bavdhan and Nagewadi dam, at west is Gureghar, at the south is Khingar and Rajpuri and on the north is Dhom Dam.

Weather/Climate

Pune has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months in Pune when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extremes, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the Pune region is around 763 mm.

Things to do

Panchgani offers activities like Paragliding, trekking, water surfing. Dhom Dam is another picturesque watercourse where sports clubs arrange scooter boats, speed boats or motorboat rides. One can enjoy the beauty of waterfalls in Panchgani. There are sports centres in Panchgani that could arrange camping, jeep safaris around Panchgani, horse safaris and paragliding. Paragliding is one of the most popular sporting activities in Panchgani.

Nearest tourist places

• Table Land: The five hills surrounding Panchgani near Mahabaleshwar are topped by a volcanic plateau, which is the second-highest in Asia after the Tibetan plateau. These plateaus, alternatively known as "tableland." Adventure and photography enthusiasts come here, especially during the rainy months for spectacular views and the amazing outdoors. Many Bollywood movies have been filmed on Table Land. Panchgani is also famous for Strawberry cultivation, renowned Public Schools, Mapro & Mala Jams. (1.5 KM)
• Pratapgad fort: Pratapgad Fort is a mountain fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is at a distance of 24 KM from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar. The fort holds a sturdy view of coastal Konkan. The Bhavani Temple and Afzal Khan's tomb are other places of interest. It is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhavani here. The historic battle between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate took place at Pratapgad. 
• Kaas lake and Plateau: The Kaas Plateau is 25 KM west of Satara and is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It is a biodiversity hotspot known for various types of seasonal wildflowers blooming and numerous species of endemic butterflies annually during August and September. The plateau is situated at an altitude of 3,937 ft and is approximately 10 square kilometres in area. Kaas has more than 850 different species of flowering plants. These include orchids, shrubs such as the Karvy, and carnivorous plants such as Drosera Indica. It is on high hill plateaus, and grasslands turn into a 'valley of flowers' during the rainy season, particularly from August to early October. Kaas Plateau has more than 150 or more types of flowers, shrubs and grasses. The orchids bloom here for a period of 3–4 weeks during this season. Kaas Lake (built 100 years ago) is a perennial source of Water supply for the western part of Satara city.
• Sydney Point: At a distance of 2 KM from the Panchgani bus stand, Sydney Point is one of the famous viewpoints in Panchgani hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Sydney Point is on a hill that faces Krishna valley. It was named after Sir Sydney Beckwarth, Commander in Chief, who succeeded Sir John Malcolm as Bombay’s Governor in 1830. Sydney Pont is famous for providing charming views of Krishna valley, Dhom Dam, Kamalgad Fort and the city of Wai. The hillock also offers beautiful views of the hill ranges of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo.
• Mahabaleshwar: This pretty hill station is often referred to as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places to visit near Kolhapur, Pune & Mumbai. It offers a panoramic view of the plains with the imposing sloppy peaks and surrounding woods. Mahabaleshwar constitutes three villages - Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and some parts of the Shindola village. Arthur's Seat, Lingmala Waterfall, Pratapgad Fort etc. (19 KM)
• Parsi Point: Lying on the route towards Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Parsi Point happens to be a well-known viewpoint in India. This picturesque viewpoint offers visitors a truly breathtaking panoramic view of the clear waters of Dhom Dam and the charm of Krishna Valley. Surrounded by lofty, green mountains on all sides, this spot is indeed a sight to remember for a lifetime. This place can refresh tired travellers and rejuvenate them from within by bursting all the stress and anxiety of everyday life. (1.8 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

Being on the western coastal plain of Maharashtra, Maharashtrian food is the speciality of this place.  Also, the restaurants here serve a variety of cuisine. Maharashtrian cuisine is the speciality of this place which include vada pav, Misal pav, grilled cheese sandwiches, strawberry with ice cream, burgers & rolls, Gujarati thali and a lot more. Panchgani is famous for Strawberries but is also known to grow Mulberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Gooseberries.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Various hotels and resorts are available in Panchgani.
Hospitals are in Panchgani as well as around the Satara region. 
The nearest post office is 0.3 KM away from Panchgani.
The nearest police station is at a distance of 0.3 KM from Panchgani.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

The place is accessible throughout the year. The best season/ Time to visit Panchgani is the winters and the onset of summers. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for sightseeing. The best months to visit are September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. One should avoid trekking and visiting waterfalls during heavy rainfalls.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi