Panchgani
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Panchgani with its hilly terrain, rolling grasslands, snow clad mountain peaks and thick vegetations are counted as one of the most beautiful and enchanting hills stations in India. The name ‘Panchgani’ means a town nestled amidst five hills and the hillock is blessed with a bracing climate and verdant surroundings, making it an ideal retreat for city-wearies from nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Situated in Western Ghats, Panchgani is just 16 km from the town of Mahabaleshwar and at an altitude of 1334 meter, is 38 m lower than Mahabaleshwar, another famous hill station of Maharashtra. The hill station is endowed with scenic naturally beauty which is apparent through its enchanting territory lying between coastal plains on one side and hilly terrains on the other.
Impressed by its charm, the British officers established Panchgani as their favored summer resort during the colonial rule. This is best apparent through the colonial style architecture witnessed throughout the buildings, bungalows and monuments dotting its landscape. Several impressive period cottages equipped with all modern day facilities allows tourists to spend their leisurely vacations in perfect solitude and enjoyment. This western impact is also visible through the exotic plant species like poinsettia and silver oaks which are originally found in England.
The calm and composed ambience of the hill stations with cool breeze flowing through the dense vegetation serve as a soothing antidote and it is believed that the air at Panchgani possesses greater level of oxygen as compared to the places. An ideal place to heal both body and mind, the hill station is now emerging as a hot destination for Eco-tourism and well-being tours.
Apart from the scenic views all around, the drive itself leading up to the hill station is panoramic and the overall changes that unfolds during the course of the pleasant drive is captivating, to say the least. From the vast stretches of mangroves and neatly laid out fields at the bottom of the hill which gets denser with increasing altitude, to the increase in the number of tree canopies and chirping of birds further up the winding roads. And the arrival at the top is greeted with a land beaming with tranquil environment, colonial-style building, presenting a breathtaking view of emerald green coastal plains on one side and the River Krishna on the other.
Panchgani has also earned fame and recognition as a center for international quality education. More than a dozen renowned boarding schools exist here providing a high quality of education and facilities for the children. For visitors, the hill station offers several famous tourist attractions and excursion opportunities.
Kamalgad Fort, Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point and Devil's Kitchen comprises the sightseeing destinations whereas the Mahabaleshwar Hill Station and Venna Lake serve as excellent excursions located nearby. With a pleasant weather that lasts all through the year, Panchgani is ideal to be visited any time of the year although the period from September to May is regarded as the most suitable.








