Developed during the British Raj as a retirement place, Panchgani is strategically located at the confluence of five hills. It is a hill station with stunning views of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges (Western Ghats) and the Deccan Plateau. A perfect long weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune and Goa; Panchgani enjoys tourists all across the year due to its pleasant weather and favorable location. Come explore with me the top 6 must-visit sightseeing spots in the city.
1. 1. Table Land
Just the right spot for photography, even if you are not an enthusiast you would still be tempted to capture some Instagram worthy sights on this vastly barren land with red sand. Table land is the second largest mountain plateau in Asia at an elevation of 1,387 meters (4,550 feet) above sea level and obviously the highest point in Panchgani. Spread over a vast area of 95 acres, this offers breathtaking views of the entire town, gorging Krishna Valley, Rajpuri Caves and Devil’s Kitchen. If you are up for some fun activities, then you can indulge in paragliding, gaming and horse riding. You can spot a beautiful sunrise and sunset from this spot, so make sure to at least see either one. If you are visiting in winter, then don’t forget this is the best time to fly kites from here.
Table Land
Address: Wai-Panchgani Road, India
Price: Free but the activities need to be paid for. Paragliding starts from INR 250 (USD 3.8) onwards.
Opening Hours: Always Open
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: Short 15 min ride from Panchgani city center.
Near by Food: Few food stalls available here. Enroute there are many road side restaurants.
2. 2. Sydney Point
Another photography point, catch a glimpse of heaven on earth from the famous sunset point in Panchgani. Sydney Point is named after the then Governor of Bombay in 1830, Sir Sidney Beckwarth. Located at a distance of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Panchgani bus stand, this spot offers you mesmerizing views of the Krishna Valley, Kamalgad fort, Dhom Dam, the hill ranges of Pandavgad, Mandhardeo and the city of Wai.
Sydney Point
Address: Panchgani, India
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Always Open
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: By road from Panchgani, it is a 2 km (1.2 mile) drive which will take 10 mins.
Near by Food: Street food and restaurants present in near proximity.
3. 3. Parsi Point
Yet another spot for photographers, but trust me, each of these viewpoints offer contrasting views. The Parsi point for instance offers riverside views. So, gear up to capture views of the lush green Krishna Valleys and the blue shiny Dhom Dam backwaters from here. If you are traveling in a group this is good picnic spot for lunch amidst nature. Recharge your stressed batteries in the cool mountain air, taking a stroll and enjoying the scenery from this point.
Parsi Point
Address: Ganeshpeth, Panchgani
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Always Open
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: Via Panchgani - Mahabaleswar Road, it is 1.9 kms (1.1 miles) from Panchagani
Near by Food: Street food stalls present here selling fruits, snacks and drinks.
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4. 4. Dhom Dam
If you are a water baby, do not miss the Dhom Dam, which is a water reservoir located on the Krishna River near the town Wai. Enjoy the calmness of its still waters and indulge in boating while cherishing the scenic natural beauty around.
Dhom Dam
Address: Krishna River | Near Wai, Panchgani, India
Price: Entry Free. Boating starts from INR 30 (USD 0.46) for shared motor boat and INR 100 (USD 1.53) for water scooter
Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm everyday.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: By Road via the city of Wai, it is 47 kms (29.2 miles)
Near by Food: One small restaurant present here.
5. 5. Lingmala Falls
This is the best destination in Panchgani if you are visiting during the rainy season as the waterfall is flooded and descends from a height of 152 m (500 feet). After you take a detour towards the falls from the main road, you will need to climb up stairs to see the waterfalls. There are two waterfalls here namely Dhobi and Chinaman. Take the left turn on the stairs if you want to get drenched in the waterfall and enjoy a refreshingly cool bath. If you would just like to glance from a distance, take the right turn and capture a roaring waterfall with breathtaking views of the valley.
Lingmala Falls
Address: Lingmala Falls, Panchgani - Mahabaleswar Road
Price: Entry price INR 10 (USD 0.15) per person for adults.
Opening Hours: 8 am - 5.30 pm.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: By road drive 15 kms (9 miles) on the Panchagani - Mahabaleswar Road.
Near by Food: Please carry packed lunch and drinks as there is no food facility nearby.
6. 6. Kamalgad Fort
For adventure seekers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts the Kamalgad Fort is a feast. You can choose to either travel to the fort by road or trek your way up. This fort was a famous prison during wars, so this fort is a living testimony of various cruel modes of torturing prisoners of war. However, it offers splendid views from the top as it is surrounded by the waters of Dhom Dam on three sides and is covered with thick forests.
There is a safe trek trail from hillock south of the Supewadi.
Kamalgad Fort
Address: Kamalgad, Nandgane, Maharashtra
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Always Open
Duration: around 2 hours required in the fort.
Access: Located 39 kms (24 miles) from Panchgani.
Near by Food: No good places to eat nearby so please carry packed lunch and water.
There's so much to see and so little time!
Panchgani is one such place which will leave you wanting more. You will always want to return again, bask in the nature, bathe in the cool breeze and unwind with such scenic views. A long weekend is all you need to get going and plan your next relaxing break in Panchgani.
Happy Traveling!
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