Situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar from Pune, is the picturesque little town of Panchgani. It is protected from the harsh winds, by, a tableland on one side and high cliffs descending into a valley on the other. Panchgani has a pleasant, bracing climate throughout the year. Panchgani is also an ideal base for some good trekking.
The hill resort derives its name from the five hills that surround it. At an altitude of 1334 meters it is just 38 meters below Mahabaleshwar.
Panchgani was founded in 1853 by John Chesson who was sent out by the East India Company to find a suitable place where the wives and children of the officers of the Company could reside instead of going back to England frequently. Since then, Panchgani has been an educational center and hill resort.
The Devil’s kitchen, situated to the south of the Tableland is a place of mythological interest. According to one legend, Pandavas resided here for some time during their exile.
Panchgani is full of wonders and is flocked by viewpoints, such as, the scenic magnificence of the Krishna Valley, which extends many kilometers from east to west, its numerous villages, cultivated fields and sparkling rivers.
The view from Tableland, a flat mountain peak measuring about one square kilometer, exposes the mysterious valleys and the miniature looking plains on all sides.
The Caves, Kamlagad fort, Municipal Garden and the Children’s park add to Panchgani’s unending beauty. The walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation, offer many delights and unravel many secrets.
Similar to Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is known for strawberries, blackberries, jams and fruit jellies. Also available are the famous Mahabaleshwar shoes, pith flowers, exclusive saris shawls, readymade garments, other eye-catching decorative items, leather goods and tribal jewelry. |
