Panchgani, also known as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra', is one of Maharashtra's lesser-known hill stations. A majestic hill station at an elevation of 4242 feet above sea level. A unique geographic feature of this hill station is the flattened formation of volcanic rock. Panchgani gets its name from the five hills that surround it. With only 120 km from Pune to Panchgani and around 290 km from Mumbai, getting here is very easy.
Who Discovered Panchgani?
Panchgani has a long history. Discovered by the British during colonial times, Panchgani was a popular summer resort for the British to cool off from the scorching heat of the northern plains.
When Sir John Chesson, a British Superintendent, took over management of this hill town in 1860, he planted a variety of trees and plants across the community, enhancing its beauty. By encouraging a variety of professions, he also improved the infrastructure of this tiny, empty town.
He also gave the town a fresh facelift by introducing boarding schools, hospitals, farms, and agribusiness. Sir Bartle Frere designated the lovely hill resort of Panchgani as the Hill Sanatorium for the Europeans in 1863. Since then, it has become one of the state's most picturesque hill places that travelers pick for a rejuvenating getaway.
Why is Panchgani famous?
Panchgani is well known for a variety of things, including traveling, the local food, the weather, boarding schools, and adventurous activities like paragliding. Panchgani is a pleasant mountain resort with very strong monsoons but moderate temperature fluctuations.
The weather is generally cold. The temperature in Panchgani ranges from 16 to 35 degrees all year round. The months from September to May are the best time to come here. Tourism peaks during winter. Stretching for miles from east to west, the spectacular landscape of the Krishna Valley can be seen along the entire northern ridge of the mountain.
For some, Panchgani is the Switzerland of India. Situated about 200 feet downwind of Mahabaleshwar, it escapes the heavy rains and fog of the Outer Range that carry into the valleys to the north and south.
The cool and pleasant weather of this hill station makes it very soothing for tourists and patients undergoing body or mental treatment. Panchgani’s refreshing climate year-round makes the hill station one of Maharashtra’s most popular tourist destinations.