A stunning hill station that lies only 19 km away from Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani has a kind of charm and aura that uplifts everyone’s mood wanting to take a break from the monotonous life. It’s one of the most sought-after locations that provide physical and mental relief along with quenching the thirst of all types of travelers, whether you’re a wanderer, an explorer, a thrill-seeker, or a leisure traveler.
Arrive at the Pune Airport/Railway Station and drive to Mahabaleshwar.
Renowned for its rivers, superb cascades and majestic peaks, Mahabaleshwar outstands amongst the rest of the places to visit. It is also famous for its strawberries. Well-known for its charming beauty and the attractive strawberry farms, the hill town consists of ancient temples, boarding schools, trimmed and lush thick forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. The place is undeniably among the most sought-after weekend getaways from Mumbai. Charming views, enticing valleys, serene lakes and a refreshing delight for your taste buds summarize this nature’s gift at its best.
After the check-in formalities leave for the sightseeing of the attractions. Visit the alluring spots such as ARTHUR’S SEAT. It is the most popular place in Mahabaleshwar. Although it is popularly called as the ‘Queen of Points’, the place was originally called as MADHI MAHAAL. The 1470m tall Arthur’s Seat is known for floating of light objects. If you throw things like a bottle cap into the valley, it floats up due to air pressure.
BABINGTON POINT is the next attraction included in the itinerary. This captivating site offers a panoramic view of luxuriant greenery and beautiful landscape of the valley. What fascinates tourists the most is its meandering pathway that is adorned with several species of plants and trees. It is considered perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers. To admire breathtaking natural views and tranquil ambiance, a visit to this viewpoint is a must.
After this, visit the SUNSET POINT. It is one of the most popular points in Mahabaleshwar. Also popularly known as Mumbai Point or Bombay Point, the place has a large open space with a bandstand. An ideal place for a late noon picnic, the Mumbai Point is the point from where people watch the sun setting over the valleys.
Call it a day at MORARJI CASTLE, a historical place built in the old colonial style. The place is a must-visit if you are fond of history. Also, you will get a good view of the Konkan region from here.
Head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will leave for Pratapgadh, at a distance of 24 Km from Mahabaleshwar. Pratapgadh s the pride of the Maratha Empire. Built-in 1656, it is a maze of ponds, chambers and long dark walkways, some of which lead to trap doors that open to a 100-meter fall! It was here that Afzal Khan, the mighty general of Bijapur, met his untimely death at the hands of Shivaji. After getting free from sight-seeing you can go shopping or for other recreational activity around. Later, you will come back to Mahabaleshwar hotel and stay overnight.
Early morning, after breakfast explore the nearby town of Panchgani, another popular hill station of Maharashtra. Start by visiting RAJPURI CAVES. Rajpuri Caves hold religions significance, owing to the belief that these were used for penance and religious rituals by Lord Kartikeya. Surrounded by many water kunds (ponds), these ancient caves are also believed to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile. Owing to the belief that the holy Ganges also flows into these kunds, devotees have a bath in these water bodies to cure all kinds of diseases and evils.
Next, visit KAMALGAD FORT, located at an altitude of 4,522 ft just in front of Kenjalgad. Owing to its elevation, the fort offers an aerial view of the Dhom backwaters, dense woods and the lush green vegetation below.
Afterwards, head to HUNTER POINT, from the viewpoint, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Koyna Valley and the surrounding Sahyadri mountain ranges.
Head to SYDNEY POINT next, Sydney Point is renowned for offering beautiful views of the Krishna Valley, Kamalgad Fort, Dhoom Dam, and the city of Wai. This tiny hillock overlooking the lush green Krishna Valley was named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, who was Commander in Chief and senior member of the council. Sir Sidney Beckwarth temporarily succeeded Sir John Malcolm as the Governor of Bombay in 1830. The hillock also offers beautiful views of the hill ranges of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo.
Last on the Panchgani tour is DHOOM DAM, a beautiful boating spot that is located at a distance of 21 km from the town. For enjoying water activities, tourists can hire scooter boats and speed boats from near the dam. This earth fill and gravity dam on Krishna River is located near Wai. For supplying water for agriculture and industries, the dam was constructed in 1982. Construction of the dam commenced in 1976.
Then, get back to Mahabaleshwar hotel for an overnight stay.
Early morning, after breakfast, you will drive back to Pune.
Post check-in at the hotel visit KHANDOBA TEMPLE, OMKARESHWAR TEMPLE, CHATURSHRINGI TEMPLE, DAGDUSHETH GANAPATI TEMPLE, PARVATI HILL TEMPLE etc.
Also visit SHANIWAR WADA, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. This palace is spread over an area of about 625 acres. The architecture of Shaniwar Wada is a classic example of Maratha style of construction mixed with authentic Mughal architecture.
After city sightseeing get back to the hotel for an overnight stay
Today after breakfast leave for Pune airport/railway station for your onward journey.
