Areas to Explore in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani

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Panchgani

Panchgani is one of the best hill stations amongst most places near Mumbai / Pune. Along with the nearby Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is considered one of the "must-visit" hill stations in Maharashtra and tourists from nearby metros of Mumbai, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra, India as well as abroad throng this place to relax and rejuvenate their senses. The overall weather is pleasant throughout the year. The summer season, lasting from March to June, generally attracts the maximum crowd. Normally weekenders who are looking for place near Mumbai/Pune flock this place throughout the year. The rains and even the wind in Panchgani are less in intensity than Mahabaleshwar as it is protected by Tableland. Hotel Basilica  is on the main road to Panchgani thus making it extremely accessible to reach. You can walk down to the market centre or can hire private taxis to reach there.

There are numerous private as well as state bus services plying regularly between Panchgani and Mumbai / Pune. Nearest Railway Station to Panchgani is Pune Jn. and just like Air travel, visitors will have to take road services to reach Panchgani.

Distances:

  • Mumbai to Panchgani is slightly more than 250 kms
  • Pune to Panchgani is 98 kms
  • Mahabaleshwar to Panchgani is 20 kms

Panchgani places to visit:

Sydney Point


Named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, then British Commander in chief who was also a Governor of Bombay at one point of time, this place is at a walkable distance from Hotel Basilica . It provides an unhindered panoramic view for miles that includes the Tableland, historic city of Wai, Pandavgad and Mandhardeo. Yet the most beautiful view is the Krishna Valley and the Dhom Dam backwaters that are awesome site during sunset. This point also provides an overview of the entire Hotel Basilica expanse as well as the beautiful green valley at its foothills.


Table Land


Located as a backdrop of Hotel Basilica , Table Land is a unique “natural heritage” site. It is actually a lateritic geological structure, 16km long, which gives it the title of being the second largest plateau in Asia. It is completely flat piece of land that has horse-rides, lake, shopping stalls etc. Like all Panchgani places, it provides some very beautiful views.


Parsi Point

A favorite meeting point of the Parsi community, this point offers amazing view of the Dhom dam and the Krishna River Valley. Devil's Kitchen A place with mythological significance, Devil’s kitchen is just to the south of Table Land. It is said to have been a shelter for the Pandavs of Mahabharat fame when they were escaping.

Panchgani Schools

Panchgani schools are quite famous for their wonderful all round education and are very popular among India's elite for educating their wards.


Honeymooning

Though it is near to Mumbai and Pune and thus generally considered as a cheap honeymoon destination, it has its own charm and can give a unique experience if visitors know and select the best places to enjoy it in.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Mahabaleshwar attracts weekend getaway visitors from nearby metros that are looking for places to visit near Mumbai & Pune as well as tourists from all over India and abroad who mark this as a must-visit place in their itinerary. It is hardly half-an-hour ride from Basilica Resorts, thus keeping Basilica guests comfortably away from instances of crowding that can happen in Mahabaleshwar but still keeping them within reachable distance of various Mahabaleshwar attractions. Although Mahabaleshwar weather is pleasant throughout the year, the summer season is the best time to be here. Starting from March to June, the summer days are cool and breezy.

The rains (June to September) are the best time to visit for those who love to get wet and love trekking as this season offers spectacular views and numerous waterfalls, rivulets, springs dot the landscape. Winter temperatures can range from 5 degrees to 24 degrees.

Mahabaleshwar has very good transport connectivity (specifically Hotel Basilica as it is just beside the main road to Panchgani.)


Following are normal journey distances from the nearest metros:

  • Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms
  • Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms and then another 120 kms to Mahabaleshwar
  • Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms

Famous places to visit in Mahabaleshwar:

Mount Malcolm

 One of the most important buildings of its time, it remains the spectacular evidence of British Raj architecture.


Mahabaleshwar Temples

Mahabaleshwar map, Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar, pune to mahabaleshwarAlthough Mahabaleshwar is popular as a holiday retreat, its religious importance is also quite important. There are various temples in and around Mahabaleshwar that are extremely significant in the Hindu religion. Most famous amongst them are the Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panchganga temple, Krishnabai Mandir and Shri Shankar Mandir and should fascinate any visitor (even if not from the religious point, the aesthetics are definitely a sight to behold.)


Mahabaleshwar Points

 There are numerous spots that offer spectacular views of the Mahabaleshwar scenery. Points like Arthur's seat, Wilson Point, Elphinston Point, Kate's Point, Lordwick Point etc display various parts of Mahabaleshwar at its best.


Hill stations in India, Mahabaleshwar Waterfalls

Absolutely amazing sights esp. during the rains, hundreds of waterfalls flow from the higher altitudes to the plains. Chinaman's, Dhobi and Lingamala falls are the most famous waterfalls in this region Venna Lake: This piece of waterbody is a hub for water sport enthusiasts as well as regular tourists. Boating is a favorite attraction and quite affordable.

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