Panchgani is a hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic beauty, strawberry farms, and pleasant weather. From sightseeing points such as Table Land and Parsi Point to serene waterfalls, ancient caves, and thrilling adventure sports, there is a range of things to do and see in Panchgani.  

Imagine a place where clouds feel closer to you, where every mountain is cloaked in greenery, the air carries the sweet aroma of strawberries, and waterfalls burst into life from every corner. This is Panchgani, a picturesque hill station nestled amidst the Sahyadri mountain range. Perched at an altitude of around 1,334 meters, the hill station gets its name from the five scenic hills that surround it. With breathtaking vistas, lush greenery, a serene ambience, and a range of attractions, Panchgani is nothing short of paradise for those seeking calm and peace.  

There are also some remnants of the British Raj that are reflected in the town’s various churches, convents and other colonial structures. As the sun goes down, it leaves behind gorgeous trails of hues and rays that glisten upon the slopes and streamlets, giving Panchagani an artistic flair that is sure to leave your soul at peace. So, if you are planning a gateway to this mesmerising hill station, here is a short guide that explores the best things to do in Panchgani to make your trip an unforgettable one.  

What are the Top Things to Do in Panchgani?  

From sightseeing points that offer breathtaking views and strawberry farms filled with freshness, to serene waterfalls, ancient caves, and thrilling adventure sports, Panchgani has something for every kind of traveller.  

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Panchgani:

• Trek to Table Land 

• Visit the Parsi Point 

• Explore the Rajpuri Caves 

• Indulge in Strawberry Picking 

• Shop Your Heart Out 

• Witness Nature’s Beauty On a Jeep Safari Tour 

• Visit the Magical Bhilar Waterfalls 

• Treat Your Inner Astronomer at the Space Museum 

• Connect With Nature at Devrai Art Village 

• Visit Nearby Destinations 

Trek to Table Land 

Located at a dizzying height of 4500 feet above sea level, Table Land is one of the best sightseeing points in Panchgaini. It also holds the title of Asia’s second-largest mountain plateau, after the Tibetan plateau. A trek to Table Land will treat you to the most jaw-dropping views of the surrounding majestic hills and deep valleys. Besides the mesmerising views, the viewpoint is also known for offering activities such as horse riding, trekking, merry-go-rounds, arcade games, and mini trains.  

Location:

Godavali, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805 

Timings:

All day 

Best time to visit:

During sunset or sunrise 

Visit the Parsi Point

Parsi Point is yet another sightseeing point in Panchgani that offers captivating views of the surrounding nature. Overlooking the Krishna Valley and the sparkling waters of the Dhom Dam, the Parsi Point is a favourite among tourists for its picture-perfect view. The place gets its name from its popularity among the Parsi community in earlier times. Today, it’s one best places to visit in Panchgani where families gather for picnics, tourists capture postcard-worthy photos, and nature lovers lose themselves in the surrounding beauty. 

Location:

Ganeshpeth, Panchgani, Maharashtra 412805 

Timings:

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Entry Fee:

No entry fee. Parking charges may apply. 

Best time to visit:

During monsoons and early morning to catch a breathtaking view of the sunset.  

Explore the Rajpuri Caves

If you are someone who is fascinated by mythology, then the Rajpuri Caves are the best thing to see in Panchgani for you. Once believed to have given shelter to the Pandavas during their exile, the Rajpuri Caves are a group of four caves. What’s more interesting about these caves is that they are surrounded by holy kunds (ponds), which are supposed to get water from the holy Ganga and hence are believed to cure all kinds of diseases. Tourists can also visit the Lord Karthikeya temple, a major attraction in Rajpuri Caves, known to have been built from the sand taken from the caves. 

Location:

Rajapuri, Maharashtra 412804 

Timings:

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Entry Fees:

Free 

Indulge in Strawberry Picking

No trip to Panchgani is complete without indulging in strawberry picking. The town is famous for its strawberry farms, making strawberry-picking among the best things to do in Panchgani. You can stroll through vibrant strawberry farms, pluck the freshest berries straight from the plant, and even sample homemade jams, jellies, and milkshakes. Mapro Garden is one such farm where you can not only get fresh strawberries, but also witness how jams and syrups are made. 

Location:

Gureghar, Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar Rd 

Timings:

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

Entry Fees:

Free  

Shop Your Heart Out  

Shopping is definitely one of the best things to do in Panchgani. You can find a range of markets in the town that offer everything from wooden handicrafts, leather goods, and slippers to locally-grown produce such as strawberries and honey.  

Here are some of the famous markets in Panchgani: 

• Shivaji Circle: Situated in the heart of Panchgani, Shivaji Circle Market is bustling with shops selling leather goods, bags, footwear, handicrafts, spices, and local food items like peanut brittle and chikki.  

• Buddha Bazaar: Buddha Bazaar is a lively weekly market, open only on Wednesdays. It offers fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, Kolhapuri chappals, pots, and pans at affordable prices.

• Khinger Market: At Khinger Market, you will be able to find unique handicrafts, souvenirs, hand-woven shawls, sarees, leather goods, and antiques. 

• Aundh Market: Aundh Market is popular for handmade products such as pottery, wooden artefacts, and handcrafted jewellery. 

Witness Nature’s Beauty On a Jeep Safari Tour 

If you are an adventurous soul or just someone who loves being close to nature, then going on a thrilling jeep safari tour is among the best things to do in Panchgan for you. This tour will take you through some of the region’s lesser-explored yet captivating spots, where you can witness rich wildlife and soak in breathtaking views of valleys, sunrises, and sunsets. Perfect for families and couples, the 3-hour trail is both adventurous and scenic, offering plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. 

Location:

Mahabaleshwar Rd, next to Velocity Park, Panchgani 

Timings:

6:00 am – 6:30 am and 9:00 – 9:30 am (mornings), 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 7:30 pm (evenings) 

Entry Fees:

INR 600 per adult  

Visit the Magical Bhilar Waterfalls 

A seasonal wonder surrounded by lush green forests, the Bhilar Waterfalls is truly one of the most magical things to see near Panchgani. Visible in full glory during the monsoon, this waterfall is an ultimate place of peace, calm and tranquillity. 

Location:

Poladpur Mahabaleshwar Road, Satara, Maharashtra 

Timings: 

24 Hours 

Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee 

Treat Your Inner Astronomer at the Space Museum 

If you are someone curious about astronomy, then the Space Museum is the best attraction in Panchgani for you. The space observatory allows visitors to design and launch their own gas or air rockets. They can also indulge in activities such as Telescope Making, Observatory and Space Museum tour, Air Rocketry, Gas Rocketry, and more. 

Location:

Panchgani, Maharashtra 

Timings:

9:30 am to 5:50 pm 

Entry Fee:

Not Available  

Connect With Nature at Devrai Art Village 

Situated in the hilly terrains of Panchgani, the Devari Art Village is a non-profit initiative that works towards sustaining indigenous art and craft. It is home to skilled Adivasi craftsmen and artists from the naxalite-affected areas of Gadchiroli & Chhattisgarh. You can find a range of beautiful artefacts, paintings, statues, rock dhokra and more, made and available in materials like iron, brass, stone, wood, bamboo and fabric. 

Location:

Devrai, Panchgani CHS, Panchgani 412805 

Timings:

10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The gallery is open on all days. 

Entry Fee:

No entry fee.  

Visit Nearby Destinations 

Besides exploring the natural beauty of Panchgani, travellers can also visit the nearby places. Some of the best places to visit near Panchgani are: 

• Mahabaleshwar: Located just 18 km from Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station known for its stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and strawberry farms. 

• Pratapgad Fort: Pratapgad Fort is a historic monument built in the 17th century. It is the best thing to see near Panchgani for history buffs. 

• Tapola: Situated around 30 km from Panchgani, Tapola is a small village known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like kayaking and boating. 

• Wai: Located on the banks of the Krishna River, Wai is a small city near Panchgani. It is known for its seven ghats. 

As we conclude our exploration of the best things to do in Panchgani, it is clear that this beautiful town has something for everyone. So the next time you are in Maharashtra, make sure you don’t leave the state without a visit to Panchgani. 

To make your trip to Maharashtra even more memorable, consider exploring the range of Maharashtra tour packages offered by Veena World. From travel and accommodation to day-to-day itineraries, we take care of everything so that you can focus on enjoying the peace and tranquillity of places like Panchgani.  

FAQs 

Q1. Can I really pick strawberries fresh from farms when in Panchgani? 

During the strawberry season (Dec to March), many local farms allow tourists to pluck strawberries, taste them fresh, and even enjoy strawberry-themed treats like creams and milkshakes. 

Q2. Has Panchgani been featured in Bollywood movies? 

Panchgani has served as a backdrop for films like Taare Zameen Par and Raja Hindustani. Its boarding schools, colonial charm, and scenic vistas make it a popular shooting location. 

Q3. What's hidden beneath Table Land? 

The Devil's Kitchen caves are located below Table Land. According to mythology, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata are believed to have cooked their meals here during their exile. 

Q4. Are there medicinal or rare plants found here? 

The plateau region around Panchgani hosts rare herbs and plant species, including some used in Ayurveda. The eco-sensitive zone of the Kaas Plateau (a few hours away) is also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. 

Q5. What's the best-kept secret for night-time exploration?  

Night sky watching! Panchgani has very low light pollution. Some guesthouses and open meadows offer stunning views of the Milky Way, especially in the winter months.