PANCHGANI        
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Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the  Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses  and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.

The walkways are thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar --  Panchgani is one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.
Getting around: Taxis are available easily, though here too, bicycles and horseback are recommended for travelling distances.
Weather: In winter the temperatures are around a cool 16 C, whereas in summer it can get quite hot reaching 35 C. The annual rainfall is 216 cms. September to May is the best time to visit.
Getting there : Pune, 98 kms away is the nearest airport and the most convenient railhead.  Panchgani via Mahad is 266 kms. There ia an allternative route via Pune. Luxury bus services, courtecy MTDC, leave at regular intervals from Pune and Mumbai.

