Panchgani

(Mahabaleshwar 17 55'N, 73 45'E; RS. Wathar 28m SE; 4,538) in Mahabaleshwar about eleven miles east of Mahabaleshwar, is a small health-resort on the Surul-Mahabaleshwar road 4378 feet above sea level. Panchgani is connected to Poona and Wathar (nearest railway station) which are at a distance of 63 and 28 miles respectively by State Transport service. The village, lies with five others on a Sahyadri spur which juts out at Mahabaleshwar and terminates about a mile from Wai. Resembling mostly in climatic and other conditions it can be termed the Switzerland of India. Situated to the lee of Mahableshwar and about 200 feet lower, it escapes the heavy rain and fog of the outer range which are carried away into the valleys to the north and south. It is also happily shielded from the east wind by being built under a larger extent of tableland. The magnificent scenery of the Krshna valley extending for many miles from east to west with its numerous hamlets, highly cultivated fields, and picturesque river, can be seen along the whole northern ridge of the mountain. Though less extensive, the southern aspect is even more beautiful. The geological formation of Panchgani is volcanic as is the rest of the Deccan. While all along the road up the hills from Wai to Dhandeghar two miles from Panchgani trap is found ; the soil on the hill top has a large admixture of oxide of iron which reddens the stratum into laterite.

Considered as a sanatorium. Panchgani stands almost unrivalled. With a temperature like that of Mahabaleshwar it has the eminent advantage over that charming health resort of being comfortably habitable throughout the year.

The climate is cool, salubrious and comparatively dry. It is excellently adapted for both adults and children but for children especially it is unsurpassed in India. The average rainfall is fifty-six inches or about a fifth of that of Mahabaleshwar. The mean temperature at noon is 71 and mean daily range only 6.

The population of the town according to 1951 Census was 4538. Of this the agricultural classes number 143 and the non-agricultural classes 4395 ; of the latter, 665 persons derive their principal means of livelihood from production other than cultivation; 756 persons from commerce; 144 persons from transport; and 2830 persons from other services and miscellaneous sources.

Height from Sea-Level : 1334 meter (4377 ft)
Area : 24 Sq. ft
Population : 10865  ( in 1998)  
Temperature in summer : 30 degrees c.  ( February – May)  
Temperature in Winter :16 degress c. (October – January)  
Rainfall : June – September

 

Important Telephone Nos

STD Code                               :              02168

Local Enquiry                          :            40200

Police Station                          :            40333

S.T. Bus Stand               :            40230

Muncipal Hospital                       :            40257

 

EVERGREEN HILL STATION – PANCHGANI

 

Maharashtra, the land of beautiful places is ornamented with many of the hill stations in Sahyadri.  Panchgani is one of them for its natural boon.  Panchgani is also famous as the ‘learning center’ for school level as well as other courses of study.   It is also the best place for pensioners  who wish to spend their retired life with nature’s beauty.  The cool and pleasant weather of this hill station is very soothing for patients undergoing body or mental treatment.  Panchgani  has a broad main road with many sub-roads perpendicular to it like a well planned city.   This sound planning adds to the beauty of Panchgani.  The shops are well situated in a row  on both sides of the road. In the peak season, tourists gush up for shopping in these shops.  The real joy of shopping can be availed with the evening stroll on these roads. 

The foreign tourists visiting Panchgani remember the Abona town of Italy which is very similar to Panchgani.   Panchgani  is  beautifully ornamented with tall trees of silver oak, Pine, Devdar, Ashoka etc.  It is believed that the Pandavas spent their “Adyantvasa”  (hiding their identity)  in “Vaai” a place nearby to Panchgani.

There is a group of 5 plateaus in this region hence this place is known as Panchgani.

  1. Panchgani

  2. Godavali

  3. Khingar

  4. Ambral

 

Weather

Panchgani   always beautiful  is at its best in August and September.  The rainfall in Panchgani is on an average of 55 to 6o Inches.  On the contrary, Mahableshwar as place situated at a distance of 18 km has an average rainfall of 6000-7000 mm  every year.  All  kinds of vegetation is found in Panchgani.  Some of the foreign species of plants / tress  like Leeches, pine, Silver oak, Ferns, Arrowroot  etc are found here.  The rain  starts in the month of April  with snowballs  and ends in the month of October.  November to March  the weather is cool and pleasant with a clear sky.