Panchgani, a hill resort which can hold its own even against a popular tourist destination such as Mahabaleshwar, has gained popularity on its own right.

Panchgani has a unique history of its own. Though the British first made Mahabaleshwar as their summer capital of the Bombay province, this region becomes uninhabitable during the heavy monsoon season. Hence, the British were in search of a nearby area which could serve as an alternative site for a health resort, ideal for retirement people.

British superintendent John Chesson found the area in the vicinity of five villages on five hills – Dhandeghar, Godavli, Amral, Khingar and Taighat to be ideal for settlement. He brought in tradesmen to occupy the area as well as planted many plants such as poinsettia and silver oak from the western world which still bloom here today.

Hence, Panchgani was formed by the British around 1860s and serves as a tourist attraction today. Located near Mahabaleshwar, it has similar distances from cities like Mumbai and Pune – 285 and 100 km respectively. This has led to a massive growth of hotels in Panchgani.

Panchgani is thus nestled amongst five low lying hills in the Sahyadri region. Surrounded by five villages and the Krishna river flowing through it, it is a wide table land or plateau region which can be seen from the scenic view points of Mahabaleshwar as well.

Panchgani has a temperate climate the whole year through and comparatively less rainfall than Mahabaleshwar. The temperature ranges from 12 degrees centigrade in winter to 34 degrees centigrade in summers. The temperate climate, scenery and rich flora of the place attracts several tourists to this quaint little town. A mere 20 km from Mahabaleshwar, it is a favorite sight seeing destination of those who visit Mahabaleshwar as well.

Panchgani is known as a health resort as well as a thriving place for schools. The British set up the The Kimmins School here for European boys and girls was affiliated to the Cambridge University and was set up in 1890. Since then, many other schools have come up in Panchgani attracted by the high standards of education here.

Dr. Rustomji Bomanji Billimoria set up a sanatorium for tuberculosis here in Panchgani and since then, Panchgani has been regarded as a great convalescence centre for the ailing.

Thus, Panchgani has several unique features which helped build tourist attractions to this place. There are several Panchgani resorts and hotels as well which cater to the growing tourist traffic in this area. However, with growing commercial traffic here, it is in danger of being ecologically degraded.

Related posts:

1. Panchgani Resorts
2. Panchgani Schools
3. Panchgani Hotels
4. Panchgani Sightseeing
5. Panchgani Map