Description
Panchgani is famous for its cool climate and English medium residential schools. The
settlement of this village started from 1850 AD. Due to the healthy climate, green forests,
pleasant environment, the population of Panchgani increased day by day. John Chesson, a
retired British officer, is considered the founder of Panchgani. In AD 1852, he built his
bungalow here and started farming. By being himself, he inspired others to live here. With his
encouragement, propaganda and efforts, the British colonized here in 1862, and with
Cheson's own efforts, this place got the status of a monastery. He was appointed by the
government as the first superintendent and judge of Panchgani. He died in 1873. As there are
five hills around Pachagani, this area got the name 'Land of Five Hills' i.e. 'Pachagani'. Due to
the healthy climate here, a large number of health houses and residential schools were
established. Some of the attractions in Panchgani are as follows:
-
Table Land - The Table Land of Panchgani is the second largest mountain plateau in
Asia. It is a flat plain with an area of 4 square kilometres and is situated at a height of
200 feet above Pachagani village. There is a tarmac road to reach here. From here you
can see the whole region. A restaurant is run in a natural cave on the north side of the
grounds. Table Land has various games, entertainment, handicrafts, food stalls.
Tourists can also go horse riding here.
-
Dosi Point - Pachgani has a large Parsi community, this point is opposite Agyari on
Chesson road here.
-
Cave of Meher Baba - This cave is located on the west side of Kachbawadi, where
Meher Baba lived. The mind is happy in this place of solitude.
-
Baby Point - This point is near the village on the way from Pachagani to
Mahabaleshwar. In the evening there is a crowd of natives and tourists.
-
Sydney Point - There is a pillar on the hill east of Panchganvesh. That is the Sydney
Point. From here lies Wai city to the east, hill ranges to the north and Dhom dam
below. The area of Panchgani can be seen in the south and west.
-
Moral Rehabilitation Centre (MRA) – This centre is located on the Pune Marg, one
kilometer east of Panchgani. The programs of this centre are organized for moral
upliftment of human being. Up-to-date facilities of food and accommodation are
available here. Rajmohan Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi; he started the
centre and cultural conferences are organized here. The centre is open for viewing
from 4 am to 5 am.
-
Parshi Point - This point is two kilometres away from Panchgani and has a garden
here. It has three pagoda-like towers. The middle tower is three-storied and has toys
for children. Durbini temple, Table Land, Sidney Point, Chavaneshwar Narayan
temple are are places to visit here. Also, Krishna's valley, Kenjalgad, Kamalgad are
beautiful places.
