Panchgani (“five hills”) sits about 18–20 km east of Mahabaleshwar at around 1,300 m, above the Krishna valley. The British developed it in the second half of the 19th century as a quieter, drier retreat, and it is still known for its boarding schools, old bungalows and Parsi heritage — and for views down to the town of Wai and the Dhom reservoir.
Its star attraction is Table Land, a huge flat-topped laterite plateau right above the town — often described as one of the largest mountain plateaus in Asia. It is a place to walk, ride a pony, peer into the Devil’s Kitchen caves and watch the sunset. Nearby, Sydney Point and Parsi Point look out over the valley and the reservoir.
Top things to do at Panchgani & Table Land
Walk across Table Land
Head up in the late afternoon, walk away from the busy entrance towards the edges and watch the sun set over the Krishna valley. Pony rides and snack stalls are near the car park.
Take in Sydney and Parsi Points
Both viewpoints look over the Dhom reservoir and the Krishna valley. Parsi Point is on the main road; Sydney Point is a short detour.
Stroll the old town
Wander the lanes around the market and school campuses for colonial-era bungalows, then stop at one of the local bakeries or Parsi-run cafés.
How to get to Panchgani & Table Land
- From Mahabaleshwar: about 18–20 km, 35–45 minutes by taxi or state bus, passing Venna Lake and Mapro Garden.
- From Pune: about 100 km via NH48 and Wai; Panchgani is the first hill station you reach on the Pune side.
- Guided: both Pune day trips stop in Panchgani, and the full-day Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani tour includes Table Land.
Insider tips
- Table Land is exposed — bring a hat and water in the dry season, and a rain jacket in the monsoon.
- Many visitors base themselves in Panchgani for lower prices and calmer evenings, and day-trip to Mahabaleshwar.
- The road between the two hill stations can crawl on holiday weekends — start early.
- Paragliding is sometimes offered in season from nearby slopes; only use established operators.
Tours that include Panchgani & Table Land
These guided trips cover Panchgani & Table Land or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip from US$145 per group Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani (Guided Full-Day Tour)
The most complete way to see both hill stations in one day from Pune. A private AC car with an English/Hindi-speaking driver-guide covers Panchgani’s Table Land and viewpoints, Mapro Garden and the strawberry farms, then Mahabaleshwar’s Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, the Panchganga temple and Pratapgad Fort.
- Table Land and Parsi Point in Panchgani
- Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake boat ride and Mapro Garden
- Pratapgad Fort and the Panchganga temple
Day trip from US$73 Pune: Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar, Wai & Panchgani
A slightly shorter, food-and-heritage-flavoured route: stop on the Krishna at Wai for the Peshwa-era Menavali ghat and Nana Phadnavis Wada, then climb to Mahabaleshwar for Arthur’s Seat, the temples and the market, with Mapro Garden and seasonal strawberry picking on the way back through Panchgani.
- Nana Phadnavis Wada and the Menavali ghat at Wai
- Arthur’s Seat viewpoint and old temples
- Mapro Garden, strawberries, honey and berry wines
