Had a one day visit to Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. we were two couple driving in our car from Pune.I hail from a hill station in north and so did not have much expectation from this trip. I thought it would be another dry land like I had experienced in a trip to Lonavala and Khandala on a December. But to my surprise it was not so. It became a memorable trip which we would cherish.
I would recommend these things for anyone planning to go there:
If you are in Pune, and are driving in your own car for a one day trip, you can should start early morning, before 7 and reach Pune back by 9 PM. But a single day, it seems is a little less to see everything. If you are driving from Mumbai, a day may not be sufficient.
At table land in Panchgani, bargain hard for horse riding. we got couple riding for rs 150/- when they asked 320/- for it. You should go for single and fast horse riding rather than couple riding, if you want little thrill.
strawberries are as cheap as rs 50/- per kg there, don’t get cheated. Don’t buy packed strawberries and other packed fruits.
Mala, a fruit processing unit, on the way from Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar, is a nice place to try and buy jams and fruit crush.
Para-gliding inPanchganiisgood thrillingexperience. But before agreeing for it, observe which one is taking his customer deepest and farthest. get in deal with that party only. Some of them give para-gliding for a short time with not much twist and turns. You can also bargain a little - a couple ofhundredrupees less.
Get some packed snacks and if possible home made snacks with you. Something made of curd is generally a relief during summers.
Feb-March is a good time to visit.
Overall it was a nice refreshing trip for all four of us. We missed some of the points because we had to return the same day. We collected lot many photos and videos to remember Panchgani.