Weekend Getaways are always exciting. And if weekend getaways comes along with scenic beauty, nature deep and sightseeing then one should definitely not miss it. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani are twin towns next to each other and offer an amazing weekend getaway.
Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani should be a 2-3 day trip. Ideally one should visit Panchgani first then move on to visit Mahabaleshwar.
Panchgani
Panchgani has it own set of sightseeing points available. One of it is the Sydney Point. This point overlooks into a valley surrounded by hills with river flowing through it.
I personally found this structure interesting to get nice photographs clicked. This is at the other end of Sydney point. Photographers visiting this place can try their hand at portrait photography too.
The place looks even more beautiful at night under a billion stars with beautiful hues at the end of the horizon and lights twinkling in the city below. Cool breeze and a quiet atmosphere is all that you need to unwind yourself.
Next you should head to this place called The Table Land. As is its name, there is a huge stretch of land on this location which looks like a table top. Apart from that just at the start there is small beautiful lake.
Thats below called The Table Land. Although I didn’t go right up to this place, but it seems you can reach this place by trekking close to 6 kms.
Besides Table Land is an open field where you can find cattle grazing and can just have a walk through.
Nearby to the Table Land besides this open field is another lake. I personally liked this one more than the lake which is right at the start.
While walking back from the view of Table Land, I got a chance to capture this beautiful pic of cattle walking across the lake after quenching their thirst.
Rajpuri caves are caves which are believed to have sheltered Pandavas. You can visit this place from Table Land itself. The lakes here were the source to provide water to these caves.
After this you should immediately proceed to Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar is at a distance of around 14 kms from this place and would take close to 30 mins to reach there. One needs to ensure they do not miss out on the locations at Mahabaleshwar.
Mahabaleshwar
My personal suggestion is to start spending the noon time at Venna Lake. Slowly by the time evening sets in, you get try you hand at boating.
On one side of the Venna Lake is the dam and you can walk up to it. From there you can get a good view of the entire lake and click some nice photographs.
Once you are done with boating and chilling out at the lake. Just opposite to the lake is a nice street food joint. Do explore that as well.
Also do not forget, Mahabaleshwar is home to the best of strawberries. Do eat and grab for your way back too.
Apart from these you can also go for fresh corn, raddish or carrots which are sold there.
From there you should proceed to Kate’s Point. It is also known as Echo Point or Elephant Head point. But these are 3 different points at the same location. Below is Kate’s point.
You would not only come across flora and fauna but also monkey’s at this place. They do not trouble you, but you are free to offer them food if you want. This point is called the Echo Point. You would find people shouting on top of their voice to hear the hill shout back.
Below is the famous Elephant Head which Mahabaleshwar is known for. Never ever miss this point. It is really beautiful sight to watch.
While on your way back to Mumbai via Panchgani, do not forget, I repeat, do not forget or miss out having the most amazing dish of Mahabaleshwar. Fresh Mulberry with Cream, if you like it, then you should also try Fresh Strawberry with cream. It is a must have. And the place to have it is called Bagicha Corner
While the moon appears the sun decides to set on the other side. You would have finished off the dishes by now but the craving won’t end.
The night would slowly be setting in but there is one more place which you need to visit before you head out to Mumbai. And that is Mapro Garden. Yes, you would have heard of Mapro, it is the same company which makes juices.
This place serves the best of Sandwiches & Brownie. Its a must have and that should be enough for your dinner. Also remember these two dishes can suffice for two people, unless you have a big appetite.
They have huge open kitchen where they prepare all of the stuff. This is how it looks. Also the bread used for sandwiches is freshly baked there.
The entire Mapro Garden is a beautiful place. If you have time at hand, then do walk around and explore this place. Some glimpses that I tried to capture that night are here for you.
If you are convinced then do head out to Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani. In case you have already visited these places, do share your experience and feedback in comments. Enjoy.