The Ultimate Panchgani Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Eat, & Stay

At 4,500 ft above sea level, Tableland is the highest point in Panchgani. Touted as the second-largest Volcanic plateau in Asia, Tableland is a vast expanse of flat laterite rock surrounded by hills. Each corner has a different view to offer. It's so unique that popular Bollywood films like Raja Hindustani and Taare Zameen Par were filmed at this spot. At the south end of Tableland, there is Devil's Kitchen. According to mythology, Pandavas stayed here for a while and cooked in the same kitchen.

Two kilometres from Panchgani Bus Stand, Sydney Point is another popular spot in the area. Named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, Commander in Chief in the 1830s, Sydney Point offers charming views of Krishna Valley, Dhom Dam, Kamalgadh Fort, and Wai. The best time to visit is early morning or evening for clear views of the hill station. We suggest you take a picnic basket with snacks, beverages, and games to spend quality time here soaking up the view.

A 20-minute drive from Panchgani Bus Stand will take you to the historical Rajpuri Caves. One of the most popular sightseeing spots in the neighbourhood, the ancient caves have a religious significance. According to popular legend, the Pandavas took shelter in this cave during their exile. Even Lord Kartikeya used the cave to perform holy rituals and ceremonies. Every year the locals gather here for the Thaipooyam festival celebrated with much fanfare.

According to history books, British superintendent John Chesson discovered the hill station of Panchgani with the help of the Parsi community. Parsi Point pays homage to the Parsi community that settled here along with the Britishers and played a prominent role in developing the town. It is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by hundreds of travellers for its 360-degree view of Panchgani. We recommend you go here during sunrise or sunset. 

If you're looking for a good breakfast spot in Panchgani, head to Chai Bun Maska. As the name suggests, the small cafe serves popular Parsi breakfast items at pocket-friendly rates. The short and sweet menu leaves no room for confusion. Try their bun maska with masala omelette and Irani chai for a filling breakfast meal. We also love their chicken salami sandwich and sausage platter. If you're a vegetarian, they also have vegetable sandwiches and burgers to fill you up.

As one of the oldest restaurants in town, Rustam’s Strawberry Inn is part of Panchgani's rich food heritage. For many decades this unassuming restaurant has served mouth-watering Parsi nourishments to travellers from all walks of life. We suggest you order the lip-smacking mutton sali, chicken farcha, berry pulao, and tandoori naan. Leave room for desserts because their strawberry and cream is a delight in every bite.

Craving pizza in Panchgani? Head to Oregano - The Organic Pizzeria! Taking the guilt out of indulging in pizzas, Oregano uses 11 types of organic flour in the pizza base to make it healthier than the regular ones. Made with their in-house sauces and cheese, the wood-fired pizzas are topped with organic veggies from local farms. Even the meat is sourced from animal farms free from growth hormones. The menu also features pasta, burgers, and coffee.

You can't go to Panchgani and not visit the Mapro Garden. With an industrial chocolate facility, a nursery, a kids' play zone, and a retail outlet to pick up all their delicious products, there is so much to do at Mapro Garden. If you don't have the time to do all the above activities, just head to their cafe for some good food. From sandwiches to pizzas, burgers, and more, there is something for everyone. The most popular item here is the strawberry and cream.

Overlooking Krishna Valley, Zostel in Panchgani offers a unique experience. Built from repurposed shipping containers, concrete structures, and pockets of landscape, Zostel makes for a great stay. Starting at INR 1,500, the accommodation includes amenities like common hangout areas, laundry services, storage facilities, in-house activities, and more. The best part is that many popular tourist spots like Sydney Point, Parsi Point, and more are nearby.

Surrounded by the majestic Sahyadri Range, The Canyon Resort offers a panoramic view of Panchgani from your bedroom. At INR 6,000 a night, the luxurious resort provides comfortable deluxe rooms with amenities like WiFi, television, working space, housekeeping, and more. They also have an in-house restaurant, where you can savour Indian, Chinese, and Mughlai cuisine.

If you don't mind spending a few bucks on a luxurious stay, we suggest you book a room at Verandah By The Valley. One of the most beautiful stays in Panchgani, the hilltop tree house is an ideal spot for a quiet holiday for two. Sip on your morning coffee while enjoying the breathtaking views of the valley, indulge in authentic Maharashtrian meals prepared by the staff, or take a dip in the jacuzzi and soak in the beauty of Panchgani.