It's 2018 ! A brand new year to make brand new memories to dwell on. And for those who need some travel therapy this winter this blogpost could help...
This post happens to be on my first Indian destination. The combination of Panchgini and Mahabaleshwar forms the perfect getaway for the ones who want to escape the daily chores of city life.Think Blue skies, deep blue rivers, green valleys, hills, underground caves, pleateaus and just pure air! The beautiful lush green mountains and valleys of Panchgini and Mahabaleshwar will take you to whole new world of peace and tranquility. Since these towns are neighboring, a three-day trip to these hill stations is sufficient to cover almost all of the best spots in town. Here's my three-day itinerary !
Panchgini is a small town nestled with beautiful hills and valleys. The weather in the month of October is pleasant , not too hot nor too cold. Shivaji Chowk was our base camp, and since it was close to the tourist spots in town we decided to explore it by foot.
We headed first to table land which was buzzing with plenty of tourists. Table land is a huge flat barren land atop a hill which gives you breathtaking views of the valley and rivers below. Late evenings is the perfect time to visit this amazing spot since it gets really hot in the afternoon. But in case you do not have much of an option and visit in the afternoon there are natural coolers which become real life savers in the scorching heat. By natural coolers what I mean is underground caves which are situated at the edge of the plateau. These caves allow you to rest and have a snack while taking in the fresh cool air and sipping your favourite beverage. If you aren't a fan of walking, there is always a friend with four legs ready to help. Hire a horse and take in the beauty of the amazing valley. Also, do not forget to grab a glass of fresh sugar cane juice while heading out. It truly is refreshing!
We headed first to table land which was buzzing with plenty of tourists. Table land is a huge flat barren land atop a hill which gives you breathtaking views of the valley and rivers below. Late evenings is the perfect time to visit this amazing spot since it gets really hot in the afternoon. But in case you do not have much of an option and visit in the afternoon there are natural coolers which become real life savers in the scorching heat. By natural coolers what I mean is underground caves which are situated at the edge of the plateau. These caves allow you to rest and have a snack while taking in the fresh cool air and sipping your favourite beverage. If you aren't a fan of walking, there is always a friend with four legs ready to help. Hire a horse and take in the beauty of the amazing valley. Also, do not forget to grab a glass of fresh sugar cane juice while heading out. It truly is refreshing!
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| A Walk Down to the Dark Caves |
Parsi point
On day two we decided to explore Mahabaleshwar, which has a lot to offer to tourists coming from all over the world. The best way to travel around town is by hiring a taxi for a day or if you are comfortable driving on the edgy roads you can hire a car and drive. These are the must visit spots in Mahabaleshwar
Kate's point
Most of the scenic spots in Mahabaleshwar have names of British origin. Kate's point is one of them. It overlooks the picturesque Krishna river. Pay attention to where you are standing because it just may be an elephants head.
Echo point is just next to Kate's point. The spot is famous for echoes. So get as loud as you can if you want to hear the valley to speak back to you.
Needles hole point
This is where you will find the mountain shaped as an elephants head. Get clicking because rocks like these can be found only in India!
This is where you will find the mountain shaped as an elephants head. Get clicking because rocks like these can be found only in India!
Strawberry garden
Yes! How could you miss strawberries in the land of strawberries itself. Though I did not reach Mahabaleshwar in the season of strawberries I was fortunate enough to witness the little saplings grow. The guide at the strawberry garden explains the growth process and the varieties that can be found here. After the informative session you can enjoy a nice glass of strawberry cream and also some delicious Indian breakfast.
Yes! How could you miss strawberries in the land of strawberries itself. Though I did not reach Mahabaleshwar in the season of strawberries I was fortunate enough to witness the little saplings grow. The guide at the strawberry garden explains the growth process and the varieties that can be found here. After the informative session you can enjoy a nice glass of strawberry cream and also some delicious Indian breakfast.
Venna lake
Tranquil waters of the Venna lake will become your piece of heaven. Take a peaceful boat ride around the lake. You can choose from a peddle boat or a rowing boat. The cost of the rowing boat is Rs. 100 per person and the peddle boat is around Rs 50 per person.
Tranquil waters of the Venna lake will become your piece of heaven. Take a peaceful boat ride around the lake. You can choose from a peddle boat or a rowing boat. The cost of the rowing boat is Rs. 100 per person and the peddle boat is around Rs 50 per person.
Don' t forget to make a stop at the Mahabaleshwar market. Fulfill your shopping needs of all sorts of souvenirs, clothes, kolhapuri chappals, eateries, sweets etc in this one market. This is where we grabbed a quick lunch before heading to the next spot.
Elphinstone point
This is again another spot where you will find endless stretches of picturesque mountains in different shades of green.
Arthurs Seat Point
This is where one of the British kings named Arthur would sit and stare at the Savitri River where his wife and child drowned. It is a well-maintained piece of history and the view from up here is absolutely mesmerizing.
Mapro garden
Our last stop in Mahabaleshwar! Mapro garden is where all the strawberry syrups, flavours, chocolates etc come from. It is a pleasant place to relax in the evening while watching the sunset. You can enjoy a lip smacking snack and fruit ice creams. I'd say that the litchi ice-cream was one of the best I have ever had.
Arthurs Seat Point
This is where one of the British kings named Arthur would sit and stare at the Savitri River where his wife and child drowned. It is a well-maintained piece of history and the view from up here is absolutely mesmerizing.
Hunting point
As the name suggests this point was used for hunting by the Britishers. This point also gives beautiful valley views and is a buzzing tourist attraction.
Our last stop in Mahabaleshwar! Mapro garden is where all the strawberry syrups, flavours, chocolates etc come from. It is a pleasant place to relax in the evening while watching the sunset. You can enjoy a lip smacking snack and fruit ice creams. I'd say that the litchi ice-cream was one of the best I have ever had.
Tip: If you are a wine lover, make sure you buy atleast one bottle of strawberry wine from any wine stores in Panchgini. You wont regret it! :)
