Panchgani

Panchgani, near Mahabaleshwar, takes its name from the five (panch) hills surrounding the town, its colonial-era boarding schools and quieter, more understated character distinguishing it somewhat from its larger, busier neighbour. Table Land, a vast flat volcanic plateau at the town's edge, is among the largest such formations in Asia and offers sweeping views along with horseback riding and paragliding activities.

Panchgani's relatively calmer pace compared to Mahabaleshwar, combined with its own strawberry farms and viewpoints, gives visitors a quieter alternative within the same broader hill-station region, and the two towns are commonly combined within a single wider Sahyadri hill-station itinerary.

Developed alongside Mahabaleshwar during the British colonial period, Panchgani became particularly known for its boarding schools, several of which continue operating today, giving the town an enduring educational institutional character alongside its scenic hill-station appeal.

About 105km from Pune, roughly 2.5-3 hours by road.