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Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed... Q&A

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Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed...

Posted by Krishna | Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:37 pm

hi guys,
me and my wife are (nearing 30 :lol: ) visiting pune. my plan is like this. we are nature lovers and rains on hills is just thrilling for us. pls take a moment and suggest me some points.

day 1 (Wed): From Pune to Sighghad and Khadakwasla - through out day and back to Pune
day 2 (Thu): From Pune to Lonawala and Khandala - through out the day and back to Pune
day 3 (Fri): Starting from Pune (8am) to Panchgani and checking in a hotel (very much budget)
Sight seeing in Panchgani and back to hotel.
day 4 (Sat): Checking out from hotel at Panchagani and going to Mahabaleshwar for sight seeing.
Starting (6pm) from Mahabaleshwar to Pune to catch train to Hyderabad at 10.pm.

Please suggest what to see and where to start and end. I am very much a budget traveler. I always prefer train/ bus travel and sharing taxi also is not a problem. and it should be budget hotel (500-800) with safety and trust worthy. Your opinions suggestions are most welcome, even change to my itinerary.

Thank you in advance friends.

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Re: Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed...

Posted by Aditya | Tue Jul 10, 2012 10:28 pm

Hi Krishna,

Your itinerary is fine. I am assuming that you are staying at friends/relatives place in Pune, else it would cost you much for stay in pune. I would suggest you to stay near Swargate, as it is located centrally and has good connectivity with Sinhgad, khadakwasla (PMT transport/6 seaters) and Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar(state transport). For second day, I would suggest to take local from shivaji nagar station to lonavala. It costs around 10-13 rs (sorry I am not updated ). Don't forget to taste the famous gud chikki there.

For stay in Panchgani, check availability in MTDC resort (Five Hills resort http://www.holidayiq.com/I-went-to-Five-Hills-10312-48711-Review.html). If your budget permits, try paragliding in Panchgani. Last feb they were charging 1500/person. But it was an experience of lifetime. For sightseeing,there is table land which is walkable distance from resort. From Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar you have ample options of transport.

You will not face any issue as people here are very good. If you are planning your tour this July-August keep extra pairs of dry clothes and raincoats

Wish you happy journey and nice holidays.

Thanks,
Aditya

Re: Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed...

Posted by Neha | Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:19 am

Panchgani is known mainly for its view points. But all view points are the same so you see one or two that should cover enough. Hotels are very expensive there and the cheap ones are much below average for stay. MTDC is the best bet for cheap and value for money stay. So you can try the MTDC hotel there. Also check if the hotel has good view becuas ethat will make your stay worthwhile.

Re: Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed...

Posted by Sumit | Wed Jul 11, 2012 11:15 am

Apparently, the itinerary seems to be fine. I would have adviced you to stay overnight at Lonavala/Khandala but accomodation in these 2 plaves are quite high.So, your decision seems to be just right. Accomodation at Panchgani is also on the higher side.Panchgani is only 1040 kms from Pune, about 2 hours by road. Why don't you station yourself at Pune and make a day trip to panchgani.It could be like this:

D1: Day trip to Singbad
D2: Day trip to Lonavala
D3: Leaisure at Pune
D4: Day trip to Panchgani & Mahabaleashwar
D5: Return train to Hyderabad

Re: Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar Trip Help needed...

Posted by Krishna | Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:21 pm

thank you Aditya, Neha and Sumit for your quick replies. In fact my itinerary also includes Shirdi and Shanisinganapur for two days (monday and tuesday) and i am coming to pune and staying at my office guest house 8km away from pune railway station. i think, as per Neha and Sumit, i have to plan a day trip to panchgani and mahabaleshwar and back to pune on that night.

one more request for information: I heard of waterfalls at panchgani and mahabaleshwar.. do they permit to take clothed-bathing under those waterfalls.. is accessibility there to water falls and taking bath? it would be more helpful in deciding my trip.
thank you guys once again. it really assured me that i am planning it right. thank u once again.