Panchgani

We knew we had to get out and Panchgani was chosen as our getaway. However we could not make it the first time but we managed to make the trip on 29th April, 2006. It was my first road trip with me driving the car and Jyoti by my side.


Himanshu, the driver

Road trip: We took the NH4 from Pune via Katraj and Khambatki ghats and then took the turn at Surul and took the State Highway to Panchgani via Wai. The entire one way stretch was about 110 kms. Except for Katraj Ghat the roads are in very good shape right uptil Panchgani.






Jyoti, the soulmate and guide

We spent the night there at a place called eco-camp (02168-241164 meg_andre@hotmail.com) which is a no-frills 500 bucks per day for a single room with attached bathroom and super view of the valley. They have tents also available in case you are the adventurous types. If you are concerned for privacy and good facilities like a hotel then this is not the place for you. We went around Panchgani which was not much. In the evening we shopped for Strawberries and Bakery items. The coming morning we started our onward trip to Pratapgarh Fort.

Road trip to Pratapgarh: Head towards Mahabaleshwar from Panchgani (23 odd kms) and go further ahead for 20 kms to reach Pratapgarh. From Panchgani you will climb to reach Mahabaleshwar and then descend on the winding ghats to reach Pratapgarh.

Himanshu & Jyoti
Here we are at PratapGarh. You can see the Fort watchtower in the background.

The return trip to Pune was the same route back. All is all it was fun. Looking forward to the next trip.