Declared as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites of India in 2012, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is a biodiversity hotspot situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 metres and is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here.
Distance from Panchgani: 49 km
Around 15 km outside Panchgani, on the way to Mahabaleshwar, you see a huge rock overlooking the Krishna valley - that is Kate's point. The point gives a great view of the valley and waters of Dhom Dam and Balakwadi.
Distance from Panchgani: 15 km
Wai, located on the banks of Krishna river, is a small city near Panchgani. Known for its seven ghats, Wai also has quite a few temples around. Pandhavgarh fort is another nearby attraction which is know for its trek.
Distance from Panchgani: 14 km
Known For : Kashid Beach Murud Janjira Fort Phansad Bird Sanctuary
A Beach town, popular for its white sand and blue seas situated in Konkan region of Maharashtra, Kashid is the perfect destination for a quiet weekend getaway from Mumbai. A soothing and calm place in nature's lap, Kashid is mildly enchanting with its quiet environment and picturesque location. This beach town is known also for its majestic mountains and whispering Casuarinas.
Distance from Panchgani: 183 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches. Ganpatipule is a small town in the Ratnagiri district in Konkan region with a long stretch of pristine beaches, Ganpatipule is a perfect idyllic getaway in the slip of nature. Confluence of beach with river could be witnessed along with a hill shaped like Ganpati, the Hindu God of worship.
Distance from Panchgani: 272 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Harnai Port Unhavare - Hot springs Panhalakaji Caves
Dapoli, situated 215km away from Mumbai is popular tourist destination that serves the needs of all kinds of travelers. It is known as mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra owing to its cool climate throughout the year. It is located in the Ratnagiri district and is a famous Konkan hill station. It is a small town packed with attractions from historic forts, temples, pristine beaches and lush vegetation surrounding all of it, making it a recent favorite for weekend destination travelers.
Distance from Panchgani: 112 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Harihareshwar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Ganesh Gully
Surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar and is a popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune. Harihareshwar comes across as a pleasant surprise with some of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches along the Konkan Coast. The nearby Pushpadri hill and surrounding dense woods only make the beaches more attractive.
Distance from Panchgani: 149 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam
Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, kayaking etc. Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. It boasts of natural beauty which blooms during the monsoons. The majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops makes Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutter bugs. The scenery is a treat to the eyes.
Distance from Panchgani: 127 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Vashishti River Marleshwar Temple Guhagar Beach
In the quiet, far away from the city port district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, lies Chiplun, the city that offers you time among mango groves next to the beautiful lake, Vashishti. This town is most known for its white sand beaches and beautiful mango and cashew groves by the Vashishti river. Chiplun, meaning 'The abode of Lord Parashurama' got its name because of the famous temple it houses.
Distance from Panchgani: 125 km
Best Time: July to February
Known For : Jaigad Fort Swayambhu Ganpati Temple Jaigad Lighthouse
Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri is blessed with hills, sea shores, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs, forests and water falls and offers a rejuvenating experience to travelers. Ratnagiri is a travelers dream come true destination with its majestic Sahyadri range and Arabian sea with virginal white beaches, cascading waterfalls, hot water springs palm groves, majestic monuments and the most famous, Alphonso mangoes.
Distance from Panchgani: 251 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Panhala Fort Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)
Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra. Situated 230 kilometres away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the princely states and boasts of a rich legacy dating back to the times of the Marathas. Presently, Kolhapur is known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces that are sold worldwide. Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhasur - a demon who was slain by Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Distance from Panchgani: 173 km
Best Time: July to February
Known For : Pratapgad Fort Thoseghar Falls Vajrai Falls
Located in Western Maharashtra, Satara is one of the historical cities of the state and the headquarters of Satara district. The city gets its name from the seven (Saat) hills (Tara) that envelope Satara. This historic site of Maratha Kingdom is located near the confluence of Krishna and its tributary Venna. Satara was established in the 16th century and had the honour of being the seat of Chatrapati Shahu, Raja of Satara.
Distance from Panchgani: 49 km
Best Time: October to March