Discover the best foodie places to visit in Panchgani and fun things to do in this charming hill station near Pune and Mumbai.
Panchgani isn’t just a hill station — it’s a 19th-century British brainwave designed to escape the summer heat. Named after the five (panch) hills surrounding it, Panchgani is Mahabaleshwar’s laid-back cousin — cooler, quieter, but still full of quirky surprises.
Think colonial architecture meets strawberry overload with just the right pinch of desi drama. Perfect for your next family trip!
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Best Places to Visit in Panchgani for Food Lovers
You’ve tried pav bhaji on Juhu beach and biryani in Hyderabad — but have you tried biting into a strawberry pizza while your kids ride toy trains?
Panchgani takes its food seriously, especially the fun part. If your idea of heaven includes whipped cream, cheese, and jam packed into one unforgettable bite, keep reading.
Here are some of the best foodie places to visit in Panchgani, where strawberries, cheesecake, and laughter are served by the spoonful!
🍓Mapro Gardens
Strawberry Central with a Side of Whimsy
Let’s get this straight — Mapro is not a garden, it’s a vibe. This legendary fruit empire began in the 1950s and has grown into a full-blown pilgrimage site for fans of fruit crushes, fruit syrup, spicy chocolates, and yummy sandwiches.
What’s on the Menu?
🍓 Strawberry with cream (you have to)
🧀 Grilled cheese sandwiches with oozing cheese lava
🍕 Wood-fired pizzas your kids will demolish before you find a seat
🍦 Ice creams and fruit crushes that make grown-ups behave like toddlers
… and much more.
Walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens with koi fish and a quirky wishing well that might just grant dessert-related dreams.
Plenty of fun family attractions, deliciously themed around food and Mapro’s fruity empire, including a make-your-own-chocolate bar, make this a food lover’s paradise.
Pro Tip: A fun pre-lunch activity for kids is the trampoline, where they can jump till they throw up (hence the pre-lunch).
🍰 The Cheese Factory
Dessert First, Regret Never
If heaven had a pit stop in Panchgani, this would be it. The Cheese Factory is your go-to for melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes that hit the sweet spot between indulgent and unforgettable.
But this place isn’t just about dessert — it’s part of a charming cluster of shops that turns an ordinary outing into a full-blown food adventure.
You’ll find stores selling artisanal ghee, golden honey, and fragrant natural cosmetics that smell so good, you’ll be tempted to skip dessert altogether (almost).
Each store has its own vibe, and together, they create a deliciously immersive experience. Oh, and don’t miss the vintage car display out front — a quirky photo op that adds a dash of retro flair.
With old-world touches, tiled pathways, and cozy corners, the Cheese Factory is a food-lover’s playground and a nostalgia-filled retreat — and yes, your kids will love it just as much as you.
🧺 Things to Do in Panchgani
- Take a Day Trip from Pune – Spend a day exploring Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar without transport headaches on this private tour from Pune.
- Visit Table Land – Asia’s second-longest mountain plateau, perfect for horse rides, parasailing, and pretending you’re in a ’90s Bollywood song. Bonus: breathtaking sunsets and snack stalls.
- Parsi Point – Panoramic valley views that scream “Frame me!” Bring your shades, a shawl, and your most photogenic family members.
- Harrison’s Folly – A wide-open viewpoint that lets you soak in all the green you miss from your office cubicle. Also, great for jumping photos.
- Dhom Dam Backwaters – A short drive away, but totally worth it for paddle boating, lakeside picnics, and pretending you’re on a very slow yacht.
- Visit Local Farms – Take a guided tour of strawberry farms (other than Mapro) where you can pluck berries, ask way too many questions, and buy organic produce like a responsible adult.
- Take Scenic Walks – Explore misty trails lined with wildflowers, curious monkeys, and the occasional vendor selling boiled corn like it’s gold.
- Shop Local – From woollen sweaters to fudge, chikki, and jars of jam with names you can’t pronounce, this is your chance to support cottage industries (and your fridge).
- Stargazing at Night – Panchgani’s clear skies (except during the monsoon) are perfect for stargazing. Lay back, count constellations, and teach your kids the difference between a star and a satellite.
🏨 Hotels in Panchgani
Whether you’re a backpacker or a five-suitcases-for-a-weekend kind of family, this list of hotels in Panchgani has you covered.
- Zostel Panchgani / Zostel Plus – For young-at-heart travelers, with bunk beds and bonfire nights.
- Sterling Panchgani – Spa, pool, buffet. Basically, the full “I’m on vacation, don’t ask me to cook” package.
- The Cliff Panchgani – Stunning views and even better room service.
- Miraya Hotel Panchgani – On-site children’s playground and proximity to popular attractions like Parsi Point and Mapro Garden
- Ravine Hotel Panchgani – Great for tennis fans and those who love sipping coffee with a view.
🧳 Panchgani Travel Tips
📍 Pune to Panchgani Distance – Approx. 100 km, a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive.
🌡️ Panchgani Weather – Pleasant all year, chilly in winter, and strawberry-scented in summer.
🌦️ Panchgani Temperature – Ranges from 10°C (winter chills) to 30°C (mild summer fun).
Panchgani isn’t just a travel destination — it’s where family memories are dipped in syrup, layered with laughter, and topped with cheesecake.
Whether you’re riding horses on Table Land or bargaining for handmade jams, the joy lies in the simple pleasures — and that extra slice of dessert you totally didn’t plan to eat.
So pack your bags, leave your diet at home, loosen your belt, and come hungry. Panchgani is ready for you!
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