In fact, this place does not even have a name on Google Maps! Just shows Bhilar – that’s it. But it looks better than Kaas when it's blooming.
As I looked up for a nice, quiet stay in the lap of nature and something offbeat, I came across Red Stone Organic Farm, a sustainable eco-friendly property which is in Panchgani and right beside the main road, yet it remains hidden from chaos.
The first thing we usually do is speak to the host to know of the local places to visit which only they would be aware of. That is when host Mona mentioned about a plateau behind the property which remained untainted because of its anonymity among seasoned visitors.
The red-gravel road that led to the plateau cut across segments of construction on either side and as I kept walking the only thoughts running across my mind was – “With the noise around, is it worth the hike?”
As I walked past the clangour of the construction drill and hiked further up, passing by freshly sown strawberry farms (hybrid variety), the green carpet gradually appeared before me.
The intermittent rains had left the mud soft and the rocks slippery so we had to be careful before we reached the “carpet” that would have helped with our grip and balance. Every step forward was every step towards exploring a new space that wasn’t known to people outside of Panchgani.
Although initially my husband and I had decided to hike up a little and then be back on our way, as we kept moving ahead, something unknown kept pushing us to hike a little further and we did – only to find a serene untouched lake (called MC’s lake….God knows for what reason!) beyond the green and white blanket of grass and blossoming flowers.
There are times when you just need the time to stand still with no worries burdening your already stooped shoulders. And this site offers one the opportunity to stand still, listen to one’s thoughts with nothing but the quiet psithurism, straddling the line between nature’s incoherent whispers and its green canvas.
How To Reach This Slice Of Quiet
As mentioned above, Panchgani is one of the best and most frequented weekend getaways - both from Mumbai and Pune. Although way closer from Pune than from Mumbai, but still a favourite among Mumbaikars. Once you reach Panchgani, the site is Royal Stone Resort Mahabaleshwar Bhilar and behind Redstone Eco Center and Organic.
Panchgani from Mumbai:
By Bus
This is the fastest way to reach Panchgani from Mumbai. The journey takes around five and a half to six hours and there are several Tours & Travels from where you buy your tickets or can book on Redbus, MakeMyTrip and so on. Bus would start from Borivali and would take the Western Express Highway to pick passengers from designated points.
By Train
There are no direct trains from to Panchgani from Mumbai, so travellers can off-board at Satara, Khed or Chiplun and then travel to Panchgani by bus or car which is around 30-40 kms away. But the best would be to get off at Pune station since Pune is well-connected although it is 108 kms away from Panchgani. From Pune station a cab can be booked.
By Car
There are three routes to consider when travelling to Panchgani from Mumbai
1. Mumbai – Navi Mumbai – Khopoli – Lonavla – Pune – Khandala – Wai – Panchgani.
2. Mumbai – Navi Mumbai – Khopoli – Pali – Kolad – Mahad – Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani.
Most preferred route is Route 1 as it saves around an hour and a half, compared to the other one!!
Best time to visit:
Anytime is a good time to visit Panchgani. Summers to escape the coastal heat. Monsoons, to enjoy the rains, green cover that soothes the eyes and random nameless waterfalls where you can stand, take pictures or just taken a break from snaps and get drenched. And winters are equally pleasant and not too cold like Mahabaleshwar!
A space for the nemophilist in you – a remarkable hike, a stunning green layer welcoming you, the squelch of the feet as you step on the soft mud, a break of pure fresh air as you head up to the flat ground, no one around you except your conscious solitude and the whistling of the trees as you walk past them; just what you need to clear your head from all the prejudiced worries that you keep weaving in your head.
A little exploration just helps to untangle your thoughts and gives you direction. I found mine.
Are you ready to untangle yours?
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