Table Land
The flat-topped plateau above the town, and the thing Panchgani is known for — one of the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a short drive and then a walk, with horses and small stalls at the top and a great deal of sky.
Go early for sunrise or late for sunset; the middle of the day is hot and crowded. There are no railings to speak of, so keep small children close.
Strawberry farms
The farms around Bhilar and Mapro, roughly ten kilometres away, let you pick your own in season and sell cream, jams and milkshakes year-round. Children generally rate this above every viewpoint combined.
The strawberry season is winter into spring; outside it the farms are still open but there is less to pick.
Mahabaleshwar
The neighbouring hill station, about twenty-two kilometres on, with more viewpoints, an older market and the temples at Old Mahabaleshwar. It makes an easy day out, though on a weekend the road and the town both get busy.
Nearer the house
- Sydney Point and Parsi Point, both a few minutes away, for the valley and the lake
- The Panchgani market, small and walkable, good for chikki and fruit
- Devrai Art Village, if anyone in the party likes metalwork and quiet
When it rains
It will, in season. The villa has a full kitchen and space to spread out, which is the honest answer to a wet afternoon in the hills — a long lunch, a board game, the valley disappearing and reappearing through the window. Bring a couple of books; the wifi is good but the view is better.