Panchgani derives its name from the five hills around it. At an altitude of 1334m, it is just 38m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38m translate themselves into a breathtaking 20 kms approach from Mahableshwar, that swoop around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchgani is the quintessential hill station.