In nearby Panchgani - which derives its name from the five hills that surround it - you set out on one of the special visits arranged by MTDC for a peep into the past. and some old British and Parsi homes.

Then you amble along the walkways thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of metres below. From Table Land, a flat mountain top, you look down in wonder at the coastal plains.

The next day you're astride your faithful horse as it canters along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes to Kamalgad Fort.

Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.

The walkways are thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar -- Panchgani is one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.