There’s something undeniably magical about the strawberry season in Panchgani. The cool breeze rolling off the Sahyadris, green valleys stretching into the distance, and that first bite into a sun-warmed, ruby-red strawberry fresh off the plant. And above all, I LOVE LOVE Strawberries… With Western Routes, I recently experienced this magic in a way that blended sweetness, history, and authentic local flavours. It was a fun day trip, esp at the end of the year that was quite a struggle, esp with our health taking a toll [back to back illness]
Picking Strawberries with a View
Our day began in the quiet fields of a farm in Panchgani, where rows of strawberry plants hugged the slopes overlooking breathtaking valleys. Walking between the rows, we carefully picked strawberries—some tiny and intensely sweet, others bigger, juicy and tart.
There’s a simple joy in plucking your own fruit, gently dusting it off, and tasting it right there in the cool morning air. It tastes like sunshine, earth, and the promise of an easy Sunday.
Strawberry Tasting with a Twist
The best part? It wasn’t just about picking strawberries. Western Routes had arranged a tasting experience where we paired fresh strawberries with everything from cream to dark chocolate, and along with this there was some savory snacks too on the table. Each bite revealed a new flavour, turning the tasting into a playful adventure. I also picked up quite a bit of berries- for self and friends who wanted some.. They stayed fresh and juicy for weeks 🙂
A Maharashtrian Lunch & Hidden Heritage
After our strawberry feast, we drove to a local spot for a hearty Maharashtrian lunch— “Bagicha Corner” , which was quite a popular and packed place. We had to wait quite a while to find table and seats for all. Now think bhakri, pithla, fresh thecha, and fragrant rice – we had it all. Such simple, earthy and deeply satisfying meal.
In the afternoon, we stepped back in time with a visit to the historic Nana Phadnavis Wada at Menawali. This 18th-century riverside mansion is a quiet sentinel of Maratha history, its old stone walls and grand wooden doorways telling stories of a bygone era. Standing by the ghats, it felt like time had slowed down, letting us take in the serenity. Even though I’ve been here before, and during my 1st visit, I had got myself a magnet with my name in Modi script, this time I got a magnet done for P with his name in Modi script 😀
Bringing Home a Taste of Panchgani
Before heading back, we stopped at a local farm store to stock up on treasures: fresh turmeric, golden jaggery, homemade chutneys, and spices that smelled of kitchens and tradition. It felt good to know that each purchase supported local farmers and small producers.
Why This Trip Stands Out
Panchgani’s charm lies not only in its rolling hills and strawberries but also in moments that linger: laughing over chocolate-dipped berries, walking through history, sharing a spicy lunch, and bringing a piece of local life back home.
If you love slow weekends, nature, food, and stories, keep an eye out for the next strawberry season with Western Routes. It’s the sweetest escape you didn’t know you needed.
