If you're looking for an action-packed weekend somewhere glamorous, don't bother with Panchgani. On the other hand, if all you want to do is get away from the maddening world, chill, drink some beer, go for quiet walks and believe in the journey being the destination, head straight there. Panchgani is a small, quiet town with a feel of the good old days. Charming old colonial cottages dot the hill station. The soothing breeze rustling through ancient silver oaks is just one of the several ingredients that make this town laid-back and relaxing.

More than three dozen boarding schools contribute to the lifestyle and atmosphere of Panchgani. The engaging sight of chirpy school kids out on an evening walk takes you right back to Enid Blyton's Mallory Towers, read under the covers after bedtime. It puts you in the perfect mood to hire bicycles, discover by-lanes and indulge in a little innocent fun.

People will tell you that the best time to visit Panchgani is from October to April but I like it best during the monsoons when mist lends a surreal touch to the beautiful scenery. Until ten years ago we used to get hailstones here alas, no more, but there's still something glorious about getting soaked to the skin, or sitting in your hotel room and watching the rain drench the pretty landscape.