SICOGA 2022 Key Links
SICOGA 2022 Optional Activities
We have listed 6 Possible Activities in and around Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar for observers
The sign up for activities will be managed by the help desk team at SICOGA 2022. For activites to take place there must be sufficent numbers signed up to cover the costs of cars etc.
Acivity 1. Mahabaleshwar Visit:
While there are several tourist points in Mahabaleshwar, the most popular ones are suggested below:
Include Kate’s Point and other points in the vicinity i.e.
(a) Venna Lake and Mapro Garden
(b) Kshetra Mahabaleshwar or Old Mahabaleshwar
Brief Descriptions:
Kate's Point is a famous viewpoint in Maharashtra, located around 15 km outside Panchgani, on the way to Mahabaleshwar. The huge rock overlooking the Krishna valley gives a great view of the valley and waters of Dhom Dam and Balkawadi. Kate's Point is named after the British Governor Sir Malcolm's daughter.
Venna Lake is one of the main tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is not a natural one but man-made and is surrounded by trees on all sides. It is spread over an area of 28 acres with a periphery of 7 to 8 kilometres. Venna Lake was constructed by Shri Appasaheb Maharaj, who was the ruler of Satara and a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the year 1842. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake. The lake has one or two place of pilgrimage submerged to almost 1 to 2 kilometres. Chhatrapati Pratapsihn Garden is present on the banks of the lake.
Mapro Garden is a picturesque landscape spread over 2 acres and is adorned by lush greenery, vibrant flowers. Around 9 lakh square feet of the area is covered by Mapro Foods, their in-house chocolate factory and industrial facility that produces a scope of Mapro items for sale. The place has strawberry fields and the food served is worth trying out.
Kshetra Mahabaleshwar involves a visit to the Panch Ganga temple, the source of five rivers. Another nearby temple is the ancient Shiva Temple.
Travel
Tourists generally travel in their own cars or by hired taxis. Buses are not permitted at Kate’s Point. A typical half day trip costs between Rs.1700 and Rs.2000.
Duration
Half a day or 4 hours
Tourist Fees
A tourist-tax of Rs.30 is levied for visits to Kate’s Point and Venna Lake
Note – One can also visit market and enjoy shopping
Market visit: The market/Panchgani town is open to any and everybody. There is no restriction in numbers
- Cost per person: The market has no entrance fee. Any cost incurred by individuals will depend on what they choose to purchase.
- Any guide required?: There is no need of a guide.
- Minimum and maximum people?: No restriction in numbers.
Activity 2. Visit to Sunrise Candles
Founded by Dr. Bhavesh Bhatia, in the year 1994 with one single dye and 5 kgs of wax, today it has 72 manufacturing units providing skill development training, employment and self-employment opportunities to 9700+ visually impaired persons and ‘special’ people.
Travel
One would need to travel in their own cars or by hired taxis. Buses could be organized for this trip if there are sufficient passengers. A typical visit would require half a day and costs approximately Rs.2000. The above cost is the cost per taxi. A taxi takes 4 passengers.
Duration
Half a day or 4 hours
Tourist Fee
While there is no charge to visit Sunrise Candles, a tourist-tax is levied while entering Mahabaleshwar.
Actvity 3. Table land
This is a popular tourist spot because of the vantage view it provides to the surrounding beauty. It is the second highest plateau in Asia. Apart from long walks, along the edge of the plateau, Table-land has horses and horse-carts that one could go riding on.
Travel
One could either choose to hike up (there is a path from the Centre) or travel in their own car/hired taxis. Taxi charges are approximately Rs.500. Table-land is open to any and everybody. There is no restriction to the number of people, minimum or maximum. Any number of visits is possible.
Duration
2 hours
Tourist Fee and Other Fees
A tourist-tax of Rs.30 is levied by local authorities. Horse-riding approximately costs between Rs.1200 (short round) and Rs.2000 (longer round). Horse-cart costs approximately Rs.600 to Rs.800 for a round.
Activity 4. Sydney Point
This is another tourist spot that provides a view of the valley and river below along with a bird’s eye-view of the edges of Panchaganies’s hill-side.
Travel
It is walking distance from the Centre
Duration
1 hour
Tourist Fee
A tourist-tax of Rs. 30 per person is levied by local authorities.
Activity 5. Paragliding is an opportunity available to the adventurous ones
Location
Not far from Asia Plateau
Travel
A local taxi costing approximately Rs.500
Duration
1 hour. Actual paragliding time: less than 15 minutes
Fee
Rs.5000
Activity 6. Village visits
Three to four villages can be short-listed where a group of 25 persons could be formed for each village. These villages could be Rajpurewadi, Tompewadi, Jarewadi and Akhegani. It would make sense if a minimum of 3 to 4 people were to visit the villages because of all that the hosts were to do. Besides that is the number that could fit in one taxi.
The visit could involve
- A village tour to see how the villages are organized and the traditional setups.
- A look at developmental activities like waste treatment, community water storage/distribution systems, traditional farming methods, etc.
- Interaction with villagers to know how villages operate, their decision-making process, their personal change stories, etc.
- Lunch
Travel
A hired car would be required to take one to the village.
Duration
4 to 6 hours.
Number Restrictions
A maximum of 25 people per village.
Fees
An approximate amount of Rs.1500 per person could cover the travel cost and a contribution to the village host for meal preparation.