Panchgani, Maharashtra

Hi There Everybody,
Planning to drive down to Panchgani for the long weekend (3,4,5 May 09) , can any body help on best route to take from Mumbai to Panchgani - how much time will it take.

I also need suggestions on places to visit in and around Panchgani so as to make the most of my visit.

Thanks in advance to everyone.

Easiest route would be the expressway to Pune and then continue on the road to kolhapur - take right turn at Wai for Panchgani. The other option is from Poladpur, which is Mumbai- Panvel-Vadkhal-Poldapur- Mahabaleshwar-panchgani

Thanks Spicetrekker,
any inputs on what are the worth seeing places at panchgani

The Pune Expressway route would take you around 31/2 to 4 hrs to Panchgani.
Places to see in Panchgani are Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point, Devil's Kitchen, Mapro Garden, Dhom Dam, The Lingmala Falls, Rajapuri Caves.
There are many more places to see in Mahabaleshwar which is around 20 kms from Panchgani.