Dawn at the Plataeu - II
I seem to be venturing out further and further from Pune in my quest to cover interesting spots to visit. Panchgani, not exactly next-door, is still relatively accessible over a few hours drive and is a popular vacation spot for the average Punekar. Famous for schools, strawberries and breathtaking landscapes, it plays host to loads of tourists over the winter months, especially during the Christmas break.
What makes for a truly enjoyable experience though, are the lovely sunrises witnessed from Tableland - a vast plataeu a couple of kilometres away from the main town market. It is best to visit at unearthly hours while most visitors are still huddled up inside their cosy blankets. The orange hues of the rising sun cast a beautiful ethereal light all over the landscape. Don't forget to wrap up well. The warmth of the sun doesn't really penetrate the nip until much later in the morning.