Pangali: The Fragrant Sentinel of the Western Ghats

There are some plants that announce their arrival with bright colours. Others demand attention through sheer abundance. And then there are plants like Pangali (Pogostemon benghalensis), which quietly stand along the trails and plateaus of the Sahyadris, waiting to be noticed.

Winter transforms the Sahyadri landscape. The lush greens of the monsoon give way to golden grasslands, and many seasonal blooms fade from view. It is during this transition that Pangali (Pogostemon benghalensis) comes into its own. Rising above the dry grasses with its distinctive purple flower spikes, it brings colour, fragrance, and life to the winter landscape of the forts and plateaus.

At first glance, Pangali appears to be a shrub. Standing nearly one to two metres tall, with sturdy purplish stems and dense flower spikes, it has a commanding presence. But appearances can be deceptive. Pangali is actually a large herb belonging to the mint family.

The plant is impossible to ignore once you get close. Its stems are angular and robust, the leaves broad and sharply toothed, and the entire plant carries a strong, characteristic fragrance. Crush a leaf gently between your fingers and the scent lingers, reminding you that this is a member of a family that includes some of the world's most aromatic plants.

Winter is Pangali's season.

When much of the landscape is preparing for the dry months ahead, Pangali bursts into bloom. Its tiny purple flowers are packed into dense spikes that together form a striking pyramid-shaped inflorescence. From a distance, the flowering plants seem like purple beacons scattered across the grasslands and forest edges.

Beyond its beauty, Pangali has a long relationship with people. Across parts of South Asia, different parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine in the form of decoctions, extracts, infusions, and poultices. Traditional practices have employed it for a variety of ailments ranging from infections and intermittent fevers to digestive disorders.

Its connection with local communities extends beyond medicine. In Bangladesh, Nepal, and parts of Northeast India, the aromatic leaves are also used in the kitchen. They find their way into fish curries, stir-fries, and pakoras, lending a distinctive flavour and fragrance to traditional dishes.

Yet for most trekkers and nature lovers, Pangali remains an overlooked companion.

We photograph the fort. We admire the views. We study the history. But the plants quietly growing around us often tell equally fascinating stories. They are witnesses to changing seasons, surviving on windswept plateaus and along forgotten pathways, year after year.

The next time you find yourself wandering through a Sahyadri fort in winter, take a moment to look beyond the stone walls and distant horizons. You may find Pangali standing nearby, its purple flowers swaying gently in the breeze, adding colour, fragrance, and life to the landscape.

Sometimes the story of a place is not written only in its history.

Sometimes it blooms beside the trail.

Species Profile

Common Name:

Bengal Shrub-Mint

Marathi Name:

पांगळी (Pangali)

Scientific Name:

Pogostemon benghalensis

Family:

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Height:

1–2 metres

Flower Colour:

Purple

Flowering Season:

Winter, especially December

Notable Features:

Strong fragrance, angular purplish stems, dense pyramid-shaped flower spikes

Exploring the Wild Side of Phansad: Devrai, Forest Trails, Fireflies and Ancient Heritage

The Konkan region is filled with hidden natural and cultural treasures, and Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of its most rewarding wilderness escapes. Located near Murud in Maharashtra, this lesser-known sanctuary offers a rich blend of biodiversity, forest trails, sacred groves, birdwatching, coastal landscapes and ancient heritage sites.

A sunrise forest trail inside Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Our recent two-day exploration with Zenith Travel Solutions was a beautiful reminder of how alive the Konkan landscape truly is. From sunrise walks through a Devrai to night trails lit by thousands of fireflies, and from forest ecology to Buddhist rock-cut caves, Phansad offered an experience that was immersive, educational and deeply memorable.

Day 1: Into the Forest

Sunrise Trail to the Devrai

Our journey began early in the morning with a 3.5 km trail leading to a Devrai, or sacred grove. Traditionally protected by local communities, Devrais are important forest patches that preserve native biodiversity, water sources and wildlife habitats.

Walking through the grove in the soft morning light was a peaceful and immersive experience. Participants learned about the role of sacred groves in traditional conservation and observed how these protected ecosystems continue to support plant and animal life.

The Devrai, or sacred grove, preserves native biodiversity and traditional conservation practices.

Forest Trail to Dharanachi Gaan

After breakfast, we explored a longer 7.5 km forest trail towards Dharanachi Gaan. This route offered a closer look at the ecology of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

The forest was alive with bird calls, reptile sightings and signs of wildlife. We observed wild boar scat and spotted reptiles including a Common Kukri Snake, a Deccan Ground Gecko and local lizard species.

A Common Kukri Snake spotted during the forest trail in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

For birdwatchers, the trail was especially rewarding. Sightings included:

• Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher
• Multiple species of kingfishers
• Leafbirds
• Forest birds typical of the Western Ghats-Konkan transition zone

The plant diversity was equally fascinating. Along the route, we encountered climbers, forest trees, blooming Ukshi flowers, species from the Grewia genus and the impressive Garambi Vine, locally known as Garambicha Vel.

Native flora and climbers add to the sanctuary's rich forest character.

Evening at Kashid Beach

After a full day in the forest, we headed to Kashid Beach. The shift from dense woodland to the open Arabian Sea created a striking contrast. Participants spent a relaxed evening by the coast, watching the colours of the sky change as the sun set over the horizon.

Kashid Beach offered a calm coastal close to a full day of forest exploration.

Night Trail and Fireflies

As darkness settled over Phansad, we returned to the Devrai for a 3.5 km night walk. The forest transformed completely after sunset.

Thousands of fireflies illuminated the landscape beneath the forest canopy, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. During the walk, we also encountered a tarantula and a Deccan Ground Gecko, offering a glimpse into the sanctuary's nocturnal biodiversity.

Later that night, a wild boar visited the vicinity of our homestay, reminding us that Phansad is not just a destination to visit, but a living wilderness we respectfully share with its wild residents.

A Deccan Ground Gecko seen during the night trail near Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 2: Konkan Heritage Trail

Khokari Tombs near Murud

On our return journey, we visited Khokari near Murud, known for its impressive medieval tombs associated with the Siddis of Janjira. These beautifully preserved structures offer valuable insight into the region's architectural and historical heritage.

The Khokari Tombs near Murud add a powerful heritage layer to the Phansad trail experience.

Kuda-Mandad Caves

Our final stop was the ancient Kuda-Mandad Caves. Carved into a hillside, these Buddhist rock-cut caves date back nearly two thousand years and form an important part of the maritime and cultural history of the Konkan coast.

The caves feature chaityas, viharas, inscriptions and water cisterns, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of Buddhist monks who once lived and meditated in these peaceful retreats.

The ancient Kuda-Mandad Caves reflect the Konkan coast's Buddhist and maritime history.

Where We Stayed

Our base for the Phansad exploration was a comfortable local homestay located close to the sanctuary. Staying with local hosts added a meaningful dimension to the journey, giving participants a chance to experience authentic Konkan hospitality while remaining close to nature.

The peaceful surroundings, home-cooked meals and proximity to the forest made it an ideal base for sunrise walks, birdwatching sessions and the night trail.

Stay Near Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary - Homestay Details and Contact Information

Why Visit Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for travellers looking for nature, learning and quiet exploration away from crowded tourist routes. It offers:

• Rich biodiversity
• Excellent birdwatching opportunities
• Sacred groves and traditional conservation practices
• Forest trails for nature lovers and trekkers
• Firefly experiences during the right season
• Reptile and nocturnal wildlife sightings
• Nearby coastal landscapes such as Kashid Beach
• Heritage sites including Khokari Tombs and Kuda-Mandad Caves

For nature lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, trekkers, students and families, Phansad offers a deeply enriching experience in one of Maharashtra's most beautiful forest-coastal landscapes.

Join Zenith Travel Solutions on Our Next Nature Exploration

At Zenith Travel Solutions, we believe travel becomes more meaningful when it connects nature, culture, history and learning. Our Phansad exploration brought all of these together, revealing a side of the Konkan that remains beautifully wild and wonderfully alive.

Whether you are interested in wildlife, birdwatching, heritage walks, sacred groves, photography or simply spending time in nature, Zenith Travel Solutions regularly organizes carefully curated explorations across Maharashtra and beyond.

Our trips are designed not just as outings, but as learning experiences that help participants understand the ecology, history and culture of the places we visit.

Email: Info@ZenithOdysseys.com
WhatsApp: +91 97643 84221
Website: Our Website

Explore. Learn. Experience.

Author Note

This exploration was conducted by Zenith Travel Solutions as part of its ongoing effort to promote responsible nature tourism, biodiversity awareness and heritage appreciation across Maharashtra.