Satara District is rightfully the heaven of Maharashtra, it is home to two hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Satara City itself was established in the 16th Century at the confluence of the River Krishna and its tributary Veena. The name Satara signifies Seven Forts in local dialect. The city has recently gained popularity for its Kaas Plateau i.e. Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers. Here’s a list of places you must not miss on your trip to Satara.
1. Kaas Plateau & Lake
Also known as Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers, the Kaas Plateau is situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and is spread over a vast area of 10 kilometers (6 miles). This valley has more than 850 species of flowers of which 624 are listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The flowering plants growing here include orchids, shrubs and even carnivorous plants. Towards the end of monsoon this valley turns into a carpet of flowers.
There is a beautiful lake on the Kaas Plateau, which is an artificial lake built in the year 1875. The views of this lake make this an ideal picnic destination as it is surrounded by the dense evergreen forests of the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats.
Kaas Plateau
Address: A near 10 minutes from Kas Pathar, Satara 415002, India
Price: The entry fee charge is INR 100 (USD 1.53) per person on weekends and Govt. Holidays for 3 hours. On weekdays entry fee charge is INR 50 (USD 0.76) per person for three hours.
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 25 km (15.5 miles) from Satara
Near by Food: No food options available. Please carry packed lunch and drinks. Tourists are advised to not litter in this area to preserve its natural biodiversity.
Website: Kaas Plateau
2. Ajinkyatara Fort
The Impregnable Star aka Ajinkyatara, was built in the 16th century. This fort is located at an altitude of 1,006 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. It is one of the seven mountains and seven forts that surround the Satara City. You can enjoy magnificent views of the city from the top. This fort bears testimony to the Mughal and Maratha emperors. Ajinkyatara Fort is one of the tourist destinations located in the heart of Satara City of Maharashtra. If you are an adventure-seeker you can also go hiking, mountaineering or trek up the mountain to the fort. It is an easy trek with an existing trail.
Ajinkyatara Fort
Address: Atop Ajinkyatara Mountain, Satara, India
Price: Nominal entry ticket
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 5.2 kms (3.2 miles) from Satara
Near by Food: Please carry packed lunch and drinks.
3. Thoseghar Waterfall
This is one of India’s highest waterfalls with a cumulative height of 500 m (1,640 ft). Located in the Thoseghar Village, this not a single fall but a series of many waterfalls. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season from July to October. These falls offer a spectacular sight which cannot be described in words.
Thoseghar Waterfall
Address: Thoseghar Village, Maharashtra 415013
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 8 am - 5 pm.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 26 kms (16 miles) from Satara bus station
4. Chalkewadi Windmill Farms
At a short distance from the Thoseghar Falls, the Chalkewadi Windmill Farm is one of the largest such farms in Asia. Apart from generating clean energy, these windmills offer a spectacular sight during monsoons and have acres of flower carpets in between. The sunset from here is so mesmerizing, that it will lure out the photographer in you. The Thoseghar Falls can be seen from here also.
Chalkewadi Windmill Farms
Address: Koyna Reservoir, Satara, India
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Always Open
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 29 kms (18 miles) from Satara by private cab.
Near by Food: Please carry packed food and drinks as this is a secluded place and nothing is available here.
5. Sajjangad
The name Sajjangad implies Fort of Good People. It is a protected monument on the hilltop, which was built between 1,347-1,527 AD. It is a popular pilgrimage site and the final resting place of Saint Ramdas. The fort has two entry gates, two lakes, temples of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman and Anglai Devi. From the top you can capture views of the nearby villages, the Satara City, Urmodi Dam and its catchment area.
Sajjangad
Address: Satara, India
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 5am - 9pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: You need to climb around a hundred steps to reach the gate of the fort.
How to reach?
By Air: The nearest airports are Pune (100 kms or 62 miles) & Mumbai (199 kms or 123.6 miles). From there you can choose to go by road or by rail.
By Rail: Satara has its own railway station connected well with local trains to both Mumbai and Pune.
By Road: The best mode of transportation to reach Satara is by a private taxi from Mumbai or Pune while enjoying the scenic beauty enroute. This will also offer you flexibility while travelling to places within Satara and nearby cities.
Travel to your first heavenly destination
Glimpses of Sahyadri Mountain Range, deep gorging valleys, rivers, waterfalls, hill stations and historic forts, Satara district as well as town is a big-fat package of touristy places. Other major towns in Satara include Wai, Karad, Koregaon, Koynanagar, Rahimatpur, Phaltan, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Need I say more? I am sure you are already excited to travel to Satara.
Plan your next trip to Satara and share your travel experiences and photos with us.
Happy Traveling!
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