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Satara, The City of Natural Grandeur

By Anusha

Among the historical cities of Maharashtra, Satara is located at the confluence of rivers Krishna and Venna. The city derived its name from the seven mountains that surround it, as a part of the Sahyadri range. Today, the city is fast emerging as an industrial hub in the state of Maharashtra.

The city has a lot to offer, especially in regard to the lush abundance of nature. The region boasts of many waterfalls, rivers, lakes, dams, valleys, etc. And is among the most beautiful destinations in India during the monsoons. A nature lover's haven, Satara is a must visit destination in the country. Here are some of the tourist places to visit near Satara.

Ajinkyatara

Ajinkyatara

Among the places to visit in Satara is the historic fort of Ajinkyatara, located in the Sahayadri mountains and is among the seven such mountains surrounding the city. The fort located at an altitude of 3,300 ft offers magnificent views of the city. The fort built in the 16th century is now used in part as the television tower for the city.

Photo Courtesy: chinmay22

Sajjangad

Sajjangad

The name Sajjangad translates to 'fort of the good people' and is located near the city of Satara. Among the popular places to visit in Satara, the fort is also the resting place of Saint Ramdas. The fort though initially built by the Bahamani rulers, later fell into the hands of the Mughals. It was given its current name after Shivaji Maharaj appealed to the Saint to make the fort his monastery. Today it is a place of religious importance in Maharashtra and attracts many pilgrims.

Photo Courtesy: Himanshu Sarpotdar

Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau

A beautiful and scenic place to visit near Satara is the Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar, located 22 km from the city in the Sahaydri mountains. A UNESCO declared World Heritage biodiversity hotspot, the 1000 hectares of the Kaas Plateau is a delight for all nature lovers. The months of August-September sees many wild-flowers growing here. In fact it is also referred to as the 'Valley of Flowers' during the monsoon season.

Photo Courtesy: Nilrocks

Kaas Lake

Kaas Lake

Kaas has more than beautiful wild flowers, it also boasts of a picturesque lake. Located on the way to Bamnoli, the lake is best witnessed during sunrise and sunset. During season time, the lake also offers boating facilities. The lake is surrounded by green forest cover. Weekends are crowded, but on weekdays you can enjoy the blissful solitude that the lake offers.

Photo Courtesy: Winchetan

Thoseghar Waterfalls

Thoseghar Waterfalls

At a distance of 20 km from the city of Satara is another popular tourist attraction known as Thoseghar Waterfalls. Situated in a scenic environment, the monsoon makes the place lush green and fills up the waterfalls. There are many waterfalls here, all varying in height and volume of the stream. Make sure you make a stop here to enjoy a cool dip and maybe a picnic too!

Photo Courtesy: Vikas Hegde

Vajrai Waterfall

Vajrai Waterfall

Popular sightseeing places in Satara include the Vajrai Waterfall, located 27 km from the city. Falling from a height of 853 ft, the falls attracts tourists to explore the area, which includes temples and caves as well.

Photo Courtesy: Vinayak More

Pateshwar

Pateshwar

Among the top places to visit in Satara are the rock-cut caves of Pateshwar. Situated at a distance of 11.26 km from Satara city, the place consists of 8 caves, as well as carved deities of various Hindu gods, the most prominent being Lord Shiva. A noteworthy feature is the structures called Pinds or Shivlingas. Patewswar has over 1000 lingams.

Photo Courtesy: Maheshsalvi

Koyna Dam

Koyna Dam

Serving the purpose of the region's energy and irrigation requirements, the Koyna Dam built across the Koyna River in Satara is also a key sightseeing place. Actually, the Dam itself requires special government permit for visiting. But you can drive down to the Koyna Dam backwaters or the Shivsagar Lake, which is created in the catchment area and spans a length of 50 km.

Photo Courtesy: satara.nic.in

Balaji Temple

Balaji Temple

A popular tourist attraction and key temple destination around Satara is the Balaji Temple. It is a replica of the main Balaji temple at Tirupathi. Devotees come to the temple from all over the country to seek blessings from the god of prosperity.

Photo Courtesy: Shankar.S

Yamai Devi Temple

Yamai Devi Temple

Situated in the town of Aundh, atop a hill complex, the Yamai Devi Temple in Satara is a popular place to visit. The journey to the temple can be made either by taking the steps or a rather risky road for those travelling by vehicles. The idol in black stone, stands at a height of 6.5 ft. The temple also has located within the complex, a museum dedicated to art called the Shri Bhavani Museum.

Photo Courtesy: Advait Supnekar

Food

Food

All popular cuisines are available in the restaurants of Satara. You can try the Maharashtrian delicacies or opt for the thali meals. But don't forget to get yourself some Satari Pedas, milk sweets made with gud or sugarcane paste.

Photo Courtesy: Shankar.S

How to Reach Satara

How to Reach Satara

By Road: Satara is well connected by roadways. The NH-4 connects Satara with major destinations such as Mumbai. Both state and private buses and taxis are available to Satara from major cities.

By Rail: The Satara railway station is active with trains from the nearby states such as Karnataka passing through the city. Regular train services are available to major cities in the region.

By Air: The nearest airport for both domestic and international flights is Pune, located at a distance of 126 km.

Photo Courtesy: Sebastien Joseph

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