Satara district is situated in the western part of Maharashtra in India. The district is located with boundaries of Pune district in the north, Solapur District to the east, Sangli District to the south and Ratnagiri District to the West. It has a rich historical significance as the place was the capital of the old Maratha kingdom. Satara is a tourist destination and tourism in Satara reveals its importance as an ancient centre of cultural heritage. Several temples, forts, lake as well as bird sanctuary make the place a wonderful place of visit. Tourists can also explore the nearby areas after reaching the place in Maharashtra. Satara has become famous as it hosts pilgrimage tourism, nature tourism as well as leisure tourism.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Satara
Tourism in Satara includes visits to the temples of the district and its nearby areas. Pilgrimage Tourism has gained importance here. As Satara was a famous place during the Maratha rule, several temples were built in that period and they reflect the architecture of the Maratha style. The temples of Mandher Devi, Mandradevi are among preferred Pilgrim sites. One of the famous temples of Satara, Koteshware mandir is a 16th century temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated about 6 kilometers north to the Satara. Among the other important temples of the region, Kuraneshwar or Khinditil Ganapati, houses two temples. The temples of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva are situated on Old Satara-Kolhapur road which is one kilometer away from Satara. Yevateshwar Temple is one of the ancient temples of Lord Shiva with historical references. Devotees flock to the place on the auspicious days of 'Mahashivratri' and in 'Shravana. ' The temple is situated about 5 kilometers away from the Satara district.
Wai Ganpati Temple is another significant pilgrim site. It is called the Dakshin Kashi of India. It is located about 33 kilometers away from Satara. Maha Ganpati Temple is visited by the pilgrims to worship the presiding deity. Other important places of worship include a very ancient temple of Lord 'Shiva', Sikhar Singanapur Temple. Siddhanath Temple at Mhaswad was built in 12th Century. Chaphal is visited by the devotees of Shri Ram. The Yamai Devi Temple is yet another pilgrimage spot. Masjid of Karad built by Ibrahim Khan, Sultan Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur also forms a part of Pilgrimage tourism in the city. Sajjangad is also visited as a holy destination. This is the place of a great saint Samartha Ramdas Swami. Ramdas Swami is renowned for his message of mental and physical exercise. He had established temples of God Hanuman all across the country.
Nature Tourism in Satara
Satara is a place with charming scenic beauty. The beautiful lakes as well as cascading waterfalls make the place a truly preferred destination. Nature Tours in Satara is an essential part of Tourism in Satara. The green and lush Pateshwar hills lie on the Satara-Solapur state highway. It is a jungle and is made up of semi-deciduous trees like teak, banyan, Jajmun, Karvee and other varieties. The entire area is the abode of ancient temples with stone sculptures. The Shiva Temple feature engraved Maha Shiva Lingam with intricate carvings. A visit to the Gove can be an exciting experience. This small hamlet on the banks of the Krishna River houses the Koteshware Mandir. Thoseghar Waterfall which is situated about 27 kilometers from the city can be another important nature touring area. The height of the falls is almost 150 feet. The beauty of the surroundings is enhanced by a clean lake, dark woods and beautiful hilly landscape. Kaas Lake is the man-made lake which is 26 kilometers from Satara and was built in the year 1875. The reservoir serves as the main source of drinking water to the old city. In addition to that, it is a popular picnic spot and presents especially pretty sight during the rainy season. Nature tour is not complete without a visit to the Mayani Bird Sanctuary. This place is near Vaduj and is a paradis for birdwatchers. Migratory birds such as Flamingoes, Northern Shoveller, Stork and Kingfisher are found to come to the place.
Tourists can also visit the nearby hill station areas. Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station of Maharashtra. This hill station is ideal during the months of April-May. The attraction of this place includes Wilson Point that presents the spectacular views of the sunset. Connaught Peak, Elphinstone Point and Marjorie Point are the places that offer panoramic views of the Sahyadri Ranges. Panchgani is another small but popular hill-station of Maharashtra. The magnificent view of the five small hills can be enjoyed form here as it is situated amidst five hills.
The surroundings present a green environment and it is ideal for trekking as well as there are several walking trails along the hill-side.
Leisure Tourism in Satara
Leisure Tourism in Satara includes a visit to the Kalyangad Fort. It is perched high on a ridge of Nandgiri hill in the Mahadev range. This Maratha fort is a place for adventurous explorers and trekkers. The fort has two gateways, and many ruined structures and water reservoirs are seen along the way. Inside the fort is a temple dedicated to Lord Maruti and the tomb of Abdul Karim, a Muslim Saint. Tourism in Satara is incomplete without a visit to the shops of the town. Numerous shops dot the place and tourists can enjoy shopping and buy things as their souvenir of the place.
Visiting Information on Satara
Air: Satara is conveniently reached by air, train and roadways. The nearest airport of the region is Pune.
Rail: Satara itself has train stations and is well connected to the rest of country through railways.
Road: National Highway 4 pass through the Satara and several road transport ply on the roads for easy communication.
The best time to visit the city is during the months from October to March. Satara has several hotels and guest houses which are available at various rates. There are many five star hotels, budget hotels as well as lodges. Hotels such as Saikat Plaza, Radhika Palace and Hem Executive are among the residing places of the district.
