History of Wai Wai has the epithetic name of ‘Dakshin Kashi’ because of its more than 100 temples. The 17th century warlord Afzal Khan, representing Ali Adil Shah II of the Bijapur Sultanate, is said to have made his first halt here on his way to the fort of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A cache of 105 guns, swords and other weapons were found in Wai around 2005. Demography of Wai According to the 2001 Indian census, Wai had a population of 31,090. Males were 51% of the population; females, 49%. Literacy in Wai was 77%. Male literacy was 81%; female literacy, 73%. As of 2001, 11% of Wai's population was under age 6 years. Festivals of Wai Krishnabai Utsav is the prime festival of Wai. This festival is celebrated on each ghat of Krishna River for four to eight days. It is also celebrated in the nearby town of Wai named Karad. Among other festivals, Shri Krishna Janma Ashtami is the most popular one. Its grand celebration is done in 105 year old Govardhan Sanstha in Wai. The two-day Jatra Festival is also popular all over Maharashtra. Temples in Wai Wai is mostly known for its several temples, most of which were built in the Hemadpanti style of architecture. Huge stone slabs are the prime characteristics of this architectural style. Each ghat of Wai has temples near it and they are:
Some other temples of Wai are Rokdoba temple, Dholya Ganpati temple etc. Tourism in Wai Along with all the temples and river ghats, Wai town is consisted of several other tourist spots. Wai Caves with nine Buddhist caves is located at Lohare, which is 7 km from Wai. Kamalgad Fort is 10 miles west of Wai; this fort is located in the middle of Dhom Dam. Some other nearby attractions are Lohare Palpeshwar Caves, Ranade Wada, Pandavgad, Sonjai etc. Visiting Information to Wai Wai can be visited throughout the year; but it is best visited between the months of September and May. Nearest airport to Wai is Pune (88 km). Nearest railway station is Satara, which is located 40 km away from Wai. Wai can also be reached by road via National Highway 4 through Mumbai-Pune Express. |