thrillophilia-logo
INR
Login

Satara

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Satara
Preached peacefully near the confluence of Krishna and Venna rivers, the city of Satara was established back in the sixteenth century. Being a part of Maharashtra, this city was once the seat of Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire. Exhibiting the true magic of nature, Satara is loaded with dream-like destinations and historical ruins. Sitting on the Sahyadri Range, the city of Satara is home to some of the most beautiful panoramas of the mountains and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Majorly known for its valley of flowers - Kaas Plateau, Satara has become a UNESCO Biodiversity World Heritage Site. Be it the scenery of gushing waterfalls or the pristine panoramas of lakes, this small city is loaded with pretty landscapes and adrenaline rushing topography.

Ranging from historical ruins to natural abodes, there are several beautiful and adventurous places to visit in Satara. The Holy Natraj Mandir and the Shikhar Shingnapur have been acting as a sanctuary for many pilgrims. While locations like the Rajpuri Cave and Satara Fort are exhibiting the best of ancient craftsmanship, the places like Natskies Observatory and Mayani Bird Sanctuary have been attracting various adventure seekers. Be it watching flamingoes in the Mayani Bird Sanctuary or gazing into the planets from the Natskies Observatory, there is an array of fun activities one can enjoy in Satara.

Visiting the waterfalls and dwelling in history in its many forts is also one of the must do things here. The most famous activity which has attracted thousands of tourists to Satara is trekking to Kaas Plateau, also known as “the valley of flowers”.Preached at a height of just 710 metres above the sea level, Satara is blessed with a tropical climate. The summers here will load you with heat and precipitation and the winters will last just for a month. The best time to visit here is just after the monsoons. The average temperature of Satara stays around 24 degree celsius.
Read More

Attractions

Shivsagar Lake
Shivsagar Lake, being one of the most beautiful regions in the Satara district offers a peaceful and calm spot to spend an entire day. You can even choose these lakesides as your one-day picnic spot. Cool water here, is quite clean and fresh.

If you love water sports, then Shivsagar Lake has got boat rides for you. Also, ensure that you are choosing for speed boating, as it feels completely different as if you are entering another world. Fresh greenery, quiet ambiance, and an enthusiastic cool breeze are what impresses the tourists here.

Location: Near Bamnoli, Satara.

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.
Lodwick Point
Lodwick is just another super-cool point in the region of Mahabaleshwar. The location is, in fact, the coolest place and a refreshing spot for all nature lovers. It is pretty good for trekking and other adventurous activities.

Those thrilling forest sounds, fresh breeze along with a beautiful mountainous view is all that we need. The best season to visit this wonderful spot would be between November and January. It wraps you up in nature’s blanket.

Location: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.

Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

Entry fee: None.
Savitri Temple
Savitri temple, another popular religious spot in Satara. Devotees who visit Satara, never miss this particular religious spot. This temple is completely devoted to Goddess Savitri. Along with the idol of Goddess Savitri, you can also worship Goddess Gayathri. But the temple follows a tradition of worshipping Goddess Savitri first and then worshipping Goddess Gayathri.

Well, you can either go on a trek to the temple or book a cab to land in front of the gates of Savitri temple. You have to follow the traditions and also the temple timings too.

Location
: Satara, Maharashtra.

Timings
: 7 AM to 7 PM

Entry fee
None

Satara FAQ's

What are the famous places to see in Satara ?

1. Kaas Plateau: The fire-coloured volcanic soil of the Kaas Plateau has made it a major attraction among the tourists from all over the world. Being a UNESCO world heritage site, this place is well protected and comes under a preserved area of forests. The volcanic soil has made this place a breeding ground for various colourful flowers, hence the name “the valley of flowers”. Sitting at a height of 1200 metres above sea level, the Kaas Plateau covers an area of around 1000 acres.  From a camping spot to a trekking destination, this location offers several adrenaline rushing activities.

- Location: Satara, Maharashtra, India

2. Pratapgad Fort: Be it clicking some stunning pictures with scenic backdrops or just appreciating the finest historical craftsmanship, the Pratapgad Fort will let you enjoy various activities.Once a site of battle, the fort has now been turned into a tourist spot. Preached at a height of 3500 metres above the sea level, this fort overlooks the magnificent valley and lets you gaze into the uninterrupted scenery of sunsets. For all the nature and adventure enthusiasts, the trail to the top of this fort will offer numerous rugged pathways loaded with local flora.

- Location: Maan Rd, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 400033
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

3. Thoseghar Falls: One of the highest waterfalls in India, theThoseghar Waterfall is known for its calm and serene surroundings. Being a series of waterfalls, the smallest one here falls from a height of 20 metres and the highest one falls from the height of 200 metres. The scenery of gushing streams of water adding up and creating a big pool has made it one of the most beautiful locations of Satara. Around the waterfall, you will find various small food stalls serving regional snacks and dishes.

- Location: Thoseghar, Maharashtra 415013
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

4. Lingamala Falls: Another beautiful waterfall of Satara, the Lingamala Falls is a cluster of 2 waterfalls which fall from a height of 600 feet above the sea level. Being a multi-tiered waterfall, the Lingmala Falls exhibits a very beautiful scenery of gushing streams. From parking to restrooms and food stalls, the surroundings of this waterfall are loaded with an array of facilities. Either wishing to camp for the night or just looking for a place where you can soak in a pool, this waterfall is perfect for both the activities.

- Location: Bhekavali, Maharashtra 412806
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Price: INR 20 per person and INR 10 for camera

5. Mayani Bird Sanctuary: Built during the british era, the Mayani Bird Sanctuary has been a home to around 400 and more species of birds. Flocked by southern flamingoes and other migratory birds, this particular sanctuary has become a very famous tourist attraction of Satara. A visit here will not only let you get close to nature but you will also be able to click numerous memorable pictures with your loved ones. Apart from the birds, this sanctuary is also dotted with various herbal and medicinal plants.

- Location: SH76, Kankatre, Maharashtra 415102
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Price: INR 60 per person and INR 100 for camera

6. Ajinkyatara Fort: Sitting at a height of 3300 feet above the sea level, the Ajinkyatara Fort sits one of the seven hills which surround Satara City. Dating back to the sixteenth century, the fort is loaded with various enchanting wall carvings and sculptures. Inside the fort there are various scenic spots including temples and other small forts. If you are seeking adventure and want to try your hands on activities like trekking and hiking then make sure that you conquer the trail towards the Ajinkyatara Fort.

- Location: Satara, Maharashtra 415001
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

7. Natskies Observatory: Being the first public access observatory in India, the Natskies Observatory holds various educational tours for visitors and encourages space science and astronomy. Inside the observatory, there are various space related equipment including a telescope and a sign wave collector. Hosting tours on a pre booking basis, this observatory is famous for its stargazing sessions and documentary shows.

- Location: Kaswand, Maharashtra 415012
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Price: INR 50 per person

8. Shivsagar Lake: Known for its peaceful and calm surroundings, the Shivsagar Lake is a very prominent location of Satara City. This is the place where tourists from various corners flock to so that they can enjoy a peaceful boating experience. The lake is surrounded by scenic mangroves and many high standing trees which add to its beauty. One will also spot various fast food stalls near the lake where they can binge on regional snacks and fast food.

- Location: Near Bamnoli, Satara, Maharashtra, 415001

What are the best things to do in Satara?

1. Walking tour of the city: Walk along the tiny lanes of Satara and watch people wander past you. Experience the tour like a local and indulge in various practices and activities on your way. One of the best features of opting for a walking tour is that you get to experience the local practices and customs. From getting to know new people to getting knowledge of hacks through which your trip can become more fun, taking a walking tour will offer you many experiences. In addition to all this, you will also be able to enjoy street style snacks from many famous stalls.

2. Trek to Kaas Plateau: Located in the heart of Sahyadri Range, the Kaas Plateau is loaded with volcanic sand which exhibits a radiant red colour. Famous for being a breeding ground for more than 150 species of different flowers and shrubs, this plateau is an abode of natural beauty. The best time to enjoy a trek here is after monsoon season, i.e., September to October. The trek to the top is comparatively easy and anyone having little to no knowledge can enjoy it. Once you reach the top, you will be bestowed with some of the most scenic panoramas of the sunset.

- Location: Satara, Maharashtra, India
- Price: INR 2000 TO INR 2500 per person

3. Visit the Mayani Bird Sanctuary: Sitting in the midst of a delightful forest, the Mayani Bird Sanctuary has been a popular tourist attraction in this area. Home to more than 400 species of birds, this sanctuary is an abode of nature. Some of the rare species of birds which can be seen here include coot, common spoonbills, kingfishers, flamingoes and many others. Be it birdwatching or just enjoying leisurely walks, there is an array of activities one can enjoy in this sanctuary. Apart from the birds, the Mayani Bird Sanctuary is also blessed with plentiful flora and fauna species.

-  Location: SH76, Kankatre, Maharashtra 415102
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Price: INR 60 per person and INR 100 for camera

4. Take a food tour: Whenever visiting a new place, do not forget to indulge in its food tours to enjoy the local flavours. Be it binging on bhakhar from Rajwada Chowpatty or slurping the pandhara rassa at Balaji Dhaba, the food stalls and restaurants of Satara City will let you enjoy various regional delicacies. To enjoy the actual flavours, make sure that you visit small shops which have been running for many years.

- Price: INR 500 to INR 1000
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

5. Stargazing from Natskies Observatory: Visiting the Natskies Observatory and indulging in stargazing through its many telescopes is one of the must do things in Satara. Your visit to Satara is incomplete without spending an evening here. With its various equipment and knowledge tours, the Natskies Observatory has become one of the first Observatory which is open for tourists to visit. The high power telescope and documentary room are two major attractions of this observatory.

- Location: Kaswand, Maharashtra 415012
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Price: INR 50 per person

6. Gaze into the wonders of nature at Thoseghar Falls: The Thoseghar Falls are a combination of multiple small and big streams of water which form from a height of 15 metres to 200 metres above the sea level. Known for the pristine pool they create, this location has been a go to spot for various nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The series of cascades through which the stream falls creates a very charming scenery.

- Location: Thoseghar, Maharashtra 415013
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

When is the best time to visit Satara?

The best time to visit Satara is just after the monsoon season, which is after August or September. Around this time, the climate is pleasant, temperature stays around 22 degree celsius and the surroundings get charmed up with local flora and fauna. The famous Kaas Plateau - “Valley of Flowers” also gets loaded with sheets of pink flora around this time of year.

How to reach Satara?

The city of Satara is easily accessible through various means of transport, including:

- Roadways: Satara has a well functioning bus stop from where you can book bus seats or cars.

- Railways: Satara has its own railway station from where you can book your train tickets and travel to the other parts of the state.

- Air: The nearest airport to Satara is the Lohegaon Airport which lies at a distance of 123 KM from the city. One can easily book their flights from here and cover the remaining distance by roads or rails.

What is the famous food of Satara?

Satara is famous for its snacks which can be enjoyed from roadside vendors as well as big restaurants. Some of the famous foods one can enjoy here include jowar, tampada, bajari bhakhari, pandhara rassa and kandi pedha. All these foods can be enjoyed at Rajwada Chowpatty which is one of the famous snacking spots here.

What should I buy in Satara?

Some must buy things in Satara include herbal soaps, organic coffee soaps, raisins and other nuts and Narayan Peth Sarees.

How many days are enough in Satara?

A 2-Day trip is enough to cover all the famous tourist attractions of Satara. Major locations like Kaas Plateau, Bamnoli can be easily covered within a single day and the next day can be dedicated to activities like boating, shopping and trekking.

What are the best ways to commute around Satara?

Stepping on local buses is the easiest way to commute around in Satara. The local buses ply on a daily basis from all corners of the city. For added comfort, you can also hire auto rickshaw or cabs and can enjoy personal transportation services.

What is famous in Satara?

Satara is famous for its historical forts and the beauty of nature. Locations like the Kaas Plateau - Valley of Flowers and the Pratapgarh Fort have been attracting flocks of tourists from all over the world. Satara is also famous for being a breeding ground for pink flamingos which visit the Mayani Bird Sanctuary as soon as the monsoons end.

Why is Satara called Satara?

The name “Satara'' is derived from the ground of seven hills which surround the city. In marathi, “Sat” translates to seven and “Tara” translates to hills, thus the name “Satara”.

How far is Satara from Mumbai & Pune?

Satara is located at a distance of 253.9 KM from Mumbai and this distance can be covered within 4 to 5 hours by travelling through NH48. Pune city is located 109.6 KM from Satara City and the distance between two cities can be covered within 2 to 3 hours via NH48.

Which are the forts in Satara?

1. Pratapgad Fort: The Pratapgad Fort was one a battle site which has now been converted into a tourist spot. The brilliance of ancient architecture can still be seen in its ruins and wall carvings.

2. Ajinkyatara Fort: Located on the top of one of the seven hills which surround Satara, the Ajinkyatara Fort is a very famous spot among adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Reaching this fort is a thrilling experience in itself as one is required to trek through rocky areas to finally reach the top.

3. Bhushangad Fort: Home to the Yadava Dynasty, the Bhushangad Fort was established back in 1210 to 1247. Currency this fort has been a very popular tourist attraction where people visit to seek blessings at its temples and camp for the night.

4. Sajjangad Fort: Literally translating to “the fort of good men”, the Sajjangad Fort is a pilgrimage among the followers of Saint Ramdas. From attending prayer sessions to trekking to its surrounding hills, various activities can be done here.

Which are the best treks in and near Satara?

1. Vasota Fort Trek: Nestled in the midst of a lush green forest and located on the shores of a gushing river, the Vasota Fort is a very beautiful destination. To reach here one is required to trek and hike for a distance of 4 to 5 KM and is considered to be a moderately difficult trek.

2. Rajmachi Fort Trek:
Rajmachi Fort is located at a distance of just 25 KM from Satara City and is considered to be one of the easiest trekking spots. The trek to the fort is considered very easy and anyone having little or no experience can conquer it.

3. Kaas Plateau Trek: Also famous in the name of “The valley of flowers”, the Kaas Plateau is considered to be the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra. To reach the plateau, one is required to cover a distance of around 2 KM on foot.

4. Kamalgad Trek: Exhibiting the true charm of nature, the trek to Kamalgad will take you through lush green forests and various stunning sceneries. The path to this top can of this hill can be easily covered within 2 or 3 hours.

Satara Reviews

review-img
Chetan Dwivedi
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Great trip!!! the driver was on-time and pick us all from the meeting point the journey went smooth and safe which we are able to reach the location on time. Nice camping stayed in the village, Our tour guide was very warm and helpful gave us proper guidance and make fun in the journey, the place wa... Read More
review-img
Girika Prajapat
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Amazing experience. Really worth all the effort of trekking after seeing the mesmerizing views of the place. Our guide was very good and responsive gave us proper assistance in every difficulty we faced with. This tour was mixed but it was very nice and able to enjoy the trekking together. Very nice... Read More
review-img
Bhilangana Pillai
Reviewed: 14 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Very satisfying tour on this camp Koyna Riverside Eco Resort, The place looks exactly the same as shown in the site and the tour goes according to as planned by the team, Everything was well-managed and well-arranged. Highly recommended tour.
review-img
Sharmila Malik
Reviewed: 14 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Here the staff is extremely polite and helpful and the food is superb, this location is very different from other hotels or resorts, must visit.
review-img
Chaten Pandey
Reviewed: 12 Feb 2020
5.0/5
I loved every bit of this trek. Everything was extremely on-time. Nice arrangement with nice and humble staff. Great tour.
review-img
Prema Bhattathiri
Reviewed: 06 Feb 2020
5.0/5
This place is outstanding, we stayed here for 2 nights at such a great price compared to the inclusions of the pakcage and it was totally worth the deal. Their service, ambience of the place, food, scenic beauty couldn’t have been better. Will be coming here again very soon!

Why Choose Thrillophilia