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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.