Vasota Fort - It Is Surrounded By Water On Three Sides

VASOTA FORT

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SATARA

Vasota is to the south of Pune near Satara. Vasota Fort is an ancient hill fort situated at an altitude of 1171 m near Bamnoli in Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort is situated in the deep forests and valleys of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to visit in Satara and also one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra apart from being an ideal picnic spots near Pune for one day trip.

Situated on the banks of the Shivsagar Lake, Vasota Fort is surrounded by water on three sides. The Fort was built by King Bhojraj II of Shilhara dynasty in 1178-1193 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1655 AD and renamed it as Vyagragad. In 1818 AD along with other forts of Marathas this fort also came under British control.

Vasota Fort, now in ruins, is famous for its traditional Maharashtrian architectural style. The fort comprises of three main sections - Old Fort, New Fort and Nageshwar. The bastions of the fort are still in well condition. There are two temples on the fort, the Mahadev temple and the Nageshwar temple. The temple of Lord Hanuman is placed at the entrance. Babu Kada is a huge U shaped cliff lies next to the Vasota Fort. From this point one can view the Old Vasota Fort which is closed for trekkers due to the presence of wild animals. Nageshwar is a cave carved in the pinnacle with Mahadev temple inside. It is clearly visible from Vasota Fort and needs 2 more hours trek to reach the Nageshwar Cave from the fort. 

Vasota is an ideal destination for adventure lovers. The fort offers trekking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. One can see the backwaters of Shivsagar Dam and the mountain range of Kas Mahabaleshwar from the top of the fort.

Bamnoli is the nearest station for Vasota which is 38 km away from Satara. Vasota Fort is under Sahyadri Tiger Reserve so visitors need to take permission from forest office of Bamnoli before commencing the trek. Backwater of Koyna Dam has interrupted direct connection between Bamnoli and Vasota Fort. From Bamnoli one needs to travel to base village Met Indavali by boat which takes around 1.5 hrs. There is a check point of Forest Department at Met Indavali. From here the forest path leads to the top of Vasota which takes about 3 hours to reach. It is a gradual climb through dense forest. 

Bamnoli Forest office opens at 8 AM and the first boat from Bamnoli to Met Indavali starts at 8.30 AM. Visitors need to complete their trek before 5.30 PM, because it is not allowed to stay in the forest after 5.30 PM. The trek remains closed from June to October.

.It is at a distance of 110 kms from Pune Station. The State Bus Transport has many buses plying on this route, so the bus frequency to Satara from Pune is high.  Once you reach Satara bus station, you need to reach the village Bamnoli which is the base village and at a distance of approx 40 kms from Satara.

From Bamnoli there are boats which will take you to the base of the fort.  1 to 1.5 hrs boat ride from Bamnoli, in the SHIVSAGAR LAKE water will take you the fort base to start your trek. The boat ride will cost you Rs. 3000 [+taxes] [1-12 persons]. Get a larger group for trekking as Rs.3000 is the default rate for 1 to 12 persons. Along the way you would get some breath taking views of the mountains surrounding the lake.

Tallest Waterfall In Maharastra Of India - Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall

Tallest Waterfall In Maharastra Of India - Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall

Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall (tallest waterfall of India) might be a very apt place for you. The waterfall is situated in district of Satara in western Maharashtra. It is about 5 km away from Kas Flower Valley.  The lush green mountains and the flowers in nearby flower valley please your senses. The pleasant weather actually relaxes you like anything. But the star attraction of this place is tranquility The place is simply deserted and there are no hawkers, unwanted guides and cameramen to disturb you.

At the outset, when you see this waterfall from a distance then it doesn’t seem to be a waterfall also. You just see a white thread on the rocky background of Sahyadris. But when you reach near the waterfall and just have a look at it, and then you understand the enormity of it. 

The roaring water flows at very high speed and you can’t hear anything when you are in the vicinity of the fall. The height of this waterfall is 1840 feet and it falls from a straight cliff. The water for waterfall comes from the river Urmodi. It is origin of river Urmodi.

The waterfall is perennial in nature and hence you will hardly find any day when it’s gone dry (flows 12 months in a year).

Now a day we hear a lot about the news of Kas Plateau/ Flower Valley being declared to be a world heritage site. The place is visited by UNESCO representatives as a part of observations of Flower Valley. But it’s a surprise that this place remained unnoticed by the media or trekkers or tourists. 

Most recently it came into news when a Marathi news channel had telecast a documentary on this waterfall. Maharashtra government has proposed the project named ‘Mini Mahabaleshwar’ which includes building tourists facilities at this area and constructing proper roads to reach this place. But as of now nothing has started.

So, it is a perfect weekend destination for all age groups. Just come here, enjoy the greenery, have a delicious Maharashtrian food in the silky grain farms and most importantly forget everything in the tranquility of this place. While you go back to your places you will carry a hell lot of energy and enthusiasm with you.

The 2 days trip will rejuvenate you and will help you reconnect to yourself. So, all are invited, the waterfall is waiting for you.

This is a place nearby to Sajjangadh.  Marathi Saint Ramdas Swami stayed at Sajjangadh for many years and did his meditation there. Religious people visit this place to bow before his Samadhi. The Great Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also visited this place many times to discuss various issues and take blessings of  Saint Ramdas Swami.

Some details of the surrounding area are given for your reference.

Flora & Fauna:     Variety of flora and fauna found in surrounding dense forest of Bhambavli.  Scare variety of flowers found in the forest.  We can find different kind of plants and tress.

Ayurvedic/medicinal/herbal plants: Some plants are named as follows – Adulsa (useful for Cough and Cold) Shikekai (used for Shampoo), kadulims (used for various diseases), creeper used by diabetic patients, Hirda (medical pizza (for colour) murud stick, Ashwgand, etc.

Fruits:  You will find trees like mango, black berry, banana, Jamun (Black plum), guava, jackfruit, sweet lime, lemon, cherry trees etc.

Flowers:   You will find flowers like marigold,  shoe flower, eared jasmine, champak (chafa), rose, night shade, vinca – rose, sunflower etc.

Trees :   Fig tree, mango tree, neem, bamboo, aloe (korfad), Jambool, toddy palm, basil, Nilgiri, cactus (Nivdung), peepul (Pimpal), Jack-fruit tree, babul, banian tree (Ved), creepers/climbing plants, teak etc.

Birds :   Cuckoo, crow, hen, kife, owl, sparrow, peenit (titvi), raven (dom crow), parrot, nightingale myna, peacock, peahen (landor) woddpeeker, quail (lava).

Domestic Animals:  Dog, Cow, buffalo, bull, groat, calf etc

Wild Animals:  Iguana (Ghorpad) bear, fox, bisan, hyena (tavas), monkey, mongoose, boar, tiger dear, deer, squirrel, snail, etc.

Animals in water:  Crab, frog, fish,etc.

Reptiles   :  Snakes, lizard, scorpion, Chamelon, etc.

Insects:   Fire fly (Kajva), Spider, earthworm, centipede (Ghon), leech (jalu), Locust (Tol), grass-hopper  termit, scorpion, caterpillar etc.

Nearby other places to visit:

KAS FLOWER VALLEY in the month of July to October.
Bamnoli & Tapole – for boating.
Sajjangadh Fort – Samadhi of Saint Ramdas.
Thoseghar Waterfall.
Chalkewadi for Windmills,.
Mahabaalleshwar – Hill Station
Pachgani – Hill Station
Wai – Ganpati
Gondavale – Samadhi of Saint Gondvalekar Maharaj.
Koyna-Chandoli Tiger Sanctuary
Precautions to be taken by Tourists while visiting  Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.

Visit only between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.
Avoid visiting this place in heavy rains
Prohibited to eat non-veg one km nearby the waterfall
This is plastic free zone; don’t throw plastic bags, water bottles etc.
Prohibited consumption of Alcohol
Swimming is also prohibited (Ponds are quite deep)
Trekking Precautions:

Wear appropriate footwear
Rock faces can get very slippery.
Streams as well as ponds are quite deep.
Don’t eat leaves, flowers and fruits, mushroom etc. unless you are sure that they are safe.  They could be poisonous.
Be agile and cautious, as there are chances of encounters with reptiles like snakes, insects. Wild animals like tiger, bear etc.
Route to reach Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall:

By Air 

Pune is nearest place to reach to Satara and then to Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.  From Pune you have to go by road to Satara – Kas – From Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli.

By Road:

  (1) Satara to Kas, Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli

 (2)  Mahabaleshwar to Tapola, Bambnoli- Kas,  Kas to Tambi – Bhambavli.

Accommodation at Satara & Bhambavli

The place is far from developmental activities. Hence you will not find any hotels in this area. You will have to stay in hotels at Satara. You may prefer to stay at village Bhambavli in their traditional homes; this stay will give you a chance to live a rural life. You will see how these people live and earn their bread and butter. The quality of food at these homes will also be delicious that you cannot resist it. Fresh vegetables, fruits will enhance your spirits. And all this is available at nominal cost.

MOST IMPOROTANT:

Not to enter dense forest without a Guide.  Guide is available in Village Bhambavli at reasonable rate.  Currently they take Rs.200/- per day.  One whole day is required to be spent to enjoy at Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.

Vajrai Waterfall – It Is An Ideal Destination For All And To Get Also The Tasty Maharastra Foods

VAJRAI WATERFALL

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SATARA

Vajrai waterfall is located just 27 kilometres from Satara.  This waterfall is the tallest waterfall of India.The waterfall is situated in district of Satara in western Maharashtra. It is about 5 km away from Kas Flower Valley.

The lush green mountains and the flowers in nearby flower valley please your senses. The pleasant weather actually relaxes you like anything. But the star attraction of this place is tranquility The place is simply deserted and there are no hawkers, unwanted guides and cameramen to disturb you.

The water of the Urmodi River comes down from the height of 1840 feet. It is the origin of Urmodi River. According to legend, Shree Saint Ramdas Swami has climbed this mountain in three steps therefore Water falls down at this waterfall in three steps.

Thousands of people from all over Maharashtra come here to visit this waterfall. The waterfall flows during entire year. You may experience the heavy rain fall during monsoon season at Vajrai waterfall. This is the place with full of natural beauty with great climate.

It is a perfect weekend destination for all age groups. Just come here, enjoy the greenery, have a delicious Maharashtrian food in the silky grain farms and most importantly forget everything in the tranquility of this place. While you go back to your places you will carry a hell lot of energy and enthusiasm with you.

Vajrai is the devotional place for Bhambavli villagers. Due to this waterfall Bhambavli village has become very special. There are so many picnic spot around the waterfall like Tapola boating place, Kas flower valley. This is reason that the tourist attracts not just from India, but from all over the world.

Nearby other places to visit:

KAS FLOWER VALLEY in the month of July to October.

Bamnoli & Tapole – for boating.

Sajjangadh Fort – Samadhi of Saint Ramdas.

Thoseghar Waterfall.

Chalkewadi for Windmills,.

Mahabaalleshwar – Hill Station

Pachgani – Hill Station

Wai – Ganpati

Gondavale – Samadhi of Saint Gondvalekar Maharaj.

Koyna-Chandoli Tiger Sanctuary

Precautions to be taken by Tourists while visiting  Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall.

Visit only between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.

Avoid visiting this place in heavy rains

Prohibited to eat non-veg one km nearby the waterfall

This is plastic free zone; don’t throw plastic bags, water bottles etc.

Prohibited consumption of Alcohol

Swimming is also prohibited (Ponds are quite deep)

The place is far from developmental activities. Hence you will not find any hotels in this area. You will have to stay in hotels at Satara. You may prefer to stay at village Bhambavli in their traditional homes; this stay will give you a chance to live a rural life. You will see how these people live and earn their bread and butter. The quality of food at these homes will also be delicious that you cannot resist it. Fresh vegetables, fruits will enhance your spirits. And all this is available at nominal cost.

By Air

Pune is the nearest Airport from Vajrai (137 km)

By Train

Nearest railway station is at Satara (27 km)

By Road

There is regular bus service from Satara to Vajrai & Satara is connected to Mumbai, Pune & Kolhapur by national highway.

Panchgani – Not To Forget The Scenic Views One Gets From Its Points

PANCHGANI HILL STATION 

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SATARA

Located 285 kilometers from Mumbai and 100 kilometers from Pune, it is the pleasant climate of Panchgani that attracts tourists, not to forget the scenic views one gets from its points.

Table land is the most famous tourist spot in Panchgani. It is the second highest in plateau in Asia. This is where numerous Bollywood movie sequences as well as the war scenes of “Mahabharata” are shot.

This massive landform is made up of volcanic rock and surrounded by lush green trees, waterfalls and uneven settlements.

The credit for discovering Panchgani must go to a British superintendent named John Chesson who was placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s.

Fond of gardening, he planted many species from the western world in Panchgani, including silver oak and poinsettia, which have flourished since then.

 To develop the infrastructure, Chesson encouraged various professionals - tailors, dhobis, butchers, vegetable vendors, building contractors, etc. to also settle in Panchgani.

Panchgani is a much sought-after hill station near Pune. This monsoon spot is a heady concoction of the best nature has to offer.

 Cradled by five surrounding hills, this tourist place near Pune, brings together gushing waterfalls, astounding viewpoints, waterscapes and lush greenery for an unforgettable monsoon outing. The picture perfect setting attracts shutterbugs from across the world.

Panchgani is nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges and amidst five villages known as Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral and Taighat. The Krishna River flows nearby which is what has created the lake of Dhom Dam.

The five hills surrounding Panchgani are topped by a volcanic plateau, which is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan Plateau. This plateau, alternatively known as ‘table land’, is a part of the Deccan Plateau.

Some of the points that you must visit are Sydney Point from where you can see the waters of the Dhom Dam, Parsi Point that overlooks the Krishna valley and Devil’s Kitchen which has a mythological legend associated with it.

 It is believed that the Pandavas of the Mahabharat epic had stayed here for a while.

Do not miss the strawberries that Panchgani is famous for, however don't expect them to be as sweet as they look! Also visit the Mapro Center for a variety of fruit juices, concentrates and jams.

By Air 

The nearest airport is at Pune about 100 kms from Panchagani.

By Rail 

Nearest railroad is Satara, around 45 kms away. Nearest major railway junction is at Pune, about 100 kms away. There are regular state transport buses plying and even private transport is easily available to go to Panchagani.

By Road 

From Mumbai, it takes about 4 to 5 hours by car taking a route via Panvel through Mahad and Poladpur. There are frequent ST buses from Dadar and Mumbai CST.

 From Pune, it is a pleasant drive on the NH 4 upto Surur and then take   a diversion towards Wai – Panchagani- Mahableshwar. Wai is at 85 kms from Pune and from Wai one has to travel about 15 kms through the picturesque Pasarani Ghat to go to Panchagani and then 20 more kms will take you to Mahabaleshwar.

MAHABALESHWAR

HILL STATION

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MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar is the queen of all hill stations in Maharashtra, India. Its height is 4500 feet above sea level. It is city and located in Satara district of Maharastra state of India.

The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat and Babington Point, all of which offer spectacular views. 

Trot along on horseback for a delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area, and savour juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.

An evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest. Honey & chikki, channas, waling sticks. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries , goose berries & muberries. Vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, raddishes. Boating in Venna lake.

Wilson Point is called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.

Connaught peak is the second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.

Elphiston point is the first point of M'war/ Overlooking two valleys, koyna on the left & savitri on the right. Marjorie Point Shoes several ranges of the Sahyadri range.

Arthur’s seat is more facinating to know that Arthur's seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If you go by the steps you come across a spring known as Tiger's spring which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri.

Baghdad Point is a very beautiful point. It goes past village Moleshware on the way. You see a superb scenic view of the back waters of koyna dam on your left, river solshi in front of you with tiny villages as if sqatting on river banks & vast green slopes of M'war plateau on your right.

Below it the Artists Point also called as lovers point by some nature lover, presents beautiful koyana & valley below you.

Chinamans, Lingmala & Dhobi waterfalls, flow in abundance only during the rainy season. Bee keeping centre is educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees. So many beautiful places to see around mahabaleshwar.

By Air

Mahabaleshwar doesn’t have an airport in the town itself. The nearest airport is in Pune, which is about 120 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or a bus from here to Mahabaleshwar.

By Train

There are plenty of trains going to Pune from Mumbai as well as other major cities across India and you can take a bus or a taxi from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.

By Bus

There are several buses plying between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar, which is a distance of about 247 kilometres. You will find both state transport as well as private buses from Mumbai and Pune. If you are going from Mumbai, you can catch the bus from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The ride will take you roughly six hours.