8 offbeat places to visit in Wai with your pets

Wai, a serene town nestled in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, offers more than its famous ghats and temples. For pet lovers seeking unique experiences, Wai is a treasure trove of offbeat spots perfect for furry companions. Discover eight hidden gems where nature, history, and pet-friendly adventures await you and your four-legged friend!

Dhom Dam

Parking: Available
Washrooms: not available.
Dhom Dam is a peaceful spot, even on weekends, with minimal crowds, making it ideal for spending quality time with loved ones. The cool breeze and hot corn from nearby vendors add to the charm of the place. Boating is available, with well-maintained boats and life jackets provided for safety. There’s also a restaurant offering scenic views of the dam, and parking facilities are available, so you can easily bring your car. If your dog loves water, this is the perfect destination for you.

Kenjalgad

Parking: Available
Washrooms: not available.
Kenjalgad is a fort that remains relatively undiscovered by many visitors, making it a peaceful and pleasant destination. The climb takes about an hour and can be quite steep. During the summer, the path may have loose scree, while in the rainy season, about 30% of the trail goes through a natural waterway. Exploring the tortoise-shaped fort takes roughly an hour, and it offers stunning panoramic views of nearby landmarks like Pandavgad, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Kamalgad, Raireshwar, Vichitragad, and the Dhom Dam. The drive from Bhor to the base village Oholi (past Ambawade) is excellent, with smooth roads and minimal traffic, making it a perfect route for both driving and biking.

Raireshwar

Parking: Available
Washrooms: not available.
There are two routes to reach the Raireshwar plateau: one from the Bhor side and the other from the Wai side. The road from Bhor is narrower and steeper compared to the Wai route, so it’s recommended to take the Wai side. Parking is available. The initial set of stairs at the start of the trek can be a bit challenging, but the rest of the trek is fairly easy. At the top, you’ll find the Raireshwar temple, where Shivaji Maharaj famously took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya.

Pandavgad

Parking: Available
Washrooms: not available.
Pandavgad is easily accessible via a small village located on the Wai-Mandhardevi road. You can park near a village house and take a short trail that begins just behind it. The trek to the top takes about an hour, with the path being well-marked all the way. Upon reaching the top, you’ll encounter private Mapro land where registration is required before continuing the trek. Follow the left trail to reach the Balekilla, which has two Mahadarwajas and largely intact fortifications. At the top, you’ll find temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Pandjai Devi, as well as a small lake. The Balekilla also has around six water tanks, a set of five rock-cut water cisterns, and other features that take about an hour to explore. The fort offers stunning views of Dhom Dam and the Mandhardevi Temple. It is recommended to visit in November-December, as the tall grass during the rainy season makes the path difficult to navigate.

Mapro

Parking: Available
Washrooms: Available
Mapro Food Park in Mahabaleshwar is a haven for food lovers and families alike! This popular destination is a paradise for strawberry enthusiasts, offering a wide range of delicious strawberry-based treats such as jams, chocolates, and ice creams. But the offerings don’t stop at strawberries—the menu also features a variety of tasty snacks, sandwiches, and vegetarian meals, all known for their freshness, flavor, and affordability. Set amidst beautiful gardens, with a children’s play area and a charming strawberry farm, the park’s scenic surroundings add to its appeal. The friendly staff and the seasonal strawberry festival make this spot a must-visit. In essence, Mapro Food Park is the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and soak in the natural beauty of Mahabaleshwar.

Ganpati Ghat

Parking: Huge parking is available for large buses, cars and bikes.
Washrooms: Not available
Ganpati Ghat is the central spot of the city of Wai. It provides magnifient view ofa series of Maratha temples like Ganesh Mandir, Shri Kashi Vishweshwar Mandir, Hariharishwar Mandir on the banks of the Krishna river. Pay and park facility is available. This ghat is not crowded at all. You can simply relax on the ghats and enjoy the sunset. 

Menavli ghat

Parking: Not available
Washrooms: Not available
This ghat is one of the most iconic spots in Wai, situated along the banks of the Krishna River. Historically, it was used by the royal family of Nana Fadnavis. It’s important to avoid driving there with a car; instead, park your vehicle on the main road. The path leading to the ghat is quite narrow, and you could easily get stuck, so it’s best to walk. Nearby attractions include Krishna Temple, menavali Temple and Nana Phadnavis Wada. Famous movies like Dabang, Swades and Gangajal have been shot on this ghat. 

Nana Phadnavis Wada

Parking: Available
Washrooms: Available
This was the residence of Nana Fadnavis, a minister and statesman of the Maratha Empire during the Peshwa administration in Pune. The house spans 1.5 acres and was constructed in 1770, making it a 250-year-old structure primarily made of stone and wood. The entry fee is ₹70 per person, which is definitely worthwhile. The fee also includes an audio guide that offers essential details and provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the wada and its history.

Pachira

Parking: Available
Washrooms: Not available
Pachira is a beautiful hidden spot which later converges into Dhom Dam. It consists of asmall waterfall and a pool beneath it. The wtaer is very clean and flow of water is slow which makes it safe. This is the perfect places to take your dogs for a swim.

Nageshwar Temple

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Eh6PyL3CjekGaRHt9
Parking: Available
Washrooms: not available.
Nageshwar Temple is an ancient and historic site situated in the village of Ambawade, along the Bhor-Raireshwar road, about 15 km from Bhor. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and snakes, dates back to the time of the Pandavas. The area is adorned with tall, old trees and lush greenery, with a river flowing behind the temple, creating a stunning atmosphere that invites visits with family and friends. There’s also the “Zulta Pool” (Hanging Bridge) spanning the river, along with a water kund nearby. The temple is beautifully set alongside a water stream, adding to its charm.