Satara, a picturesque town in Maharashtra, is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. But what makes it truly unique is its pet-friendly charm! If you’re a history buff and a pet lover, this blog is your perfect guide. Discover 9 offbeat heritage gems in Satara, from ancient temples to hidden forts, where you and your furry friend can embark on a memorable journey together.
Kikali Shree Bhairavnath Temple
The Bhairavnath Temple, located in Kikali village about 20 km from Satara, is a stunning and ancient temple believed to have been built during the Yadava period. Dedicated to Shri Bhairavnath, it is one of the 14 significant Bhairavnath temples in Maharashtra. The temple features intricately carved scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Inside, there are two Bhairavnath idols, a beautifully crafted Nandi in the main hall, several naga sculptures, a deepastambha (lamp post), a Ganapati idol, and other deity figures in the premises. The temple is enclosed by a stone wall and, though lesser-known, is well worth a visit.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdotCLSY6W27iiCD6
Chandan Vandan Fort
Chandangad and Vandangad are twin forts situated roughly 27 kilometers before Satara and about 80 kilometers from Pune. The trek takes around 5 to 6 hours, including a few breaks. There is no drinking water available on-site, so it’s advisable to bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person, especially in the summer. You can start your journey at Chandangad, then descend halfway and follow the trekking route to Vandangad. At the top, you’ll find a couple of temples and a dargah, along with sweet water wells located behind the dargah. There are also some street food vendors near the parking area at the base.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BWnYJW9QEM3eWdFV7
Ajinkyatara
Ajinkayatara is located near the central area of Satara. If you have good stamina, you can take a 4-kilometer walk to the fort along a well-maintained road that vehicles can access up to the entry point. The fort features a pair of bastions (Buruj) and a large ancient wooden door at the entrance, evoking the prosperous era of the great emperor Shivaji Maharaj. The view from the top is stunning, offering a panoramic view of the entire Satara city, the hilltops of Mahabaleshwar, and the beautiful valleys. Auto rickshaws are available at the base of the fort to take you to the entrance.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XAUaEtYWCSpxQueB8
Sajjangad
Visiting Sajjangad offers insight into Saint Ramdas Swami’s remarkable contributions to society and the nation. The numerous Maruti (Hanuman) temples and the Samadhi of Saint Samarth Ramdas Swami are must-see attractions. Daily activities such as Kirtans and readings of Dasbodh take place, and visitors are welcome to join. Two publication shops run by Samarth Seva Mandal offer a wide selection of books and resources on Ramdas Swami’s work. A notable feature is the free accommodation at Bhakti Niwas, where guests can stay for one day, with complimentary Prasad (lunch, dinner, breakfast, and tea) provided by the Mandal. One of the most captivating aspects of the visit is the breathtaking 270-degree panoramic view near the Samadhi, showcasing lush green fields, vibrant flowers, the expansive Urmodi dam, and the mesmerizing movement of clouds.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xyygtirRyj6k9Yod6
Baramotichi vihir
This is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of stone architecture near Satara. If you’re traveling from Pune to Satara, take an exit about 14 km before Satara and head towards Limb village, where this well is located. It is a unique well-palace structure, built in 1724, originally used to irrigate nearby mango farms. The stone construction is stunning, and the well is still functional, supplying water to local farms.The road from the highway is narrow, but accessible for cars, though larger buses (30+ seaters) may face difficulty. There is parking available right in front of the site. It’s a highly recommended spot for travelers to explore with their pets!
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VfoiYsmXQYdxGYUG7
Yavateshwar Mandir
This ancient Lord Shiva temple dates back to the era of the Yadav kings and features Hemadpanthi-style rock construction. Over 1100 years old, the temple remains well-preserved and in excellent condition. Beside the temple is a large, old well built from black basalt rock, also in good condition. The site is considered highly sacred, attracting many devotees of Lord Shiva.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qN7VeTanHM8WEDqo9
Pandav Kalin Shree Kedarnath Mahadev Temple, Parali, Satara.
Shree Kedarnath Mahadev Temple is situated in a tranquil location on the banks of Urmodi Dam, about 10 km from Satara city. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas in a single night and carries a rich history. It became visible only after the construction of the dam, as it was previously submerged under the Urmodi River. The temple features intricate sculptures, including those depicting Kamasutra, making it a noteworthy site to visit. Surrounding the temple are 30-40 veergals and satigals (hero stones and sati stones). Despite its historical significance, the temple remains largely unexplored by tourists. It’s an ideal spot to combine with a visit to the nearby Urmodi Dam, both of which are pet-friendly locations.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/quAqRTuU2BdfnR7B8
Urmodi dam
Located at the confluence of the Krishna and Venna rivers, just 5 km east of Satara, Sangam Mahuli is a collection of 18th and 19th-century Hindu temples built in the traditional Maratha architectural style. Key temples include the Dakshin Kashi Temple, Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Rameshwar Temple, and Sangameshwara Temple. The site also features beautiful memorials dedicated to Maharani Yesubai, Maharani Sagunabai, Maharani Tarabai, and Shahu Maharaj. It has gained popularity as a spot for pre-wedding photoshoots.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9qRjteXJBXm9pg6A7
Pateshwar temple
This is one of the best places to visit in Satara during the monsoon, though it’s not widely known and remains uncrowded even on weekends. The temple features many ancient Mahadev Pinds carved in stone. The caretakers and devotees offer food as Naivedya. Monkeys are often seen in the area. To reach the temple, there’s an easy 30-minute trek, with the temple located near the only Gulmohar tree on the mountain. The temple is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, but the entrance gate, a 20-minute walk away, is closed from 12 PM to 3 PM. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or after 3 PM. Note that there is no designated parking.Just ahead of the pateshwar mandir is located a collection of rooms that have numerous shiv lingams.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9o9dSxkkNBX1FW3S8
Mahuli Sangam
Located at the confluence of the Krishna and Venna rivers, just 5 km east of Satara, Sangam Mahuli is a collection of 18th and 19th-century Hindu temples built in the traditional Maratha architectural style. Key temples include the Dakshin Kashi Temple, Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Rameshwar Temple, and Sangameshwara Temple. The site also features beautiful memorials dedicated to Maharani Yesubai, Maharani Sagunabai, Maharani Tarabai, and Shahu Maharaj. It has gained popularity as a spot for pre-wedding photoshoots.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGy88Gfv4xYVuKW18
Which places should be avoided when visiting with pets?
Kaas plateau
Kaas plateau is a UNESCO World Natural heritage site. Hence pets are strictly not allowed inside.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SUxquqMfVQXQ2HNR7
Shri Uttar Chidambaram Nataraj mandir
Pets are strictly not allowed inside the temple premises. Photography is also restricted.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BjvpJcc9L4EWhUq88
Vasota Fort
There is a campsite on the banks of Koyna River where usually trekkers stay for one night and they go for the Vasota trek early in the morning on the next day. The campsite is extremely overcrowded and there is no washroom facility available. There are boats available to cross Koyna river and enter the Vasota Fort premises guarded by the forest officials. Since Vasota Forts falls under restricted Forest area, pets are strictly not allowed. However, pets are allowed at the campsite.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zv3GZijSvUgPVbps6
