To read the previous blog on day 2 of Kolhapur click here
Day 3: Masai Plateau and Historic Caves
Sunday morning began with a drive to the Masai Plateau, a vast open expanse with incredible views of the Kolhapur countryside. Masai plateau is the perfect place for senior dogs and humans who wish to explore nature since the place has no steps at all. The morning was peaceful, and the air was fresh—perfect for Sophie’s little adventure.
This location is perfect for a one-day trip or picnic with friends and family. It is also an ideal spot for overnight camping, offering breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset. The best time to visit is after the monsoon season.
The area consists of a vast plateau that changes its colors depending on the season. During summer, it becomes a dry plain, allowing visitors to explore all the way to the Masai Devi Temple and caves at the far end. Here, you can sit, relax, and take in the serene surroundings. However, during the monsoon, reaching the final point can be challenging, though the initial stretch still offers a great experience. Be cautious of slippery roads in the rainy season—it’s best to park your vehicle early and walk on the lush green grass.
Since public transport is not available, you must bring your own vehicle. Hotels and adventure sports camps are located at the base, making it a great spot to spend quality time. This destination is highly recommended for a nature-filled outing. Please respect the environment by not littering.
Remember to carry your own food and water.
We explored the nearby Buddhist caves, including the Pandavdara caves, which took us back in time with their historical significance. It takes more than an hour to reach the caves. We could complete the entire trek since it was almost peak afternoon and we couldn’t bear the heat. So we walked till a place where the caves became visible.
After exploring the plateau, we headed back to the resort, freshened up, and checked out. Before heading back to Pune, we had a quick trek to the Pohale Caves—yet another example of Kolhapur’s rich historical legacy. While approaching the cave there is a royal blue colored hoarding of Pohale caves with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s photo on it. We parked our car under the hoarding. If you’re taking bike then it is very easy to reach but if you have car you have to park it on main road and walk 200 to 300 meters. Sophie enjoyed the 10-15 mins walk towards the cave. This route offers panoramic views of mountains and valleys.
A guard was present at the temple. The caves are clean and well maintained. The caves are relatively simple and were carved into the rocky terrain near Jyotiba’s hill. The site features a large vihara, roughly 34 feet square, with 14 columns on three sides and 22 small cells surrounding the central hall, each measuring 7 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 7 feet in height. Additionally, there is a Chaitya and another cave that includes a raised rock-cut seat for a teacher, along with a water cistern.
For brunch, we treated ourselves to the famous Kolhapuri Misal at Kolhapuri Wada Misal, which was a spicy delight. Although this restaurant is not listed as pet friendly, I had called up the owner and asked him if we could come their for a quick brunch stop. He readily agreed and allowed our pet inside. This restaurant is in a very quiet bungalow society with ample parking available on road. It is open only till lunch time. Waiting time is approximately 15-30 minutes. Tables have to be used on sharing basis due to the rush.
The experience at this place was truly exceptional. The food was rich in flavor and genuinely authentic. The Kolhapuri Misal had a perfect balance of spices, delivering just the right amount of heat and depth. The accompanying bread was a highlight—soft, fresh, and irresistibly delicious. Every aspect of the meal, from taste to ingredient quality, was outstanding. This spot is a must-visit for anyone craving Kolhapuri Misal, whether dining with friends or family. We left feeling completely satisfied.
By 3 PM, we reluctantly began our journey back to Pune. On the way back home, we came across a beautiful abandoned temple which was absolutely sketchworthy. This temple was near the parking of Panchganga ghat. The temple has an intricately carved Bhumija type shikhar and chajjas in the form of bengal roofs. It was sad to see that the temple premises are being used as a sopt for smoking and drinking alcohol by youngsters.
On the way back home, we had an early dinner at Hotel Sadguru pure veg, near Yashoda College, Satara. He also allows pets on request. There are two outlets of Hotel Sadguru pure veg on opposite sides of Pune Satara highway. As we arrived home, tired but fulfilled, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experiences and the time spent together as a family, with Sophie as our faithful travel companion.
Kolhapur surprised us with its historical richness, natural beauty, and peaceful ambiance. Whether it was exploring forts, wandering through temples, or simply enjoying the scenic drives, every moment was special. And traveling with Sophie added an extra layer of joy to the experience. Kolhapur is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to immerse themselves in culture, history, and nature all at once.
Where did we stay ?
Where did we eat ?
Sadguru Pure veg, Pune- satara Highway
Madhuban Garden restaurant pure veg, Panhala
Kolhapuri wada misal, Kolhapur
Hotel Darshan Pure Vegetarian, Shirol
Hotel Sadguru pure veg, near Yashoda College, Satara
Places that are not suitable for pets
Mahalakshmi Mandir
Bhavani Mandap
Chhattrapati Shahu Maharaj Rajmahal, Kolhapur
Town Hall museum
New palace, Kolhapur
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Kolhapur
Kaneri Museum
Kaneri Math
Kaneri Planetarium
