Tapola

Distance   145 km

District   Satara

Category   Lake

Overview

Tapola is a small town that is located in the state of Mahabaleshwar. Tapola is known as Mini Kashmir and it is extremely scenic as well. The place is located in the confluence of the Rivers Solashi and Koyna. It is situated on the shore of the Shivajisagar Lake as well. The entire region is pristine and it is an interesting site for day trips and picnics.
Tapola famously called the mini Kashmir of the west is a rustic hamlet with a magnificent lake - Shivsagar. Tapola is at the end of the road and practically a dead end ! The main activity in the lake is boating. There are different types of boats that one can hire and there are two main boating centers. Speed boats and motor boats as well as cycle boats are also available for hire. Kayaking is also possible in the lake and this is very popular among the tourists. Water scooters are also available for hire and this is a good idea for water sports enthusiasts. Mountain biking is also possible in certain areas and some camps in the region arrange these activities. For adventure seekers, trekking and rock climbing activities are an option. There are many outdoor camping sites that are located in and around the place and this is a good option as well. Tapola is a perfect place for those who are interested in nature related activities and for adventure buffs.
From Mahabaleshwar Tapola is 25 kilometers away and the drive to Tapola is a picturesque one with vistas galore on either side of the road. Tapola is also the base village to the Vasota fort famous for the ardous jungle trek.

Places of Interest

Shivsagar Lake - The primary attraction in Tapola is the Shivsagar Lake - a 90 km long water body infact the reservoir of the Koyna dam!! If you are a water sports enthusiast Tapola is the place to head to. Be it boating, water scooter rides, kayaking or swimming Tapola will certainly not make you feel confined.
Kas Pathar - A unique biosphere Kas Pathar or Kas plateau is the valley of flowers of Maharashtra. After monsoons from August to November this vast plateau turns into a bed of flowers with more than 150 varieties of flowers. The Kas lake is also an ideal picnic spot. If you are visiting Tapola beween August to November 'Kas Pathar' is a must visit place during your Tapola holidays.
There are many strawberry farms and nurseries of Gerberra around Tapola. Apart from the Shivsagar boat club and the seasonal waterfalls around there many options of sightseeing if you take to boating in Tapola lake. Bamnoli at the end of the Kas plateau on the shores of Shivsagar lake is a beautiful village by the lake. Ascend the ghats from Bamnoli and you are at the beautiful seasonal flower beds of Kas.

How to Reach

Route : Pune - Mahabaleshwar(120 kms) and Mahabaleshwar - Tapola (25kms).
Tapola is about 40Km from Mahabaleshwar towards Poladpur. Shivsagar dam can be asked as a landmark.