Wai

Distance   90 km

District   Satara

Category   Hill Station

Overview

Wai is one of the important town in Satara district. It is 88 kms from Pune on the way to Panchgani. Wai is situated at the banks of Krishna river. It is famous for temples. This place with heavy rainfall - 701 meter high from the sea level. A trip to Maharashtra can never be complete without visiting Wai. This small city with its pristine charms is located along the banks of River Krishna; making it the home for several ghats namely- Gangapuri, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Madhi Aali, Brahmanshahi, Bhimkund and Ramdoh. The magnificent seven ghats stretching through the city is also the abode for several temples that have proliferated over the years to give this place an ethnic and religious charm. Some of the most common temples among these are Kaunteshwar, Kaleshwar, Chakreshwar and Chimneshwar in Brahmanshahi ghat, Rameshwar temple, Ramkund and Chilavali Devi temple in Ramdoh ghat and Mahalaxmi temple placed in Dharmapuri. Another great attraction of this place is Pandavgadh-an ancient fort admired particularly by the trekkers. The hilly terrain that leads the way to the fort poses a challenge to all adventure seekers thereby making their trip to the fort more exciting. Wai with its religious and ethnic appeal draws unprecedented attention not only from other parts of the country but from tourists worldwide.
Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur Sultan, camped at Wai during his campaign against Shivaji. He forcibly took up residence in a mansion called Banawdikar Wada, and turned the wada into a 'Kutchery' or office. Banawdikar Wada was the scene of plots on how to capture or kill Chattrapathi Shivaji, until Afzal Khan met his death at the hands of Shivaji at Pratapgarh. The wada still exists in Raviwar Peth of Wai. The wada's main door is a solid wooden frame, with beautiful carvings in the fashion of the olden times.
About 200 feet up the road from Banawdikar Wada, stands a small Deshpande Wada. It was built by a disciple of Samarth Ramdas. Wai is also home to Nana Phadnavis. His beautiful wada stands on the banks of the Krishna. The house with its fading frescoes is worth a visit.

Places of Interest

Dholya Ganpati Mandir - This temple is built by Raste in 18th Century on the bank of River Krishna, Wai is the first holy place of The pilgrims on Krishna, the people are known Wai as "Dakshin Kashi".also there are 7 Ghats on the Krishna's bank.
Govardhan Sanstha (Goshala) -This is about 110 years old Goshala where lots of cows were kept.
Kashi Vishweshwar Mandir - This is very old temple of Lord Shiva, the main feature of this temple is the nandi made by the same stone from which the idol of Mahaganapati was made, & this Nandi was decorated by the garlands & other jwellery, also there is a pendol made by stone & on which design is very beautiful.
Krishna Ghat - Threre are lots of temples on Ghat.
Mandhardevi - The temple of Goddess Kalubai, the plateau of Mandhardevi is as high as Tableland of Pachgani.
Pandavgad - north side of Wai via Shelarwadi, known for pandava-caves, pandava's foot print of Bhim, Lohare Palpeshwar Caves.
Kamalgad - It is ten miles (16 km) west of Wai and 32 km from Satara, this fort is situated in the middle of Dhom dam.
DhundiVinayak Ganpati Mandir - This is the temple of Ganpati of the 11th century. this is very old temple of the region.
Laxmibai Wada in Bavdhan - This is the birth place of the Queen of Jhansi Rani Laxmibai's mother.Very big palace in the Villlage Bavdhan. also there are a caves in the hill of PachiDeval, dug by the Pandavas during there Vanvaas.

Accommodation

Number of resorts and hotels available for accommodation.

How to Reach

Panchagani is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Regular bus services are available from Pune to Panchagani. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available in this route. Bus fare is about Rs 300.