Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India, near the confluence of the river Krishna and its tributary Venna. Satara is a historical city with rich heritage. It was the capital of the erstwhile Maratha Empire. There are beautiful temples and historical places in the city. The city was established in the 16th century and was the seat of the Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire, Shahu-I. It is the headquarters of Satara Tehsil, as well as the Satara District. The city gets its name from the seven forts (Sat-Tara) which are around the city. The city is known as a Soldier's city as well as Pensioner's city. Ajinkya-Tara being the major landmark of the city. There are many ancient temples in the city like the Krishneshwar temple, Gare Ganpati, Abhayankar Vishnu Mandir, Bhairoba temple in Karanja, Bhavani Mata Mandir, Shiva temple near Kanharwada and the famous Dholya Ganpati which is also the village deity. Among newly built temples the Chidambaram temple is the most famous one.
There are many lakes in the city like the Mangalwar lake, Moti lake, Phutke lake, Sakhar lake, Hatti lake, Mandare lake etc. Satara has played an important role in the field of education specially in the rural areas. Rayat Shikshan is a very trust providing modern and technical education through its colleges and schools in the Satara district and the adjoining rural areas. Satara also played an important role in the independence movement of the country. Gendamal stands witness to this where 17 people laid their lives in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Built by Shilahara King Bhoj II in 1190 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj annexed it in 1673. Satara City is residing under the Fort. It is the 4th and last Capital of Maratha Empire. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj - I ruled it. It is around 3300 ft above sea level.
Sajjangad is situated at about 16Kms from Satara City. Built under Bahamani rulers between 1347-1527. Samartha Ramdas Swami used to worship Shri Rama and Hanumana on this Fort. You can see Shri Rama, Shri Hanumana and Anglaidevi Temples.
It is a valley of flowers which is part of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Distance is 25 kms from Satara City. The plateau is situated at an altitude of 1200 meters and is approximately 10 square kilometers in area. Kaas has more than 850 different species of flowering plants. Famous Kaas Lake is nearby the Pathar.
Called as Dakshin Kashi it is the confluence of two rivers Krishna and Venna. It is birth place of Shri. Ramshastri Prabhune. Vishweshwar and Rameshwar Temples are there. Samadhi Sthal of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj – I. Now a days also a popular place for shooting movies of Hindi and Marathi Cinemas, Serials.
An ancient temple of Shri Ganesh. It is Gram Daivat of Satara City. Situated underneath of Ajinkyatra Fort. It is large Ganapati statue in a single rock.
Vasota Fort is located about 70 km from satara near Bamnoli village. Shilahara King Bhoj II built this fort. It is based on Shivsagar Lake. Also known as Vyaghragad. There is an old Shiva Mandir. The place where boating is available. Surrounded by forest and famous for trekking.
It is one of the famous tourist place of India. Surrounded by hills, forest. Venna Lake and Market place is also places to visit. Strawberry farming is other source of income besides tourism. In Old Mahabaleshwar at Panchaganga Temple is source of five rivers Krishna, Koyana, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri.
Place of Saint Shri Brahmhachaitanya Gondavalekar Maharaj. He gave the followers mantra of Shri Rama. His Samadhi Mandir and Shri Rama Temple is there to visit. Also Goshala and Chaitanya Hospital. It is 64 kms from Satara City.
Also know as Maha Ganapati. Wai is a historical place on the banks of river Krishna. Shri Ganapati mandir is also besides the river. Height of idol is more than two meters. It is constructed by Ganpatrao Bhikaji Raste in the year 1762. Distance from Satara City is 37 kms.
This place is 16 kms from Satara. It is a stepwell constructed by Shrimant Chhatrapati Virubai Bhosale in the year 1719-1724. It is having 12 Mots. It is 110 ft deep and 50 ft in diameter
Built on Koyana river. It is one of the largest Dam in India. Total capacity of water storage is 98.77 tmc ft. Electricity generation installed capacity is 1960 MW. Constructed between 1656-1964. It’s distance from Satara is 84 kms.