Surrounded by seven hills the city Satara in west Maharashtra is a natural gift near the confluence of River Krishna. The one-time capital of Marathas is encircled by Pune in the north, Solapur in the east, Sangli in the south and Ratnagiri from west.
Satara has diverse topography, the Sahyadri and Mahadeo range stretches through the entire district. The district has two main rivers, namely Koyna and Krishna. Krishna is one of the three largest sacred rivers of southern India which originates from the east crest of the Mahabaleshwar plateau and then divides into several tributaries. Koyna is one of its tributaries and is the largest tributary of all.
Satara is a land of many renowned personalities. Most notable among them are the fighter Zanshichi Rani Laxmibai; freedom fighter Krantisinh Nana Patil; the first lady teacher in India, Savitribai Phule; first Chief Minister of Maharashtra Yeshawantrao Chavan; the great educationalist and founder of 'Rayat Shikshan Sanstha' Dr. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil and Olympic Medal Winner Rajmata Sumitraraje Bhosale; etc.
History
The rich historical background of Satara district says that people believe Wai in Satara; then known as 'Viratnagari' provided temporary shelter to Pandavas in the 13th year of exile. Early North Satara was later renamed as Satara and the South Satara as Sangli in 1960.
Climate
The temperature varies between minimum 11.6 C and maximum 37.5 C. With an average rainfall of 1426 mm the distribution of rains is unequal like Mahabaleshwar receives heavy rains while Tehsil Man receives very less rains. Similar is the condition of distribution of vegetation, there are monsoon forest in the west on the other hand there are scrub and poor grass in the east.
Tourist Attractions
The beautiful and cool hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are the highlight of Satara district. Besides these, several attractions in Satara for visitors turn it out to be prime tourist destinations of the state.
Some of the attractions for visitors include-Kuraneshwar Temple or Khinditala Ganpati
Here you will find the temple of both Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva back to back. This historical temple of 'Swyambhu Ganesh' is the 'Gram daivat' of Satara.
Children enjoy gasping at playing rabbits and brightly coloured peacock. People of every age come here, some for praying whereas some comes to experience calmness in the nature’s bounty.
Ajinkyatra FortThe Ajinkyatara fort built by Bhojraj II is central to the city. The 3300 feet high beautiful fort can be seen from any part of city vis-a-vis it offers amazing view of the city. The high walls of the fort enclose many water tanks and temples of Devi Mangalai, Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman in the north - east of fort.
Historically Ajinkyatara proved to be very important fort in Maharashtra as the erstwhile rulers used it to keep watch on entire South Maharashtra.
Thoseghar Water FallThoseghar is a 1000 feet high waterfall. This spot is a famous picnic place for people especially in Rainy season. The natural beauty and pleasant climate compels you to visit Thoseghar during rains.
ChalkewadiHundreds of windmills spinning 24x7 producing thousands of megawatts electricity produce great sight at Chalkewadi. This place can rightly be quoted "Garden of windmills".
Other main tourist attractions of Satara include Yevateshwar temple, Char Bhinti or Hutatma Smarak, Nataraj Temple, Kas Lake, Shivaji Museum, Shri Bhavani Museum, Anudh, Siddhanath Temple, Mhaswad and Wai Ganpati Temple.
Wild Life Parks