Looking for a place to visit this monsoon? If you are a nature lover, then ditch some usual local spots this year and take a weekend outing with family or friends to this stunning place and we are sure you will be fascinated with the beauty this place holds.
Wai, is a weekend getaway from Pune/Mumbai . This is hidden gem for tourist who are seeking some peace from the hasty life of the city. It is a small town in Satara district of Maharashtra, Located on the banks of Krishna River. This place has so much to offer starting from temples to rivers to lush green beauty to camping to adventures. Wai is the closest to Famous hill stations “Mahabaleshwar” and “Panchgini”.Wai is at the foothills of Panchgini.
How to Reach Wai:
By Road: We started our journey to Wai by Road (Car) with group of friends from Mumbai. It took us almost 4 -5 hours to reach at the destination. The distance between Mumbai to Wai is 230Km. You can also plan a road trip to Wai from Pune distanced at 89Km. You can also go to Wai via Direct buses from Mumbai. There are several travels which run between Mumbai and Wai like Neeta travels, Swami travels etc. It almost takes similar time (4 hours) to reach at the destination.
By Train: There’s no direct train to Wai from Mumbai. Looking for cheapest way to reach Wai from Mumbai? Just get in to Koyna Express which starts from CST Station of Mumbai till Satara. From Satara you can get the local cabs to reach Wai .This will take almost 6 hours to reach at the destination. If you are looking for a fastest way then you can take any trains running between Mumbai – Pune and get a cab from Pune to Wai.
Stay in Wai: As Wai is a small town and one day trip destination, you will have very limited stay options here. We stayed in the Anandvan Resort (http://www.anandvan.co.in/html/welang.html) located in the small village of Wai called Welang. This Resort is an amazingly off beat place to stay with so much of beauty around it. It is located at the back waters of Dhom dam. It has 6 Cottages made with Bamboo & bricks with an outside sitting area which gives amazing views of sahyadri ranges.
It also has ample place for kids to play outdoor games. They also arrange for Campfire and Barbeque on request. Staff here was extremely friendly and helpful. They also cooked flavorsome dinner for us which satisfied our taste buds.
If you are travelling with a group of friends or with the family, this place will live up to your expectations.
You can also book number of hotels and holiday homes in Wai like Yellow Retreat (http://theretreats.in/) or Rutugandh River View (http://www.rutugandhagrotourism.com/contact.html).
To experience camping at the bank of Krishna, you can also plan to stay at Krishna River Camp ( http://krishnarivercamp.com/) or Choose I-Camp (http://www.icampresort.com/).
Best season to Travel Wai: We visited Wai in March and trust we had such an amazing weather to drive. Jun – Sep could be apt time for you to travel. You can also choose to visit this place in winters. Avoid going to Wai in April and May as the temperature could hit somewhere between 36 Deg – 40 Deg.
What to see in Wai:
Dhom Dam Backwaters: This is Pangong TSO of Maharashtra. It charms you with pristine clear waters surrounded by beautiful mountain range. There are few boats that take you out for a ride. If you are nature lover, this is the place for you. This spot is quite famous for the Bollywood movie shoots. This spot is quite picturesque and you can spend hours here do camping, photo shoot, fun with the group etc.
Temples: There are two famous temples in Wai one is Wai Mahaganpati Temple also called as Dholya Ganpati temple and other is Kashi Vishweshwar Temple. These temples have their own charm and has many pilgrims visit here. Ganpati temple is famous for its huge idol which is carved on a single stone. Kashi Vishweshwar temple is just 100 feet away from the other one. This temple is huge and famous for Nandi’s idol carved on a single stone.
Destinations within reach from Wai:
Panchgini – 15Km
Mahabaleshwar – 32Km
The Kaas Plateau (Valley of flowers) – 58Km
Tapola Lake – 59Km
Pune – 85Km
Kamshet – 130Km
Lavasa – 131Km
Adventures at Wai: Get a palate of camping here in the relaxed tents & stargaze the open skies. Adventure lovers can cosset themselves in various activities such as Zip lining, Rappelling and Trekking etc. Become friends with the locals and get a joyful bullock cart ride. There are some water sports activities’ available here like speed boat ride etc, but it is little costly.
Food at Wai : This place has few good restaurants within the town. On the way to Wai from Mumbai, Stop over the restaurant named “Daulat Restaurant” on the Old Mumbai – Pune highway for the casual dining experience. Mouthwatering north Indian food is served here along with yummilicious deserts.
You can stop at Mapro Food Park while returning from Wai. It is a huge place and serve tasty food to eat. you will get everything here starting from Pizza’s to Ice-creams to soups to mocktails etc. It also has lot of Mapro products to take back home. Don’t miss to eat delicious Strawberry cream & shakes here. Taste different types of syrups and juices here to satisfy your taste buds.
Wai has enough potential to charm with the era reminding the glorious years of Peshwas. Forget your gadgets and stress to connect with nature as you experience this picturesque beauty and enjoy the pleasures of rustic living in Wai. Have great fun with the gang of your friends & family & take back home unlimited memories from this attractive place.
Happy Tripping !!
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