Wai is situated at the foothills of Panchgani/Mahableshwar around 250kms from mumbai and 90kms from pune i.e a drive of 4.5hrs and 2hrs from the respective destinations. Wai is a picturesque destination being surrounded by the mountainous Sahyadris ranges and blessed with River Krishna, Dhom Dam and many temples including the Prominent Dholya Ganpati and the Narsinha Temple.
Places to explore in and around Wai are prominently:
Dhom Dam- It is the first dam built over river krishna in Wai. It is approximately 8kms from wai city very Near to the dam , you have the sadhyadri boating club where you can enjoy the boat rides for Rs.30 per person (sharing) to Rs.450 for various adventure boat rides.
Balkavadi Dam - It is 24kms from Wai city near village golewadi. Its a picturesque destination where you actually reach the foot hills of mahableshwar and with a trek of 2hrs both ways to kates point you actually enter in Mahableshwar. The water of this dam is diverted to Pune region for industrial purpose.
Dholya Ganpati- It is within the wai city. Wai is famous for its temples and is popularly known as Dakshin Kashi - Dholya Ganpati is the most famous amongst the tourist in Wai and is situated on the ghats which has been shot in many bollywood flims including Ganga Jal. Adjacent to the temple is the shiv temple i.e Kashivishveshawra.
Narsinhma Temple - It is close to 8kms from Wai city. A beautiful temple carved in stone. It is neglected by most tourist and hence its beauty is untouched. You will find a huge tortoise carved in the stone which is fully immersed in water during monsoons. adjacent to the temple lies the back waters of Krishna river making the ghat scenic clam and peaceful.
Menavli Ghat - It is 5kms from Wai city. This is the most prominent tourist attraction after Dholya Ganpati as most of the bollywood shootings in wai are shot on this ghat. Swades, Singham, Ganga Jal , Tanu Weds Mannu, Bol Bachhan and many more. There are beautiful ancient temples on this ghat and adjacent to the ghat is the famous Nana Phadnavis Wada which is a over 300yrs old wooden architecture and a historical monument now.
Tosheghar Water Fall : The most beautiful and spectacular water falls in and around Wai. 70kms tho but a drive through the Satara Expressway will only take 1hr to reach the destination and worth a drive as adjacent regions like the Kass Flower Valley and SajjanGad is in the vicinity. The place is patrol by the local cops hence has less nuisance like the other water falls.
Kass Pathar or Kass Flower Valley : It is 66kms from Wai. There is a myth that this place is to be visited only in Sep-oct when the flowers blossom. But i have been visiting this place in July as well and as a nature lover you would get the feeling of being in Heaven as the place is full of fog and chill during July season and deserted which is the best thing. In Sep and October when the flowers blosoom, this place is ruined by the visitors and hence a must visit in July where u would find being amongst the few along with the forest guards. Plz dont forget to try the chicken or mutton thali at the local joints on your way back from Kass Valley and Lake. At Rs.200 for chicken and Rs.350 for mutton thali they serve you the best food.
Kass lake : The lake is another few kms drive from the valley and a must visit place as it is again deserted by the tourist and hence my favourite. If you drive further 30mins from Kass Lake then you move towards the Bamnoli village which is in the Koayana Region. The backwaters of Koyana and the adjacent Tapola is another place which needs a detailed explain which we will do at later stage.
Sajjangad: around 65kms from Wai. Not a much hyped about place but worth visiting as it has the Aakkalkot Swami Samarth Mathh built on the fort and very well maintained.
The entire tour for local wai and around wai can be done in 2 days with a over nite halt and camping on the banks of river Krishna. Total cost would be in the range of Rs.3000 including travel food and stay.
If you need any details can buzz me at 9819833345 or mail me at milan@krishnarivercamp.com or you can visit our fb page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1097523333608195/