Satara district is located in the heart of the western ghats (also known as the Shahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra). Western ghats is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage and one of the eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity. Therefore, Satara is blessed with diverse landscapes, flora and fauna, dense forests, lush green valleys, and beautiful waterfalls, which makes it a heaven for nature lovers.
Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall
The Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall stands as the tallest waterfall in India, with a height of 1840 ft (560m). This waterfall is located on the Urmodi river, near Bhambavli village. The waterfall cascades down a steep cliff in three directions, creating a wonderful landscape. This is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a picturesque view. The best thing about this place is the tranquility and pleasant atmosphere that enhance the beauty of the place.
The best time to visit is between July and September.
Nearby places: Kaas plateau (UNESCO site), Vasota fort, Kaas lake
Thoseghar waterfall
Next on the list is the Thoseghar waterfall. This 1000 ft waterfall is also the origin of the Tarali river and a perfect picnic spot for locals and tourists. There are many small waterfalls cascading down the rocky terrain. The main waterfall has a breathtaking drop of 500 metres, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra. The mist created by the waterfalls creates a refreshing atmosphere and a cool breeze.
Best time to visit is during the monsoon season to enjoy its real beauty. Don’t forget to try the lip-smacking local snacks available at the nearby stalls.
Distance: 26km from satara city, 77kms from Mahabaleshwar
Timings: 9am-6pm
Nearby places: Chalkewadi windmill, Tarali backwater view point
Ozarde Waterfalls
Ozarde Waterfalls, located in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its scenic beauty. The Ozarde River feeds this 50ft waterfall, creating a mesmerising sight and soothing sounds.
This waterfall can be reached via an adventurous trek through the lush green forest. On your way, you will come across diverse flora and fauna, which makes the journey even more exciting.
Ozarde Falls creates a small pond at its base which invites you to take a dip. The pool is shallow and safe for swimming, making it a popular spot for tourists to cool off and enjoy the refreshing water.
Nearby places: koyna dam, koyna wildlife sanctuary
Apart from these, there are many waterfalls, such as Ekiv, Lingmala, Kelavali, reverse waterfall, which can be visited.