Panchgani

Wai, located at the banks of Krishna River, is a pristine city nearby Panchgani. Wai is blessed with imposing seven Ghats known as Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh and Bhimkund. Many temples are located in these Ghats. These Ghats enclose many water ponds, waterfalls and hillocks. Some important temples in Wai region are Kaunteshwar, Chakreshwar, Kaleshwar and Chimneshwar in Brahmanshahi ghat, Rameshwar temple, Chilavali Devi temple and Ramkund in Ramdoh ghat.

Wilson Point, which is otherwise known as the Sunrise point, is a vast plateau. One can view the sunrise from the three masonry round platforms. The second platform which is about 1 km away from the market area of Mahabaleshwar is the ideal place to view the sun rise. The platform is perfectly located at 4735 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. The Wilson Point is a vast barren rock with three watching towers at different spots. The point is a tourist attraction with its beautiful view point of the sunrise.

Sydney Point is renowned for offering beautiful views of the Krishna Valley, Kamalgad Fort, Dhom Dam, and the city of Wai. This tiny hillock overlooking the lush green Krishna Valley was named after Sir Sidney Beckwarth, who was Commander in Chief and senior member of the council. Sir Sidney Beckwarth temporarily succeeded Sir John Malcolm as the Governor of Bombay in 1830. The hillock also offers beautiful views of the hill ranges of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo.

Dhom Dam is a beautiful boating spot that is located at a distance of 21 km from the town. For enjoying water activities, tourists can hire scooter boats and speed boats from near the dam. This earth fill and gravity dam on Krishna River is located near Wai. For supplying water for agriculture and industries, the dam was constructed in 1982. Construction of the dam commenced in 1976.

Mapro Farms is an 8 km long stretch that extends on the Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road. The farms are well-known for their strawberry plantations. At the farm, visitors can also try out strawberry shakes, fruit salads and ice creams. From the shops located within the farm, tourists can also buy squashes, lemonades and fresh fruit juices. Tasting counters of jams, sweets, crushes, syrups, squashes, mocktails, toppings and others are also located within the farm.

Rajpuri Caves hold religions significance, owing to the belief that these were used for penance and religious rituals by Lord Kartikeya. Surrounded by many water kunds (ponds), these ancient caves are also believed to have sheltered the Pandavas during their exile. Owing to the belief that the holy Ganges also flows into these kunds, devotees have a bath in these water bodies to cure  all kinds of diseases and evils.

Bhilar Waterfall, is a refreshing retreat to watch out for, if you are in Panchgani. Named after the Bhilar village in Satara district, this waterfall is known to be the source of Kundali River which eventually joins the Venna River at Sangam Mahuli. Gushing down from a height of 4500 meters, Bhilar Waterfall is best viewed during the monsoons, amidst the misty valleys, when the water flow is at its full.