Introduction to Satara
Located at the merging point of River Krishna and its’ tributary Venna at an altitude of 2320 feet; Satara city and district was established in 16th Century and nestled in the state of Maharashtra. Spread over an expanse of 10,500 square kilometers Satara means ‘Seven Hills’ as it is surrounded by the hills namely; Jarandeshwar, Ajinkyatara, Kitlicha Dongar, Yawatehswar, Pedyahcha Bhairoba, Sajjangarh and Nakdikcha Dongar. Satara is strategically located at a close from several neighboring cities like Sangli in the southern fringe, Ratnagiri on the western fringe, Pune in the northern fringe and Sholapur on the eastern fringe.
History of Satara
Satara’s earliest rulers date back to the Rastrakuta dynasty under the rulership of King Manak (350-375 BCE) who resided in the Kuntala valley. Hence Maanpur or Maan still exist in Satara district. The Rastrakutas were later dethroned by the Chalukya Kings led by Dantidurga and then acquired by the Mauryas. Later when the Mughals invaded India and progressed towards the Deccan, Satara was reclaimed by the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th Century.
When the British came to India and thereafter their victory in the Third Anglo- Maratha War; the British Empire extended their dominion of Satara freeing it from the clutches of Marathas by handing it over to King Pratap Singh in charge of Satara city. Later during Indian Independence movement Satara played a vital role in aiding and abating the struggle for freedom against the British. Thereafter Satara was incorporated as a province within Bombay Presidency.
Climate and Topography of Satara
Satara’s strategic location is 73.98 ° E and 17.68° N and its total population is 120,079. Satara is spread over an area of 10,480 square kilometers and the region is hilly surrounded by hills and mounds therefore it experiences tropical, wet and dry weather. The summer temperatures vary between 33° Centigrade and 40° Centigrade. Monsoon is usually accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall in between months of June and October. Winter is usually moderate and dry with the temperature fluctuating between 20° Centigrade and 5° Centigrade.
Satara’s local dialect is Marathi.
Monsoon and winter are ideal seasons for tourists to visit Satara in Maharashtra.
Satara is also renowned for holy shrines and temples; Koteshwar Shiva Temple, Bhairoba Temple, Abhayankar Vishnu Temple, Bhavani Mata Temple, Krishneshwar Temple to mention a few. Other notable sightseeing and tourist spots in and around Satara are Yawateshwar, Kurandeshwar, Chaarbhinti, Jarandeshwar, Chalkewadi, Rajwada, Pateshwar, Vajrai Waterfalls, Bamnoli, Thoseghar Waterfalls, Village of Warriors, Sangam Mahuli, Kshetra Mahuli, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.
Kaas Plateau and Kaas Lake are two marvelous spots with the plateau covered in flowers and herbs of different varieties and admirers of nature will surely be taken back by the beauty of the lake and the plateau.
Satara’s Kandi Pedhe, a sweetmeat is a mouth watering delight for lovers of desserts and will leave them vying for more.
History of Satara
Satara’s earliest rulers date back to the Rastrakuta dynasty under the rulership of King Manak (350-375 BCE) who resided in the Kuntala valley. Hence Maanpur or Maan still exist in Satara district. The Rastrakutas were later dethroned by the Chalukya Kings led by Dantidurga and then acquired by the Mauryas. Later when the Mughals invaded India and progressed towards the Deccan, Satara was reclaimed by the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th Century.When the British came to India and thereafter their victory in the Third Anglo- Maratha War; the British Empire extended their dominion of Satara freeing it from the clutches of Marathas by handing it over to King Pratap Singh in charge of Satara city. Later during Indian Independence movement Satara played a vital role in aiding and abating the struggle for freedom against the British. Thereafter Satara was incorporated as a province within Bombay Presidency.
Climate and Topography of Satara
Satara’s strategic location is 73.98 ° E and 17.68° N and its total population is 120,079. Satara is spread over an area of 10,480 square kilometers and the region is hilly surrounded by hills and mounds therefore it experiences tropical, wet and dry weather. The summer temperatures vary between 33° Centigrade and 40° Centigrade. Monsoon is usually accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall in between months of June and October. Winter is usually moderate and dry with the temperature fluctuating between 20° Centigrade and 5° Centigrade.Satara’s local dialect is Marathi.
Monsoon and winter are ideal seasons for tourists to visit Satara in Maharashtra.
Attractions and Sightseeing in Satara
Satara is a city of temples and ancient fortresses with endless opportunity of sightseeing like the Ajinkyatara Fort established by Raja Bhoj situated at an altitude of 3000 feet offering a spectacular view of Satara city from atop the fort. The fort is also popular for housing the temple of Goddess Mangalai Devi on its premises. Maratha architecture can be experienced and observed by visiting Vasota Fort and Sajjangarh Fort. A giant statue of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj atop his horse is mounted at Powai Naka beside a canon is a major attraction in Satara.Satara is also renowned for holy shrines and temples; Koteshwar Shiva Temple, Bhairoba Temple, Abhayankar Vishnu Temple, Bhavani Mata Temple, Krishneshwar Temple to mention a few. Other notable sightseeing and tourist spots in and around Satara are Yawateshwar, Kurandeshwar, Chaarbhinti, Jarandeshwar, Chalkewadi, Rajwada, Pateshwar, Vajrai Waterfalls, Bamnoli, Thoseghar Waterfalls, Village of Warriors, Sangam Mahuli, Kshetra Mahuli, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.
Kaas Plateau and Kaas Lake are two marvelous spots with the plateau covered in flowers and herbs of different varieties and admirers of nature will surely be taken back by the beauty of the lake and the plateau.
Satara’s Kandi Pedhe, a sweetmeat is a mouth watering delight for lovers of desserts and will leave them vying for more.