Wai - Holy Town of Maharashtra

Finding the ideal destination for our readers has become a challenging task, given the plethora of websites and travel sources recommending the same popular places. We are constantly on the lookout for unique and exceptional destinations that promise unforgettable holidays. In line with this, we've discovered WAI, a charming small town in Maharashtra, which has been chosen as our top tourism pick for the week.

While Wai may not boast an abundance of tourist spots, its allure lies in the striking ghats that offer a peaceful retreat. Often mistaken for Satara, Wai is a truly quaint small town renowned for its historical events and temples constructed during various ruling empires. Nature enthusiasts find Wai particularly appealing due to its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. A notable highlight of Wai is its proximity to stunning nearby attractions such as the Panchgani hill station and Mahabaleshwar, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a diverse and enriching experience.

Wai is home to over 100 ancient temples, earning it the moniker "Dakshin Kashi" or the Kashi of South India. The town has become a popular choice for Bollywood filmmakers, with numerous blockbuster movies choosing Wai as their backdrop. For a quick reference, one can explore the locations featured in Shahid Kapoor's film "R. Rajkumar." Wai has served as the picturesque setting for scenes in iconic movies like "Dabang," "BolBachan," and "Bajirao Mastani," adding to its cinematic charm and cultural significance.

Without delay, let's delve into the tourism spots of Wai:

Wai Caves: Situated in Lohare town, merely 7 km from Wai, these caves comprise nine Buddhist caves. Inside one of the caves, you'll find a Chaitya hall housing a stupa, although it has not been converted into a Lord Shiva temple.

• Dholya Ganpati Mandir: Erected in the 18th century near the Krishna River, this temple holds the distinction of being the first sacred site in Wai. Visitors have the unique opportunity to bathe in the Krishna River before entering the temple premises.

• Paga Talim: This location served as the stable for the horses of the ruler, Afzal Khan. It was a hub for gathering valuable information about nearby places, including Mahabaleshwar and the surrounding forest area.

• Govardhan Sanstha: The following destination is the Goshala, a research institute that has been in existence for nearly 110 years. It is credited with the successful launch of a pioneering model project focused on generating electricity from cow dung.

• Kashi Vishweshwar Temple: Amidst the multitude of temples in Wai, the most ancient is the Kashi Vishweshwar Temple. The idols of Nandi and Lord Shiva are crafted from the same stone, adding to the historical significance of this sacred site.

• Dhom Balakwadi Dam: The next noteworthy destination is the reservoir and Dhom Dam, constructed on the Krishna River. Notably, the Kamandalu River also converges into the Krishna at this scenic location.

Wai boasts numerous small and significant spots where visitors can explore and revel in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Some noteworthy attractions in Wai include Krishna Ghat, known for numerous movie shoots, boat rides at Dhom Dam, Wakeshwar, Bhadreshwar, Sonjai, Menawali, Palpeshwar, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, and many other enchanting places.

Wai remains relatively uncrowded and is not widely known among global travelers. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking mental peace and tranquility. Waste no time and secure your tickets to Wai. In our next session, we will discuss the various ways to reach this hidden gem.

How to reach Wai?

Wai, despite being one of the best cities in Maharashtra, does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Lohegaon Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across the country. Although regular flights to Lohegaon might not be readily available, the airport is conveniently located just 66 km away from Wai. For international travelers, Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a viable option, situated 163 km from Wai.

By Flight: Travelers can reach Lohegaon Airport, and for those coming from abroad or more distant locations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai is the preferred choice.

By Train: Wai does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station is Wathar, located 27 km away. Another major train hub is Satara railway station, which is well-connected to major cities and is only 37 km from Wai.

By Bus: Maharashtra's cities are efficiently connected by road to different parts of the country. Regular bus services are available for Wai from various cities within the state and across India.