Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Name: Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

State: Maharashtra

Location: 70 km from Satara

Total Area: 423 sq. km

Best Known For: Home to Tigers and other wildlife

Serves as: Picnic Spot, Monsoon escapade, Weekend getaway, Animal Safari

About Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

An epitome of wilderness, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is located 70 km from Satara. Nestling within the Western Ghats, this protected forest zone is home to many wild animals including tiger, gaur, barking deer, leopards, sambhar, mouse deer, python, flying fox, brown capped woodpecker and many more. This sanctuary was established as a part of Project Tiger which aimed at protecting tigers in India. The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by Shivsagar Lake and Chandoli National Park. The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene place popular among nature lovers and bird watchers.

The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses lush green valleys, water holes and dense forests. A perfect place for jungle walks and nature trails, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is favoured by nature enthusiasts.

Entry Fee for Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is minimum.

Timings for Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: 6:00 am TO 6:00 pm

Hotels Near  Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort 

Motel Swagath Plaza (130 km from Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary)

Best Time to Visit Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited throughout the year, though it can be very hot and humid during summers from early April to late May. Visiting during monsoons can be perfect time as the temperature is tolerable and greenery is dense. Though heavy showers are expected and predictable. The best time however to visit Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is  during early October to late February or early March when the climate is at it's best.

How to Reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Reaching Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary by Road: Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by motor-able roads via Satara, Pune and Kolhapur. From Satara, you can reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary via Tapola.

 If you are trying to reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary from Pune, travel further towards Kothrud to Wai to Mahabaleshwar and then via Tapola reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

 If you are trying to reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary from Kolhapur, drive towards Satara to Mahabaleshwar and then via Tapola reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you are trying to reach Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary from Mumbai, drive through Mumbai - Roha - Mangaon - Poladpur - Mahabaleshwar - Tapola - Koyna Wildlife Santuary. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 2 hours from Mahabaleshwar and 1 hour from Tapola.

Reaching Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary by Train: The nearest railway station to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is Satara Railway Station. Satara Railway Station is well connected to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur by means of trains that run on regular basis. From Satara Railway Station, regular or private buses ply regularly to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. From Pune Railway Station Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is four hours approximately by bus.

Places of Interest near Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

One can visit Kaas Pathar  which is just 67 km from Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. There are many temples, forts, caves, lakes and waterfalls in the vicinity of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. One can also visit Vajrai Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar, Thoseghar Waterfalls  and Sajjangad Fort.

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco Resort - Hotel Near Kaas Pathar

Offering a camp-style accommodation, the Camp Koyna Resort is located on the banks of the backwaters of River Koyna. Within the perimeters of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary this eco-resort offers comfortable accommodation amidst the wilderness. Camp Koyna Resort offers lodging in the form of luxury tents and small camping tents. The facilities are basic yet hygienic. Camp Koyna Riverside Eco Resort serves both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food prepared with flavours inspired by local cuisine.

Built midst vast expanse of greenery, Camp Koyna allows their guests to enjoy the luxury of exploration with its adventure activities, jungle safari and adventure games. One gets to enjoy campfires, nature walks, bird watching and photography session here at Camp Koyna.

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Pune -154 km

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Mumbai - 294 km

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Satara - 40 km

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Kaas Pathar  - 11 km

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Vajrai Waterfall - 13 km

Distance of Camp Koyna Resort from Thoseghar Waterfalls  - 59 km

Amenities and Facilities at Camp Koyna Resort 

12 Luxury Tents (lake facing) and 10 small Camping Tents

Can accommodate upto 80 people

Clean Washrooms

Well equipped kitchen

Open dining area that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food

Campfire place with Barbecue setup

Generator backup

Parking Area

Adventure Activities Conducted by Camp Koyna

- Kayaking, Boating, raft making, river crossing, fishing, water polo and many other water activities.

- Camp Koyna conducts trek to Vasota Fort

- Valley crossing, mountain biking, rifle shooting, archery

- Wildlife activities include nature trails and jungle walks along with trained and experienced nature enthusiasts and guides

- Bird watching trails

- Nature and wildlife photography

Tariff of Camp Koyna Eco-resort

Basic Package costs ₹1750/- which includes luxury tent accommodation per person per night with vegetarian meals and any three complimentary activities.

Basic Plus Package costs ₹1900/- which includes luxury tent accommodation per person per night with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals (non-veg food only for dinner along with a sweet dish) and any three complimentary activities.

Classic Package costs ₹2100/- which includes luxury tent accommodation per person per night with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals (in all meals along with a sweet dish) and any three complimentary activities.

Classic Plus Package costs ₹2700/- which includes luxury tent accommodation per person per night with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals (in all meals along with a sweet dish), barbecue starters  plus a boat ride and any three complimentary activities.

Special discounts are offered to children camps and group bookings.

Contact Details of Camp Koyna Resort

Camp Koyna
At Village Waghali
Grampanchayat Shembadi / Bamnoli
Taluka Javali
District Satara
Maharashtra
India

Telephone number of Camp Koyna : +91-7588353877 / 9822118164 / 9850377999

Email id - campkoyna@gmail.com

Thoseghar Waterfalls: A Perfect Monsoon Getaway

Name: Thoseghar Waterfalls

State: Maharashtra

Location: 20 km from Satara

Height: 500 meters

Best known for: Series of waterfalls

Serves as: Waterfall destination, monsoon escapade, picnic spot

About Thoseghar Waterfalls

If you are planning a weekend trip to Kaas Plateau during monsoon, than a visit to Thoseghar Waterfalls should be in your checklist. Spare a couple of hours to this picturesque beauty of Thoseghar Waterfalls which is located 20 km from Satara and is part of the Kaas Plateau. Thoseghar Waterfalls is a series of waterfalls side by side falling deep into the valley out of which one Thoseghar waterfall height is 500 meters and the rest are about 15 to 20 meters in height. All the water that is collected over the Kaas Plateau flows through Thoseghar Waterfalls. Also known locally as the Ram and Lakshman Dhabdhaba, the Thoseghar Waterfall is a treat to one's eye given it's enchanting beauty amidst the lush greenery.

A visit to Thoseghar Waterfalls is an awesome experience, especially during monsoon given the beautiful drive, scenic view, vast windmills, curvy road and roaring waterfalls. The newly built platform which one can reach through the bottom of the valley is a perfect picnic spot for tourists. The platform was built for getting a good view of Thoseghar Waterfalls amidst the valley. Hence whenever visiting the Kaas Pathar, don't miss the monsoon escapade to Thoseghar Waterfall.

Best Time to Visit Thoseghar Waterfalls

Thoseghar Waterfalls is at it's best during monsoons as one gets to witness scenic beauty and roaring waterfalls. The climate is pleasant and the view is breathtaking. The best time to visit Thoseghar Waterfalls is from July to late October.

Entry Fee  and Timings for Thoseghar Waterfalls

Timing for Thoseghar Waterfalls: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Fees for Thoseghar Waterfalls: INR 10/- for adults

Entry for children below 12 years at Thoseghar Waterfalls is free.

Parking Charges at Thoseghar Waterfalls: INR 5/- for two wheelers, INR 10/- for four wheelers and INR 20/- for buses

Places of Interest near Thoseghar Waterfalls

Places of interest near Thoseghar Waterfalls include Bhairavnath Temple(1 km), Vajrai Waterfall (48 km), Kaas Pathar (44 km), Sajjangad (14 km) and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km).

How to Reach Thoseghar Waterfalls

Reaching Thoseghar Waterfalls by Road: Thoseghar Waterfalls distance from Pune is 139 km. Thoseghar Waterfall can be reached from Pune via NH48. Regular buses ply from Swargate Bus Stand in Pune. Thoseghar Waterfalls distance from Mumbai is 282 km and can be reached via Pune.

Reaching Thoseghar Waterfalls by Train: Thoseghar Waterfalls is located 38 km from Satara Railway Station. One has the option of auto-rickshaws and rented cars to reach Thoseghar Waterfalls. Regular buses ply from Swargate Bus Stand in Pune to Thoseghar Waterfall.

Reaching Thoseghar Waterfalls by Air: Karad is the nearest airport around 65 km from Thoseghar Waterfalls. From here one can proceed his journey via road.

Hotel Near Thoseghar Waterfalls

There are few accommodation options for tourists who wish to stay near Thoseghar Waterfalls. Thoseghar Hotels include hotel accommodation ranging from economical to good hotels are available in and around Satara.

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort (around 59 km from Thoseghar Waterfalls)

Motel Swagath Plaza (around 49 km from Thoseghar Waterfalls)

Hotel Radhika Palace (around 27 km from Thoseghar Waterfalls)

Tips to Remember while visiting Thoseghar Waterfalls

1. Venturing into water or ponds of Thoseghar Waterfalls is a complete no. There are safety placards placed near the entry of the waterfall requesting tourists not to venture in the waterfall. There have been few casualties in the past.

2. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited

3. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

4. No loud music is allowed within the premises.

5. Do not pluck flowers or leaves in and around Thoseghar Waterfalls.

6. Please don't litter around.

7. Not to cross the security railing built around the pond.

Contact details of Thoseghar Waterfalls

Thoseghar Waterfall
Satara District
Maharashtra
Pincode - 415013

Motel Swagath Plaza: Hotel near Kaas Pathar

Motel Swagath Plaza is a budget accommodation that offers clean rooms with modern amenities at economic rates. It serves vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food. There are various accommodation options offered depending on whether you are traveling alone or with family. Air-conditioned and non-air conditioned rooms are available at Motel Swagath Plaza at affordable rates. Dormitory is also available for backpackers and people traveling in group.

Overlooking the flowing waters of River Koyna, Motel Swagath Plaza is placed right on the State Highway that connects Karad to Chiplun.

Distance of Motel Swagath Plaza from Kaas Pathar: 37 km

Distance of Motel Swagath Plaza from Vajrai Waterfall: 41 km

Distance of Motel Swagath Plaza from Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: 130 km

Distance of Motel Swagath Plaza from Sajjangad Fort: 68 km

Distance of Motel Swagath Plaza from Thoseghar Waterfalls: 27 km

Amenities and Facilities at Motel Swagath Plaza 

Air-conditioned rooms and non-airconditioned rooms

Rooms with attached bathrooms

Pure vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurant

24 hours reception

Daily housekeeping

Colour TV

Hot and cold water

Dormitory

Room Service

Free Parking

Tariff at Motel Swagath Plaza

Tariff ranges from INR 350/- for dormitory per person to INR 1000/- for air-conditioned rooms. Non-airconditioned rooms are at INR 800/-

Contact details of Motel Swagath Plaza 

Motel Swagath Plaza
At Post Village Goshatwadi
Sangamnagar Dhakka
Taluka Patan
District Satara

Telephone number of Motel Swagath Plaza: 8888909308 / 8605254795