Here are some spots I personally recommend since, I have been to all these spots and found them really good for Bikers. Incase you need further details do connect with me through the social media.

Abhi

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Mail
• Flickr

Bhimashankar

Considered a religious trip by many, don’t let this destination fool you. The 120 Kilometer long route is nothing if not majestic. You’ll need to cross dense forest roads to get there and the place is supposed to be the origin of the river Bhimashankar. While you can indulge your spiritual side here by visiting the Bhimashankar temple atop a steep hill, you really need to set some time aside to explore the wildlife sanctuary.

The place is best visited in the pre-monsoon or post-monsoon days as the rain doesn’t hinder the visibility during your ride. While there are multiple stay options, budget travelers should definitely consider the dharamshalas that offer a comfortable stay for no or nominal charge!

Distance from Pune: 120Km
Best time to visit: July to August and October to January
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TtBUNqFg8X2Gmgdn6

---

Kaas Pathar – Valley of Flowers

Popularly known as the Plateau of Flowers, Kaas Plateau is one of the famous tourist attractions in Maharashtra and also a popular picnic spot among nature lovers during the late monsoons. The plateau is situated at an altitude of 1200 m and is approximately 1,000 hectares in area. The name ‘Kaas’ originates from the Kaasa tree. It is one of the most visited tourist places as part of Satara packages.

Kaas Plateau was formed by volcanic activities and is covered by a thin soil cover as a result of which, no vegetation thrives in the region. This area comes under a very high rainfall zone. Due to this, the flora and fauna of the region are quite unique. These unique ecological features make Kaas one of the hotspots of biodiversity.

The Plateau is well known for its unique biosphere, high hill plateaus, and grasslands. During monsoon season, especially in the month of August, the Plateau comes to life with various types of flowers. Kaas has more than 850 different species of flowering plants of which 624 are listed on the IUCN Red List. These include orchids, shrubs such as the Karvy, and carnivorous plants such as Drosera Indica.

Kaas Plateau overlooks the dense evergreen forests of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as the catchment area of the Koyna Dam. This is also a haven for bird watchers, as many species of birds can be spotted here. There is a wonderful lake called Kaas Lake, which is situated towards the south of the Plateau.

Kas Pathar attracts many tourists, scientists, and nature lovers. To control possible damage by excessive tourism, the Government has restricted the number of visitors to 2,000 per day. Walking through the flowers covering the Plateau is a wonderful experience.

Distance from Pune: 142 Km
Best time to visit: August to October (6-8 am or 4-6 pm)
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NvK9R6UGMPk4XDZ29

---

Hampi

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India located near Hospet town in the Karnataka state, India.

Among the attractions of Hampi are beautiful temples, ruins of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings… the list is practically endless. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise, the same way a pilgrim’s delight.

Hampi is one of the finest historical sites of the ancient age in the world. It was the initial capital city of the famous historical Vijayanagara Empire located on the bank of Tungabhadra River about 11 km away from Hospet City. Hampi is a small location that covered an area of 25 sq. km. and it is totally bounded by mountains (Anjaneya, Malyavanta, and Matanga Hills) by the three sites, and the rest of one site is bordered by the Tungabhadra River. It is believed by Hindus that Hampi was a kingdom of Monkeys (according to the Ramayana) before Vijayanagara Empire in the pre-ancient age (around 1 CE) when the city was known as Kishkindha.

The traditional culture of Hampi will drag your mind to be a witness of this culture and architecture. Hampi was served as the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire for more than 200 years (around 1336 AD to 1565 AD). Vijayanagara Rulers decorated and designed this city with lots of lovely temples, palaces, market streets, and monuments which made this location one of the famous ancient metropolises in India.

Read more about Hampi from my blog.

Distance from Pune: 540 Km
Best time to visit: October to February
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/R165KrkqHj8xh2ur7

---

Thoseghar Waterfall

Thoseghar waterfalls are lovey like a girl is a scenic spot located near the small village of Thoseghar, 20 km from Satara city, at the edge of the Konkan region, in Western India. There are a series of waterfalls, some of them 15 to 20 meters and one of approx 200 meters in height. People come from all over Maharashtra to visit the area, especially during the rainy or monsoon season, July to November. Heavy rainfalls during that season and because of this the falls have more water and are more spectacular. The immediate area is calm and quiet, with a clean lake and dark woods in a hilly area.

There is a picnic area and a newly constructed platform which gives a good view of the waterfall. This platform can be entered in the valley, but it is not safe to do so when it is raining heavily. One can spot many birds near the waterfall. People visit from all over to visit the Thoseghar Waterfalls, especially during the rainy or monsoon season. Heavy rainfalls during that season and because of this the falls have more water and are more spectacular.

Distance from Pune: 140 Km
Best time to visit: July to November
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3zJ3knWSDfrNxHWZ8

---

Chalkewadi Windmill Farm

Chalkewadi Windmill Farm is located at a distance of around 30 km from Satara and 6 km from Thoseghar Falls, Chalkewadi Windmill Farms is one of the biggest windmill farms in Asia. Owing to the presence of beautiful green hills in the vicinity, the entire region of Chalkewadi has been developed into a tourist area. The windmill sprawls over a 5 km plateau itself and you can spot several other windmills on the adjoining hills. Set amidst stunning hills, red soil, and a stunning ambiance, the windmill was originally set up to generate clean energy for Satara and the neighboring region. But now the picturesque scenery draws a lot of tourists and also the locals to just soak in the serenity of the place.

The Chalkewadi farms are all filled with extreme vitality which gives a mesmerizing appearance to the tourists. The windmills and slopes on the farm give you a pleasant and cool breeze, you will flow along with nature. You will see several windmills that subsequently connect every hill, which ultimately gives you a sound feel. These astounding farms are must-visit hotspots during the monsoon season.

Distance from Pune: 150 Km
Best time to visit: July to November
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vKyFhoRoYWZBP7Yd8

---

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Mail
• Flickr

Gandikota (Grand Canyon of India)

Gandikota is a small village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh that is known for its spectacular gorge formed by the river Pennar that cuts through the Erramala hills. This handsome piece of nature’s architecture has come to be known as the Hidden Grand Canyon of India by travelers who visit it and get bewitched by its beauty.

There are several other attractions in and near the village that allure visitors, the most special being the ancient, magnificent Gandikota fort that sits majestically on top of the gorge. Apart from the unmatched beauty of the gorge, the mystical charm of this fort makes a visit to this village all the more exciting for history lovers and adventure seekers.

You do not need to travel miles away into the air to reach the United States of America to witness a phenomenon of nature that is popularly called the Grand Canyon of India. While the Americans have their little piece of nature. India is also certainly not behind. Despite it also being formed through the harsh flowing of water streams cutting its assembly of rock into a form of a gorge, similar to how the Grand Canyon of Arizona was formed. But the Grand Canyon of India is a unique pride of both the state of Andhra Pradesh and the country. For it reflects the imprints of a strong history that impacted the lives of many. Visit here for the history and to get a little up close to the stunning art known as nature.

Read more about Gandikota

Distance from Pune: 900 Km
Best time to visit: September to February
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Xm7HSxEQrgiPiVUQ7

---

Dada Harir VaV (Ahemdabad)

Dada Harir (Bai Harir ni Vav) lies 15 km from the center of Ahmedabad city. This step-well, built-in 1499 under the supervisor of Sultan Begada’s harem, has stepped down through five levels of carved stone columns to two small wells, now often bone dry. The depths are cool, even on the hottest day, and it’s a fascinating and eerie place. Overflow channels at the top are a reminder of times when water tables were much higher than today. Behind the step-well, the 16th-century Dai Halima Mosque contains the mausoleum of a royal midwife named Halima, with elegant jali screens. The monument is off the beaten track and is one of the most soothing locations of the city.

Dada Hari ni Vav has seven stories, each one equally resplendent in its beauty. Marked by intricately carved walls, columns, and pillars, the stepwell looks magnificent during the daytime when you can see the work. The architectural style of this vav is a mélange of both Muslim and Hindu styles. You will also find Arabic and Sanskrit scriptures on the walls along with floral motifs and traditional carvings.

Distance from Pune: 660 Km
Best time to visit: September to February
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mdUBV2RZ7PjerkU87

---

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is also known as the Queen of all Hill Stations. This hill station is situated at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District. Its name is derived from a Lord Mahadev temple and three Sanskrit words, Maha (great), Bal (power), and Ishwar (God). Some people also relate the name with mythological past as the name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ means mighty God.

British developed this place as their pastime destination to beat the heat. Looking down from Mahabaleshwar, one can see a panoramic view of the sea and the valley. Mahabaleshwar is regarded to be the best holiday spot in Maharashtra in terms of climate, excursions, sports, and other activities.

Mahabaleshwar has 30 exotic viewpoints that provide the visitors with spectacular access to the ultimate in fascinating landscapes. Connaught Peak And Hunter Point, Venna Lake, Elphinston, Marjorie And Savitri Points, Arthur’s Point, Babington Point, Lodwick Point, Kate’s Point, Arthur’s Seat, Krishna Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Panchgani, Tapola, and Pratapgad Fort are some of the important sites of Mahabaleshwar.

The 5 holy rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyana, Savitri, and Gayatri start from here called as “Panchganga Temple”.

Distance from Pune: 120 Km
Best time to visit: September to March
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QApeuCzhfVojUbfr6

---

White Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kachchh is a salt marshy land in the Thar Desert in the Kachchh district of western Gujarat. It lies between Gujarat in India and the Sindh province in Pakistan. It comprises around 30,000 sq. km of land which includes The Great Rann of Kachchh, The Little Rann of Kachchh, and Banni grassland.

The Rann of Kachchh is famous for its white salty desert sand and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world.‘Rann’ means desert in Hindi which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Irina’ which also means desert. The inhabitants of Kachchh are called Kachchhi and have a language of their own with the same name. Most of the population in Rann of Kachchh comprises Hindus, Muslims, Jains, and Sikhs.

The Rann of Kachchh region is also home to a range of ecologically rich wildlife such as the flamingos and the wild ass that can be spotted around the desert often. Rann is also a part of a few sanctuaries such as the Indian wild ass sanctuary, Kachchh desert wildlife sanctuary, etc. It is a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The government of Gujarat holds a three-month-long festival known as ‘The Rann Utsav’ every year starting from December to February. This is the main source of income for the locals around who welcome visitors from across the globe to savor in local delicacies and to witness the culture and hospitality of Kachchh.

Distance from Pune: 1070 Km
Best time to visit: December and January (Especially on full moon day)
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ps5bivVYHfuvdFrH7

---

Statue of Unity

The world’s tallest statue, Statue of Unity has been created as a tribute to the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Statue of Unity is broadly divided into 5 zones, out of which 3 are accessible to the general public. These zones include a memorial garden and museum, an exhibition area, and a viewing gallery that can accommodate 200 visitors at a time. Located at a height of 153 mts., this Viewing Gallery offers a spectacular view of Sardar Sarovar Dam, its reservoir, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges.

Since time immemorial, architecture and monuments have given India her identity. From historical Ajanta & Ellora caves to Delwara Temple of Mount Abu and from Taj Mahal to Meenakshi Temple of Madurai, Indian architecture showcases its elegance and superiority across the globe. The most prolific creation in recent times, the Statue of Unity, is the World’s Tallest Monument. It represents more than a colossal structure facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada. It is an iconic symbol of the ‘Iron Man’, who played an important role during India’s freedom struggle and thereafter in the unification of the princely states. It reminds the world of the towering personality of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nucleus of India’s integration as a united country.

Distance from Pune: 550 Km
Best time to visit: December and January
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CG5AsdsW1Cyt91hY8

---

Rani Ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell)

The stepwell was built in 1063 by Rani Udayamati of the Chaulukya Dynasty to commemorate her husband, Bhimdev I. A 1304 composition of Jain monk, Merutunga, mentions that Udayamati, the daughter of Naravaraha Khangara, built this stepwell at Patan. The same composition also mentions that the stepwell was commissioned in 1063 and was completed after 20 years. Archeologists Henry Cousens and James Burgess visited it in the 1890s when it was completely buried under silt and only the shaft and few pillars were visible. The stepwell was rediscovered in the 1940s, and the Archeological Survey of India restored it in the 1980s. The stepwell has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 2014.

Rani-ki-Vav was built at the height of craftsmens’ ability in stepwell construction and the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological, and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. The fourth level is the deepest and leads into a rectangular tank 9.5 m by 9.4 m, at a depth of 23 m. The well is located at the westernmost end of the property and consists of a shaft 10 m in diameter and 30 m deep.

Distance from Pune: 790 Km
Best time to visit: December and January
Google Location: https://g.page/theranikivav?share

Vajrai Waterfalls Highest waterfall in India

Maharashtra is home to a plethora of stunning waterfalls but the Vajrai waterfall beats all of them in terms of popularity. Urmodi river is the base of Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall in Maharashtra. This waterfall is 1840 ft or 560 m in height which makes it the highest waterfall in India. Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall is nestled in western Maharashtra in the Satara district. This waterfall has three steps and is perennial in nature. A lot of locals visit this waterfall on weekends to become one with nature and to spend time with their families and friends.

Distance from Pune: 150 Km
Best time to visit: July till October
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k95ZpgDUsd8
Google Location: https://goo.gl/maps/A3hx3c8JJC9kAZNy5

---

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Mail
• Flickr