Best Places to Visit in Satara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra [Updated-2025]

Places to Visit in Satara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

It looks like there might be some confusion—Satara and Aurangabad are two separate districts in Maharashtra, each with its own unique attractions. Below is a curated list of the best places to visit in both Satara and Aurangabad, covering historical forts, waterfalls, temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 Best Places to Visit in Satara, Maharashtra

Satara is known for its hill forts, waterfalls, and lush landscapes in the Western Ghats.

1. Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers) – UNESCO World Heritage Site

• A biodiversity hotspot with rare seasonal flowers (blooming Aug-Oct).

• Famous for its colorful carpets of orchids and wildflowers.

2. Sajjangad Fort (Tomb of Sant Ramdas)

• A sacred fort where Sant Ramdas spent his last days.

• Offers panoramic views and spiritual significance.

3. Thoseghar Waterfalls

• One of Maharashtra’s tallest waterfalls (350-500 ft).

• Best visited post-monsoon (July-October).

4. Satara Fort (Ajinkyatara Fort)

• A historic fort with 360-degree views of Satara city.

• Features a ropeway ride for tourists.

5. Vajrai Waterfall (India’s 2nd Tallest Waterfall)

• 560-meter cascade, near Kas Plateau.

• Requires a short trek to reach.

6. Chalkewadi Windmill Farms

• Asia’s largest windmill cluster, offering scenic landscapes.

• Popular for photography and road trips.

7. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary & Shivsagar Lake

• A tiger reserve with dense forests and boating options.

• Famous for Shivaji Maharaj’s naval base history.

8. Natraj Mandir (Kundalika Temple)

• A unique Shiva temple with a natural spring inside.

 Best Places to Visit in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Aurangabad is famous for its Mughal-era monuments, caves, and UNESCO sites.

1. Ajanta & Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)

• Ajanta Caves – Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with stunning frescoes.

• Ellora Caves – A mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves, including the Kailasa Temple (world’s largest monolithic structure).

2. Bibi Ka Maqbara (Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan)

• Built by Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, resembling the Taj Mahal.

3. Daulatabad Fort (Devgiri Fort)

• A 12th-century hill fort with defensive labyrinths and cannons.

• Features the Chand Minar (2nd tallest minaret in India).

4. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

• One of 12 Jyotirlingas in India, near Ellora.

5. Panchakki (Water Mill)

• A 17th-century water-powered mill with a Sufi saint’s tomb.

6. Aurangabad Caves (Lesser-known Buddhist Caves)

• Smaller than Ajanta-Ellora but with fine sculptures.

7. Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary

• A peaceful bird-watching spot in Aurangabad city.

8. Siddharth Garden & Zoo

• A family-friendly park with a small zoo.

 Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit Satara: Monsoon & Winter (July-Feb).

• Best Time to Visit Aurangabad: October-March (avoid summers).

• How to Reach:

  • Satara: Pune Airport (120 km) or Satara Railway Station.

  • Aurangabad: Aurangabad Airport or direct trains from Mumbai/Pune.

 Must-Try Food

• Satara: Kandi Pedhe (sweet), Misal Pav.

• Aurangabad: Naan Khaliya, Tahri (spiced rice).

• Satara is perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, and waterfall chasers.

• Aurangabad is ideal for history buffs, archaeology lovers, and spiritual travelers.