Mumbai Orbit


Koyna River

Koyna River

About:
The Koyna River is a major tributary of the Krishna River, flowing through the state of Maharashtra, India. It originates in the Western Ghats, near Mahabaleshwar, and is known for the Koyna Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.

Location info:
Address: Mahabaleshwar,Maharashtra,India.
District: Koyna nagar.
Nearest City: Satara.
Best time to visit: October to June

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March to June): Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of about 5500 mm, which replenishes the Koyna Dam. Winter (November to February): Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.

History:
The Koyna River has been historically significant due to the construction of the Koyna Dam in the 1960s. The dam created the Shivsagar Lake, which is used for irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectricity generation. The Koyna Hydroelectric Project is considered one of the largest in India.

Interesting things to do:
Visit the nearby places and enjoy the beauty of valleys,backwaters and so on.

Interesting things to Visit:

Koyna Dam:
A massive dam built on the Koyna River, offering spectacular views.

Mahuli:
Mahuli located 6-km from Satara City and is another famous pilgrim center where rivers Krishna and Venna meet. Many beautiful Mandirs (temples) and Ghats can be found on the banks of the river. The Mangalagauri temples are quite famous over here and one can also see innumerable ruins of old temples.

Bogda:
Bogda is a tunnel built during the British Raj, which is a unique example of Civil and Construction Engineering. One has to pass through to this tunnel to go to any place located on the other side of Ajinkyatara from the main city.

Mobile range info:
Most of the region around Koyna River has good mobile network coverage, especially for major operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone. However, deep inside the sanctuary, network strength may fluctuate.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Chiplun is the nearest railway station, located about 50 km from the river.
Nearest Airport:The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, around 180 km away.
Road Transport:The river is accessible via roadways from Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur. Regular buses and taxis are available from these cities.

Nearest Visiting places:

Wai:
Wai is a holy place situated on the banks of the river Krishna. It is also known as Dakshin Kashi meaning the Kashi of the South. There are many temples and seven well-built Ghats on the banks of the river. Each of the Ghats differs in size and style. One can see a huge idol of Ganesha called Dholya Ganapathi, which is very famous and is made out of a single stone by Sardar Raste in 1762 AD.

Shingnapur:
Shingnapur is located on the niche of the Shikhar Shingnapur hills, 40 miles away from Satara and is a famous pilgrimage center. Atop the hill there is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev.

Panchagani:
Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna valley. Tucked away in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is a well-known hill station of Maharashtra on the highway to Mahabaleshwar from Pune. It derives its name from the five hills around it. Situated at an altitude of 1,334m, the 18-km approach to the Panchgani is breathtaking, offering heart-stopping views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other. It is far from the noise of Pune and the endless hustle-bustle and pollution of Mumbai metropolis. It is the first hill town one reaches from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Patankaran Petrol Pump, Chiplun: Approximately 50 km away.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

1.Hotel Saket Plaza,Old Band Road, Mahabaleshwar - 412 806.
2.Hotel Radhika Palace,New Radhika Road Satara (Mah) India-415002.
3.Hotel Gitanjali,Panchgani, Satara, Maharashtra 412805.

Things to carry:
Comfortable hiking shoes for trekking and exploring the area. Sunscreen and hats to protect from the sun during outdoor activities. Rain gear (especially during the monsoon season). Power banks and backup batteries for mobile phones and cameras. Binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

Tips & Suggestions:
Visit during the monsoon or winter for the best experience in terms of weather and scenic beauty. Ensure your vehicle is fuelled before visiting the river area, as petrol stations may be limited. Carry cash, as card payment options may not be widely available in remote areas.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Koyna Dam Security Helpline:+91 2164 241013
Nearest Hospital:
1.Gaonkar hospital,Karad, Satara, Maharashtra - 02164 220704
2.Chintamni Hospital,Satara, Satara, Maharashtra.