Wai
वाई
A historic religious town on the Krishna River, known as the 'Kashi of the South', famous for its riverside ghats and a giant elephant-headed deity statue.
Wai lies on the Krishna River about 35 km below Mahabaleshwar and is a renowned religious town in Maharashtra. More than a hundred temples and seven stone-stepped riverside ghats line the banks, earning it the nickname 'Kashi of the South' after Varanasi. Its most famous landmark is the Dholya Ganpati Temple, completed in 1762, which houses a single-stone image of Ganesha about 3 metres tall. Next door, the Kashi Vishweshwar Shiva Temple has a finely carved stone front hall. The town is also a frequent filming location for movies. Temples are generally open from early morning until evening, and entry is free. It can be visited on the way down from Mahabaleshwar or on the drive to or from Pune.
Opening hours
Temple approx. 06:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Menavali Ghat
- Table Land, Panchgani
- Dhom Dam
- Parsi Point
- Kamalgad
- Mapro Garden
- Kate's Point & Needle Hole Point
- Lingmala Waterfall