It began as a slow, unhurried Sunday, the kind we all secretly crave, I woke up at 8:00 AM (which, for me, is definitely late compared to my usual 6:30 AM routine). As I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast with the morning newspaper, a few breathtaking photos of lush landscapes caught my eye—and just like that, a spontaneous travel plan was born. The idea? A quick visit to our farm in Jor village, a peaceful hamlet in Wai tehsil, Satara district. This little known destination lies close to the origin of the Krishna River and offers stunning views of popular Mahabaleshwar viewpoints like Elephant’s Head Point and Kate’s Point. Within minutes, the plan was approved by everyone at home including my in-laws and by 10:30 AM, we were on our way from Pune.
Despite starting a bit late, we decided to drive straight through without halts. The journey typically takes around 3 hours, and while the Khed-Shivapur toll junction often tests patience with heavy traffic, luck was on our side this time. With minimal delays, we reached Wai by 1:00 PM, making it one of our smoothest drives on this route.
From Wai onward, the drive transforms into a visual treat. The closer you get to Jor, the more enchanting the surroundings become. It’s the kind of place where you simply cannot resist stopping for photographs every few minutes. Majestic mountains rise on both sides, framing lush green meadows that feel untouched and serene. The region is rich with dense greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine waterfalls cascading gracefully over rocky slopes. The gentle drizzle added a magical touch, making everything look fresh and alive. The sight of flowers swaying in the breeze, combined with the soothing sound of flowing water pure bliss. It truly felt like stepping into a hidden paradise.
Elephant Nose Point from Jor
Heaven!! Sahyadri Mountains
Proof that heaven exists on Earth
The mountains stood still, but my heart wandered
Nature’s therapy: mountains, mist, and melodies of water
Lost in the greens
Unable to resist, we jumped right into the experience, literally! Standing under the cool cascading waterfall was refreshing beyond words. Even as the chilly water made us shiver, we couldn’t pull ourselves away. We played, laughed, and soaked in every moment until we were completely refreshed. After drying off, we headed to our farm, where time seemed to slow down. Sitting quietly and admiring the surrounding beauty was an experience in itself. Near the Balkawadi Dam, we relived childhood memories by skipping stones across the water, a simple joy that never fades. Meanwhile, Aaravya (my son) was absolutely thrilled. The vast open space became his playground as he ran freely, soaking in the joy of nature.
Cold water, warm memories
Flowing freely, just like this stream
We :)
By 5:00 PM, hunger kicked in, especially for my father-in-law, who never compromises on his evening tea! Since there are no restaurants or eateries near Jor, we started heading back toward Wai for refreshments. And then came an unexpected highlight of the trip, a group of peacocks! One, then another, and suddenly we spotted over 10 peacocks near a farm by the dam. It was a magical sight, though capturing them all in one frame proved impossible. Later, locals shared that peacocks are commonly seen around Balkawadi Dam during early morning and evening hours, making it a must visit spot for nature and wildlife lovers.
Every turn painted in shades of green
On our way back, we passed the scenic Dhom Dam and noticed a lively Chowpatty area. We couldn’t resist stopping for a quick break. We enjoyed boating on the dam, while Aaravya had a fantastic time riding camels and horses. It was the perfect combination of relaxation and fun before heading back home.
Dhom dam Chowpatty
Our trip ended on a peaceful note with a visit to the famous Maha Ganpati Temple (Dholya Ganpati) in Wai, located right on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple houses a massive and beautifully painted idol of Lord Ganesh, radiating positivity and charm. Right next to it is the Kashi Vishweshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate carvings, a beautifully sculpted Nandi, and a serene Shivling, a perfect place to unwind spiritually.
Maha Ganpati, Wai
On our way back, we made a much-needed stop at the popular Rohit Wadewale, and honestly, it felt like the perfect decision after such a long, adventure-filled day. We ordered Wada Sambar, crispy Kanda Bhaji, and steaming hot tea and within seconds, the plates were under attack! Hunger had clearly taken over, and everyone eagerly grabbed their share.
The Kanda Bhaji stole the show, perfectly crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious. Paired with hot tea, it was the comfort food we didn’t know we needed. After that refreshing break, we resumed our journey towards Pune and finally reached home around 9:00 PM, tired but immensely satisfied.
If you’re looking for offbeat places near Pune, Jor village offers everything, scenic beauty, tranquility, waterfalls. If you’re craving a break from city life, take this as your sign to explore this hidden paradise in Satara district. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
