Chalkewadi Windmill Farm in Satara, Maharashtra, is one of the largest wind energy projects in Asia and a must-visit tourist destination. Situated at an altitude of around 1,200 meters above sea level, this plateau is home to hundreds of giant windmills spread across the lush green landscape. Travelers love this place for its breathtaking natural beauty, cool climate, and picturesque views, especially during the monsoon season.
If you are planning a trip to Satara, then Chalkewadi Windmill is a destination you should not miss. Let’s explore this beautiful site in detail.
Chalkewadi Windmill Satara Tourism
Best Time to Visit Chalkewadi Windmill
- Monsoon (June–September): The plateau turns lush green, and the view of windmills amidst misty clouds is magical.
- Post-Monsoon (October–February): The weather is cool and pleasant, making it a good time for sightseeing and photography.
- Summer (March–May): It can get hot and dry; not recommended for travel.
If you want to see Chalkewadi Windmill with waterfalls and Kaas Plateau flowers, plan your trip in August–October.
How to Reach Chalkewadi Windmill Satara
Chalkewadi is well connected by road, and reaching it is quite simple.
By Road:
- From Satara city: Chalkewadi is about 25 km away. You can take a taxi, cab, or private vehicle.
- From Pune: Chalkewadi is around 150 km. Drive via NH48 towards Satara and then head to Chalkewadi.
- From Mumbai: It is around 270 km away, best reached via the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway.
- By Train: Satara Railway Station is the nearest station, about 25 km from Chalkewadi.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, about 150 km away.
Chalkewadi Windmill Distance from Satara / Pune
- Satara to Chalkewadi Windmill → 25 km (approx. 45 minutes by road)
- Pune to Chalkewadi Windmill → 150 km (approx. 3.5 hours by road)
Places to Visit Near Chalkewadi Windmill Satara
When visiting Chalkewadi, you can also explore nearby attractions:
- Thoseghar Waterfall (6 km) – A spectacular waterfall, especially in the monsoon.
- Kaas Plateau / Valley of Flowers (30 km) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for seasonal wildflowers.
- Sajjangad Fort (18 km) – A historic fort and spiritual site linked with Sant Ramdas Swami.
- Ajinkyatara Fort (30 km) – Offers panoramic views of Satara city.
- Bamnoli Lake (40 km) – A peaceful boating destination.
Chalkewadi Plateau Satara
The Chalkewadi Plateau is an elevated flatland surrounded by the Sahyadri ranges. Known for its windmill farm, greenery, and misty atmosphere, the plateau is a major attraction in Satara tourism. During monsoon, the entire plateau is covered with wildflowers, resembling a natural carpet.
Chalkewadi Windmill Satara Photos / Images
Tourists love taking pictures of the giant windmills, cloud-covered mountains, and valleys. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a mobile photography enthusiast, Chalkewadi provides plenty of Instagram-worthy shots. Sunset and sunrise views are especially breathtaking.
Chalkewadi Windmill Road Condition
The road from Satara to Chalkewadi is mostly good, but during the monsoon season, it may become slippery with potholes. A private vehicle or cab is the best option, as public transport is limited. Two-wheeler riders should be cautious due to fog and rain.
Chalkewadi Windmill Satara Monsoon Season
Monsoon is the most popular time to visit Chalkewadi. The mist, clouds, and greenery make it look like a hill station in Maharashtra. However, heavy rains may sometimes block roads, so keep a buffer in your travel time.
Wind Energy Project Satara
The Chalkewadi Windmill Farm is not just a tourist spot but also an important renewable energy project in Maharashtra. The project generates over 500 MW of electricity, supplying power to nearby districts. This makes it one of the largest wind energy projects in India.
Chalkewadi Windmill Satara Entry Fee / Timings
- Timings: Open all day (best visited during daylight hours).
- Entry Fee: No entry fee. Visitors can freely explore the windmill area and viewpoints.
Famous Windmill Farm in Maharashtra
Chalkewadi is the most famous windmill farm in Maharashtra due to its large scale and scenic beauty. It is often compared to international windmill farms and is one of the top eco-tourism destinations in India.
Satara Hill Station Windmills
Although Satara is not officially a hill station, the Chalkewadi plateau and its surroundings give a hill station vibe. The windmills spread across the hills add to its charm, making it a favorite spot for road trips from Pune and Mumbai.