Karad Knowledge Guide
History
It was originally known as "Karhatak", meaning "Elephant Market". Karad is also a city of historical importance. According to Mahabharata, Sahadeva one of the Pandavas lived in the city also known to be pious as Lord Rama stepped his feet on this land. Located to the south west of Karad is Karad Caves.The first capital of the Shilaharas was probably at Karad during the reign of Jatiga-II as known from their copper plate grant of Miraj and Vikramankadevacharita of Bilhana. Hence sometimes they are referred as 'Shilaharas of Karad'. The capital was later shifted to Kolhapur. Among the Silaharas of Kolhapur who ruled over Satara and Belganv districts from 1000 to 1215 A. D., Gonka deserves mention here, as he is described as the Lord of Karhad (Karad), Mairifvja (Miraj) and Konkan.Also a Major event in history is witnessed by the Krishna River Banks, His Highness Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once washed his weapon which is known as Waghnakhya and Bichhwa in the River Krishna's waters
Tourism
Some Famous Tourist places in and around Karad are: Preeti Sangam (Krishna-Koyna Confluence) ➤ Approx 2 km Krishnamai Temple ➤ Approx 2 km Pritisangam Udyan ➤ Approx 2 km Late Yashwantrao Chavan's Samadhi ➤ Approx 2 km Historical Monument 'Manore' (2 Minars) ➤ Approx 2 km Naktya Ravlyachi Vihir (Ancient Well) ➤ Approx 2 km Masjid Built by Sultan Ali Adilshah (1557- 1580) ➤ Approx 2 km Sadashivgad ➤ Approx 5 km Khodshi Dam ➤ Approx 5 km Agashiv Caves ➤ Approx 5 km Vasantgad ➤ Approx 15 km Talbid (Ram Mandir) ➤ Approx 15 km Sar-Senapati Hambirrao Mohite Samadhi ➤ Approx 15 km Chauranginath Temple, Sonsal ➤ Approx 20 km Ramling Bet, Bahe ➤ Approx 30 km Shri Khandoba Devsthan, Pal ➤ Approx 30 km Ram Mandir Chaphal ➤ Approx 30 km Yamai Mandir, Aundh ➤ Approx 35 km Uttarmand Dam ➤ Approx 35 km Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary ➤ Approx 30 km Valmiki Temple & Big Wild Area ➤ Approx 45 km Chandoli Dam ➤ Approx 50 km Koyna Dam ➤ Approx 60 km Nawja Waterfall ➤ Approx 65 kmSome Famous Points Near Satara : ( Km From Karad ) Ganesh Temple, Angapur ➤ Approx 40 km Tuljabhavani Temple, Shendre ➤ Approx 45 km Charbhinti ➤ Approx 60 km Ajinkyatara ➤ Approx 60 km Yavateshvar ➤ Approx 60 km Sajjangad ➤ Approx 65 km Ganesh Temple, Phutka Talav ➤ Approx 65 km Sangam Mahuli ➤ Approx 60 km Chalkewadi Wind Mills ➤ Approx 75 km Pateshwar ➤ Approx 75 km Kaas Plateau ➤ Approx 75 km Thoseghar Waterfall ➤ Approx 75 km Vajrai Waterfall ➤ Approx 85 km Baramatyachi Vihir ➤ Approx 85 km
Transportation
National Highways
The National Highway 48 (formerly National Highway 4) goes through the Karad city. National Highway 48 (NH 48) is a major National Highway in Western and Southern India. NH 48 links four of the 10 most populous Indian cities - Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. NH 48 also connects Karad to Kolhapur. Pune is the largest metropolis near Karad and Kolhapur is an important trade centre and educational hub for IIT training and a tourist destination.
Airport
An Airstrip was constructed in the 1955 by the Public Works Department to facilitate the Koyna dam project. It is currently being used for General aviation and pilot training. The airport is spread on 65 acres and the acquisition of more than 100 acres has been proposed. Runway 10/28 is 1280 meters long and 30 meters wide with a 60 meter by 60 meter apron. No navigational aids nor night landing facilities are available on the airstrip. The State run Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) plans to extend the 1,250 meters airstrip by another 1,500 m and widen it by 150 m. Besides this nearest airports are Pune Airport, and Kolhapur Airport(under construction) which will start functioning in 2018-19
Railways
Karad – 4 km from cityKarad has railway station and is onroute from Mumbai to Miraj, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Bangalore (some trains). You can reach Karad from Mumbai or Pune easily by road or rail (Mahalaxmi Express, Koyna Express,"Goa Express", Sahyadri Express or Chalukya Express). Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has allocated funds for a plan to build a new 112 km railway line between Karad and Chiplun. Nearest railway junctionMiraj – 72 kmAll super-fast trains like the Karnataka Sampark Kranti, Deekshaboomi Express, Rani Chenama Express, Haripriya Express and Miraj Hubli Express stop at Miraj Junction. You can take private cars or MSRTC buses from Miraj to Karad. Travel time from Miraj to Karad is Approx.roximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Railway Time Table KaradTowards MirajTowards Pune
Culture
Performing arts
The city has a major hall for cultural activities and exhibitions: Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial - Town Hall. Cultural events of various organizations and gatherings of schools are also held here. Many theatre artists have been flashed at the National Level from this place. The "Venutai Chavan Hall" is used for classical concerts,conducting national and international seminars on topics like science, space, traditions, culture, spirituality, etc.
Literature
Karad has a tradition of literature lovers. The prestigious 76th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held at banks of Krishna river in Karad in 2003.
Museums and historic areas
In the honor of his contribution to building modern Maharashtra a small visiting museum is created in the residence of Late Shri Yashwantrao Chavan in Karad. An ancient well, named Naktya Rawalyachi Vihir is located near Krishna river in Karad which shows the well planned construction techniques followed during the ancient times.
Yashwantrao Chavan Agricultural, Industrial and Cattle show
The late Yashwantrao Chavan Agricultural, Industrial and Cattle Show is mega regional Agricultural event of global standards held at Karad, by Krishi Uttpanna Bajar Samiti Karad since 2001. The event of around 500 exhibitors provides an excellent platform under one roof for showcasing the latest technology in agriculture, poultry and livestock, dairy, agro services and food processing and technology etc.