Unveiling Bhilar: A Concealed Literary Treasure Among Maharashtra's Tourist Destinations
Discover Bhilar, Maharashtra's Enchanting Book Village
Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra's Satara district, Bhilar has transformed from a strawberry farming hub into India's first book village. This unique destination, situated halfway between Panchgani and the hill station of Mahabaleshwar, opened its doors to the public in May 2017.
Bhilar is a haven for literature lovers and researchers, with around 15,000 Marathi and 500 English books available across 25 families' homes, which have been converted into themed reading rooms. These rooms offer a wide range of genres, from Warli art-themed folk tales to history books centred around Maratha monarch Shivaji, all carefully curated to align with the house's decor. Visitors can browse, borrow, or buy books, making it a unique destination for those seeking a literary adventure.
Besides its literary attractions, Bhilar boasts local art installations, including art on the walls that depict cultural heritage and specific themes related to the books available inside the homes. Visitors can also meet resident artists, adding to the immersive cultural experience.
For nature and outdoor enthusiasts, Bhilar's proximity to Mahabaleshwar offers a variety of activities. Mahabaleshwar is known for trekking, medicinal plants, and historical fortresses (ghats) from Maharashtra's ancient history. You can also enjoy bike rides or taxi sightseeing excursions to explore the surrounding scenic beauty.
Accommodation options in Bhilar include the Gurusparsh Resort, which provides a tranquil agro-eco-nature retreat with stunning valley views, a swimming pool, gardens, barbecues, and facilities for outdoor activities like watching movies on a projector screen or playing badminton.
Bhilar hosts events such as the Flower Festival, which decorates the hills with blooms, adding a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the book village and its natural environment. The best time to visit Bhilar is from October to March, offering cool weather and the peak strawberry season.
In addition to Bhilar, Mahabaleshwar offers multiple accommodations for various budgets and is a good trekking destination with a variety of medicinal plants and herbs. Lake Venna, an ideal place for an evening outing, can be found on the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road. The nearest airport and railhead to Bhilar is in Pune, approximately 3.5 hours away, with taxis available for hire from there.
Explore Bhilar, Maharashtra's book village, and immerse yourself in a world of literature, art, nature, and culture.
Expanding the literary adventure, one might also find home-and-garden books that document local art installations reflected in the cultural heritage of Bhilar. On the other hand, for those seeking a change of scenery, travel opportunities abound beyond the book village, with Mahabaleshwar offering outdoor activities, historical sites, and picturesque surroundings.
