There are just a few reasons to foray into this little pocket and once these are done with, you will find greater happiness wandering in the green hills around. Chawdar Tank is right in the centre of Mahad town. In 1927, as a symbolic blow to the centuries-old caste hierarchy that he spent all his life trying to break down, BR Ambedkar drank water from this tank, previously reserved for the upper castes. Ten thousand backward caste people had gathered with him in an event that became famous as the Mahad Satyagraha. One of the most pleasant things to do in Mahad is to take a dip in the hot water springs at Sav Unala, known for their curative properties, especially against skin diseases. A dip is very refreshing, so take a change of clothing along for you are bound to get tempted. There are caves at Shivtargad, 55 km away and right next to a waterfall. An ascetic called Ramdas Baba, believed to have been Shivaji?s guru, lived in these caves for 14 years, writing the Dasbodh Granth. Walan Kund is also 55 km away, but in a different direction from Shivtargad. In the freshwater pool here, a strange thing is said to happen. If you throw in food, fish will come for it seven successive times ? each time a different shoal and each shoal comprising bigger fish than the last. 1. Motel Visava (on the highway) Near Petrol Pump, Mumbai-Goa Highway Tel 02145-222382, 222866 Fax 223084 Accommodation 39 rooms Tariff Rs 468-2,000; taxes extra Credit Cards Not accepted Facilities Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, car rental, laundry, doctor-on-call, cable TV, utility shop, parking, STD/ ISD Visava offers more facilities than the competition, but seems to have got complacent over the years. Make sure you hang your scarf over the keyhole if you stay here. Some waiters are Peeping Toms. 2. Hotel Kuber Palace (on the highway) Near Ambedkar College, NH17 Tel 02145-225993, 226415/ 16 Accommodation 16 rooms Tariff Rs 650-750; taxes extra Credit Cards Not accepted Facilities Restaurant, car rental, doctor-on-call, cable TV, room service, STD/ ISD Alkapuri Restaurant here serves Indian, Chinese, Punjabi and South Indian food. The rooms are shiny and new.