Forget smart cities — this small village in Maharashtra has achieved what big cities still can’t

Satara Village: A peaceful, self-built model of sustainability that stunned Anand Mahindra — and now the rest of India.

Across India, villages are often associated with a lack of infrastructure, poor sanitation, and limited access to essential services. But tucked near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is a village that challenges every one of these assumptions. Satara, a quiet settlement in Chandrapur district, has emerged as a shining example of what community-driven development can achieve. Its spotless streets, organised waste management, solar-powered public utilities, and remarkable civic discipline have stunned not just travellers, but also industrialist Anand Mahindra.

Satara’s rise to national attention began when a video shared by content creator Ankita Kumar (@monkey.inc) went viral. The clip revealed a village so clean, so thoughtfully designed, and so forward-thinking that many viewers initially assumed it was part of a tourism initiative or a privately developed township. But Satara is neither. Every improvement—from solar heaters to water meters—has been built and maintained by the villagers themselves.

   

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A post shared by Ankita Kumar 🇮🇳| TRAVEL (@monkey.inc)

The transformation is so impressive that Anand Mahindra, known for spotlighting stories of innovation and inspiration, publicly praised the village. He wrote about Satara as “a quiet success story in our own backyard,” one that demonstrates how meaningful change requires not enormous budgets or grand infrastructure, but leadership, cooperation, and a shared vision.

This clip has been doing the rounds. I paused to check if it was too good to be true. It isn’t. What it captures is a quiet success story in our own backyard. A village that has become a role model, not just for cleanliness or sustainability or shared amenities, but for an… pic.twitter.com/PK0HHRwBam — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 1, 2025

A Village That Redefines Cleanliness and Sustainability

Satara, a small village near Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has become a standout example of how community effort can transform rural life. With clean streets, smart resource management, and sustainable practices, it shows what’s possible when residents work together with a shared vision. Here’s what makes this village truly remarkable.

1. Spotless Streets and Zero Garbage Culture: Satara is remarkably clean, with litter-free lanes and covered drains. A community-led waste system—children collecting trash daily and adults rotating cleaning duties—keeps the village spotless.

2. A Common Solar Water Heater for All Residents: Every resident gets free hot water from a community solar heater, reducing firewood use and ensuring consistent access across the village.

3. RO Water ATM Cards and Metered Home Connections: Clean drinking water is provided through a Water ATM card system, and every home has a metered tap, ensuring responsible use and minimal wastage.

4. Solar-Powered Automatic Street Lights: The entire village is illuminated by solar lights that switch on automatically, improving safety and cutting electricity costs.

5. A Community Space for Senior Citizens: A community area equipped with seating and a TV offers seniors a comfortable place to relax and socialise daily.

6. A Library for Children: A small children’s library encourages reading, curiosity, and learning, making it a beloved spot for young residents.

7. Rainwater Harvesting, Composting, and Impeccably Clean Cattle Sheds: Sustainability runs deep here: rainwater harvesting, composting, spotless cattle sheds, and zero open toilets make Satara one of the most hygienic rural communities in the region.

The Visionary Behind the Transformation

Satara’s development did not happen overnight. According to the viral video, the transformation was led by an individual named Gajanan, whose determination and leadership helped reshape the entire village. Over the course of five years, he planned each initiative, mobilised residents, and convinced families to contribute their money, time, and labour.

Every improvement you see in Satara is the result of community participation. Unlike many development projects that rely heavily on external funding, Satara’s progress has come from within. Women now play significant leadership roles, and many of Tadoba’s renowned women safari guides hail from this very village.

(Image: Canva)

What Travellers Can Expect in Satara

Visitors can expect a rare experience: a clean, peaceful, and environmentally conscious village where modern ideas blend seamlessly with rural life. Satara is not a tourist spot in the commercial sense—it is a living community. Travellers often describe their visit as eye-opening, inspiring, and a reminder of the potential that lies in collective willpower.

Satara’s proximity to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve makes it an excellent addition to wildlife-focused itineraries. After a safari, travellers often visit the village to explore its quiet lanes, meet the residents, and witness a model of rural development that could inspire communities across India.

How to Visit Satara Village in Maharashtra

Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur

Distance to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: approximately 106–140 km

Nearest Railway Stations

Chandrapur Junction: around 37 km

Nagpur Railway Station: around 103 km

By Road

Satara is accessible via taxis or buses from Chandrapur and Nagpur. Travellers typically reach Tadoba first and then make their way to the village, often with the help of local guides or safari lodges.

Why Satara Deserves a Place on Your Travel List

In a country where conversations around rural development often centre on challenges, Satara stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when residents take ownership of their surroundings. The village is an embodiment of discipline, unity, and innovation at the grassroots level.

Travelling to Satara offers more than a scenic detour; it offers perspective. It shows that progress is not defined by towering buildings or multimillion-rupee projects, but by a community’s willingness to work together and imagine a better life.

Satara’s achievements are not just a local milestone—they are a blueprint for rural India’s future.