Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra

Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra 

Historic Monuments, Maharashtra, Sindhudurg  

India is full of interesting historical forts. A beautiful and well preserved example is the spectacular Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra, looking out over the Arabian Sea.

HISTORY

 
Sindhudurg Fort was built in 1664 by King Shivaji. The strategic rocky island location was carefully chosen to counter foreign forces, and to keep the nearby villages in check.

Located 510kms south of Mumbai and 130kms north of Goa the construction was done under the supervision of Hiroji Indulkar, an able architect. It is said that Shivaji invited 100 Portuguese experts from Goa for the construction of the fort and that 3000 workers were employed round the clock for three years to build Sindhudurg.

After Shivaji, Sindhudurg passed through the hands of Rajaram-Tarabai, Angres, Peshwa and the Bhosales of Kolhapur. It was briefly captured by the British in 1765 Ad And was renamed by them as ‘Fort Augustus’. Later in 1818 AD, the British dismantled the fort’s defence structures.

STRUCTURE

  
The 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four km long zigzag line of a 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions.

The fort is approachable from the Malavan pier by a boat through a narrow navigable channel between two smaller islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. The main gate, flanked by massive bastions, faces the city.

One of the most interesting features of this port is that the design of main door is an enigma, a hallmark of Maratha Architecture of fort building so that the entry can’t be located by attacking forces. The technique was so deceptive that the entrance was concealed due to blind curves. The zigzag pattern of outer wall was so built that the enemy would be visible from any point inside the fort and the troops inside could fire their guns and cannons effectively.

INTERESTING FACTS AND ATTRACTIONS INSIDE THE FORT

Shivaji’s palm and footprints are preserved here on dried lime slabs in a tower. Inside the Fort, temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri, Mahapurush and Shivajeshwar are worth seeing, all of which are in good condition. Chatrapati Shivaji’s younger son Rajaram in his remembrance built this temple. Shivaji’s idol stands in a boatman’s attire inside the temple and probably only one of its’ kind in the country – where the image of Shivaji is without a beard. Outside the southern wall there is a small beach, called Ranichi Vela (Queen’s private beach), where Queen Tarabai, daughter-in law of Shivaji, used to enjoy her sea-bath. Inside the fort there are three wells of drinkable water, which is a nature’s marvel as sea surrounds the fort on all four sides.
On a rocky island between Sindhudurg and the coast stood the small fort of Padmagad, now in ruins. It acted as a shield for Sindhudurg and was also used for shipbuilding
The fort also houses a coconut tree which has a branch and also gives fruit. (No other coconut tree has a branch.)
There is a hidden passage that starts in a temple that looks like a water reservoir and goes under the island for 3 km, under the sea for 12 km, and from there 12 km to a nearby village. The tunnel was used as an escape route for the women if the enemy entered the fort. However, the British partially closed this passage after the fort was abandoned.

Article by :- Mahindra Homestays

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Rajasthan to promote tourism around its salt lake Sambhar

Rajasthan to promote tourism around its salt lake Sambhar

Jaipur, April 15 :-  To attract more tourists, the Rajasthan Government is working on innovating new products in the sector such as salt tourism.

“Sambhar (salt lake) is the largest inland salt lake in the country. The State Government is taking steps to restore basic tourist infrastructure to promote it as a unique destination,” Rajasthan Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rakesh Srivastava said.

He was talking to presspersons on the sidelines of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) being organised here jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism (Rajasthan) and industry chamber FICCI, which has been organising it here since 2008. It is a pan-India international platform for inbound Tourism.

Srivastava said in the short run, the State Government would focus on restoration of British-era infrastructure including Heritage buildings, the Salt Museum, Circuit House and rail tracks.

In the long run, public sector undertakings Hindustan Salts and India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will further create tourism infrastructure and promote it.

The State Government is also mulling over the creation of new tourist circuits such as Jaipur-Sambhar-Ajmer and mega tourist hub with Jaipur, being at the heart of it.

Other new tourism products that are being considered by the State include ecological, Sports and Adventure tours.

“We have plans to change the face of tourism in Rajasthan which is known as a Cultural destination, by developing other tourist attractions such as adventure, ecological, archaeological, sports, rural and tribal tours in the State,” Bina Kak, Rajasthan Tourism Minister said while inaugurating the sixth edition of GITB.

“The State Government is working on ways to promote and implement these new segments in the State’s tourism sector,” said Kak.

The Minister added that the State’s tourism sector will not be able to achieve its full potential if it is only known as a Heritage destination and does not focus on new emerging sub-sections.

Articles source;- thehindubusinessline
 
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Scuba Diving in Konkan

Scuba Diving in Konkan

If you are interested in adventure. Konkan is the best place. Because of some of the famous beaches in konkan. In recent time there are few beaches, where you can enjoy scuba diving under the water.

 

 

 

 

 

The king of the beaches TARKALI Beach which is also famous now for scuba diving, many people from all over India comes here to full fill there passion of scuba diving. 

 

 

 

 

 

The water over here is transparently clear and everything is visible under the sea. Once can explore the under water creatures. It is great Experience. There are many Hotels in Tarkarli, the Travelthemes provides the packages for this sports and as well as site scenes. 

 

 

 

 

 

article sources by:- konkanlifestyle

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SAWANTWADI-The Pleasure Visit in Konkan Region

SAWANTWADI-The Pleasure Visit in Konkan Region

Located in Sindhudurg on the Konkan belt of Maharashtra, Sawantwadi is the place where one can witness the true color of Konkan region with amazing nature scenery, overflowing mountain rivers, breathtaking village scene and sure captivating sense of tradition of Maharashtra.  What better you would like to see when you get to experience Maharashtra nature beauty at one place.

Sawantwadi is a place where you will get bestowed hillrocks and is blessed with Arabian Sea. As this place is the entry point for Goa, many people visit this place to experience the beauty of nature.  The main attraction of this place is the Moti Talav and Wooden Toys. Beside the enchanting Moti Talav, there is beautiful landscape that adds feather to this place. As the visitor’s number is increasing, there is a newly renovated garden that makes this place more amazing and attractive.

Another specialty of Sawantwadi is the wooden craft.  People in this place prepare wooden toys, bamboo craft and traditional paintings which reveal the true art of Sawantwadi.  The most exciting thing about this place is the handmade Ganifa Cards, which are prepared by circular piece of paper in which different designs of Lord Vishnu are being is designed.  In each paper there are 120 handmade paintings cards which makes colorful box.  These cards came into existence 350 yrs ago when Bhosle, the royal family of Goa settled here.

Currently, there is craft village project is being undertaken called as “Shilpa Gram”. This craft village will offer local people to display their traditional handcraft work done by them to visitors.

Article sources by :- infomela

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Fugdi Folk dance form of Konkan region

Fugdi Folk dance form of Konkan region

 
  
Fugdi or "Foogdi" is the most popular folk dance form of Konkan region. It is performed during Hindu religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Vrata or towards the end of other dances like Dhalo. It is also performed during various religious and social occasions. It is generally performed during the month of Bhaadrapada, an occasion for the women to take a temporary break from their normal, monotonous schedule. In the Konkan region the women fetch water from long distances.

During the dance performance the women sing and dance. This dance is has different variation. In first variation it is performed in circle. In other it is performed in rows. In villages there is a tradition of performing this dance in circle where in the forest region it is performed in rows.

The speciality of this dance is that no songs are sung during this dance performance. They use their hands for clapping. During the dance performance the women move in the circle. During the dance performance the dancer blow air through the mouth at maximum pace. During this process a sound ‘FOO’ can be heard. It is one of the reason for the nomenclature of the dance.

Fugdi songs which are sung during the dance performance are based on ancient stories, family life, complaints, rivalries or people.

This dance form has many variation like Kalashi Fugdi, Bus Fugdi, Kombda, Ghuma, and Pakhwa. 

Kalashi Fugdi

Kalashi Fugdi is an interesting folk dance performed by the women of Goa. It is performed before Goddess Lakshmi during the vrata. This dance has been derived from a famous dance called Fugdi. In this dance, a group of women dance with copper pitchers in their hands. While dancing to the music, the women blow into the pitchers. The vessel symbolizes the womb, while blowing into it indicates the act of imparting of life into it.

There is an interesting claim to the origin of this dance. In the villages, it is a norm for the women to fetch water from the nearby river or pond. To break the monotony of the long journey, the women developed this dance by blowing into the empty pitchers. 

Goff Dance

It is a folk dance with cords, manifesting joy and happiness of Goan peasants after the harvest. It is performed during the Shigmo Festival in Phalgun (March) month. Each dancer holds a colourful cord hanging at the centre point of the 'Mand' - the place of performance - and starts dancing intricately with the others, forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the end of the first movement.

Article Source by :- desievite

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Dapoli – Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions Near Mumbai

Dapoli – Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions Near Mumbai

“Dapoli, a perfect weekend gateway and an ideal picnic spot with multiple attractions like beaches, greenery and temples. Dapoli near khed station on konkan railway is a small town considered as hill station, situated in ratnagiri district, Maharashtra (India) is a tourist spot and an ideal overnight picnic spot for people attracted to scenic location with cool climate all 12 months of year, Famous for Dapoli beach, karde and murud beach and other untouched clean beaches, ancient Caves, jungle trekking locations and historic temples..”

Reaching Dapoli From Mumbai

Via Road : Mumbai to Dapoli (Khed) distance is 250 kilometers and can be reached via National Highway 17 with time taken about 4 hours. Preferred options are private car, Jeep and tourists buses starting from Mumbai operated by many tour operators. A picnic group can hire a private jeep to enjoy major scenic location, picnic attractions and other places to see in Dapoli town.

Via Railway : Khed station on konkan railway route is the nearest station to reach Dapoli which is about 29 kilometers from station. Once their, you can hire car, rental jeeps and other local transport to reach Dapoli town.

Via Air : Since Dapoli is a small hill station town, No direct air route possible. The nearest airport to reach Dapoli is Mumbai airport or Pune Airport.

Famous in Dapoli :

Dapoli is famous for its beaches, Hiking trials, Jungle, Old Konkan villages, Hill station, Picnic spot, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Tourist spot and attractions, Temples, Caves and for food lovers its is very famous for Alphonso mangoes (locally called ‘Hapus Aam’). Internationally, Dapoli is famous between tourists for its pollution free cool climate, overnight picnic spot, untouched beaches attractions, sunset point, hot water spring (Sulphur water) and an ideal hill station location for tourist weekend gateway quite near to Mumbai. Dapoli is also famous for its mangoes (Alphonso) and other plantations like coconut trees, Cashew nuts and Betel nuts.

Major Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions

Beaches in Dapoli

Two major beaches are famous tourist attractions of Dapoli, Karde beach and Murud beach know for its clean, pollution free beaches and one of the largest beaches in konkan region (Maharashtra). Some of these beaches are very less explored (untouched beaches) with rocks and clean mud, an ideal scenic location famous for sunset with lots of coconut trees shades. Ladghar, Karde and Murud beaches are well known here.

Famous Karde and Murud Beaches

At about 10 to 12 kilometer distance from Dapoli town, Murud and karde beaches are the longest beaches in Ratnagiri district. Sea side Paragliding, Beautiful Sunset, Dolphins watch is what makes this beaches an idol picnic spot and tourist attractions.

Hiking Trials

Since, dapoli has lush forest and jungle around with good mountains ideal for hiking and trekking. People from Mumbai and other locations specially comes to this location for camp fire, mountain hiking and trekking in Monsoon season.

Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Forts

Located at Harne (Harnai village), 17 kilometer distance from dapoli, Suvarnadurg fort and Kanakdurg fort are two major attractions, Specialty being suvarna fort is a land side fort, while kanakdurg fort is sea fort, both historic and ruled by shivaji maharaj. It is said that these forts were connected to each other at that time via some hidden sea link, But now they are an ideal place to be seen. One should not miss the lighthouse which is located inside the kanakdurg fort.

Panhalekaji Caves

One of the ancient caves near Mumbai, Panhalekaji caves is among 29 famous caves located at river bank of Dhakti and Kotjai rivers near Dapoli, quite accesible from Khed station. The attractions of this place being varities of beautiful birds, Ideal scenic location with combination view of Mountain and River with reptiles inside the dense forest. Yes if you are with your picnic group, driving till this caves is possible.

Kelshi Village

About 34 kilometers from Dapoli is this old village. Kelshi is famous for its unexplored beaches and scenic tourist attractions. If you are keen to know the typical village life of konkan in ratnagiri district, Kelshi is an ideal location. Another famous attraction is ‘Yaqub Baba Dargah’ which is about a kilometers from village. Hindi Tourist and other specially come here to visit Mahalaxmi temple (Also called ‘Mahalakshmi’ religious temple).

Hot Water Springs

Located at unhavare village at distance of 20 kilometers from Dapoli, This Hot sulphur water spring is naturally hot and known to heal basic skin diseases. This can be an ideal picnic location if you are visiting Dapoli in monsoon or winter. Their is no fees / charges to take bath in this sulphur water spring. This rejuvenating water is an example of natural healing, yet another tourist attraction quite near to Mumbai. Precautions are taken and separate shelter for men and women are made to enjoy this natural gift.

Ladghar ‘Tamas Tirtha’

Ladghar is famous for its rocky beaches not much explored by tourists. Also famously known as ‘Tamas Tirtha’ (Spiritual location) is about 8 kilometers from Dapoli village and a famous tourist spot, ideal for weekend picnic spot.

Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple
 
Dapoli is also known for its ancient temples, Kadyavarcha ganpati (Ganesh temple) at Anjarle village is quite famous spiritual ancient hindu temple which is 20 kilometers from Dapoli. It was famous for its wooden carvings on its pillars. The temple is at hill location and also has some beautiful beaches surrounded. Anjarles’s Kadyavarcha ganesh temple has one of the best scenic location as one can see beautiful jungle, lush green mountains, sea with coconut and betel nut trees and a beautiful ancient suvarnadurg fort view from their.

Their is also a hindu shiva temple with a small pond in front with many turtles and fishes inside, one can feed them and have good time of the day.

Asudbaug Temples

Located in Asud village at about 5 kilometers from Dapoli, Asudbaug temples being ‘Shree Keshavraj temple’ and ‘Shree Vyagreshwar temple’ are the two ancient hindu temple surrounded by nature in beautiful asud village. This lord shiva temple is quite known between tourist who loves architecture monuments, specially know for ‘Hemadpanthi’ art work. This temples are called as ‘Pandavkaleen’, which means a very old temples since tousands of years, since time when Pandavas from Mahabharata were existing). These old temples of Dapoli are quite an attraction between tourist for its ‘Fresh water’ naturally flowing from tree trunk at this hilly location.

Harnai Village

15 kilometers from Dapoli is harnai village famous for its sea food and fish market. If you are a sea food lover, this fresh fish can make your day. Another attraction of harnai is suvarnadurg fort as mentioned above. 


Article Source: Mumbai77

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Beaches in Konkan, Beaches near Mumbai – White Sand Virgin Beaches – Vengurla

Vengurla is a town in Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated in Sindhudurga district of the state. It comes in the Kokan region and is adorned with lush green mountains, pristine beaches and beautiful natural surroundings. The town of Vengurla is also rich in cultural heritage. It was one of the busiest ports in the past and had also flourished in trade and business in those times. It is now a hot tourist spot as it houses many exquisite beaches and other beautiful natural sites. 

Mochemad beach near Vengurla offers the visitors beautiful long stretch of golden sand along the majestic Arabian Sea. You can see here fascinating Suru trees lined along shores of the Sea. Some hills covered with lush green forest and cool and pleasant breeze of sea attract the tourist in large number there.

Vayangani beach is another place of attraction to be seen in Vengurla. It is not only this beautiful beach that attracts the tourists, there are other picturesque natural sites that fascinates tourist most. Lush green trees of mango, Jackfruit, cashew etc are found in plenty all along the shores of the Arabian Sea. 

If you are on visit to this beautiful town don’t miss Kokan Farming University and Fruit Research Center. It is study centre and also serves as a tourist spot. Here you will get to see many varieties of Mango, Cashew and other fruits. The centre specializes in remolding and creating new species of fruits plants.

Apart from natural beautiful sites Vengurla has some place of worships visited by many devotees and tourists as well. Among them is the temple of lord Shiva located near the Sangreshwar beach. The temple is built in stones and presents a grand look to the visitors. Ganesh temple, Shri Mauli temple and Swaymbhoo Mahadev temple are other religious places to be seen around Vengurla. These temples are situated in Redi village near Vengurla.

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How to reach:

Dabolim Airport of Goa serves as the nearest airbase to Vengurla. Goa is just 84 km away from it and is well liked to other major cities of the country. Many state run buses connect Vengurla to Pune, Mumbai, Goa and other cities and towns of Maharashtra and Goa. Kudal railway station which serves as the closest railhead comes in Kokan railway line and is connected to other cities and towns of the state.

Article Source: Punebuzzz