The Konkan Journey: Pune- Tamhini- Raigad- HariHareshwar and back

The Konkan Journey: Pune- Tamhini- Raigad- HariHareshwar and back

It was like any regular evening in the hostel when we decided to visit Mulshi, knowing nothing about the place. Holi was next day. We were four of us, all medical students, and that was the road where we had not been before on a bike. Mulshi was a dam, this I had heard before, so we headed to Chandni Chowk on two bikes, and took the turn to Paud. The road is beautiful, and things looked good as we crossed the Pirangut ghat, the sun was setting and we went ahead, reaching Mulshi after 20 kms. Mulshi Dam is a huge water body, but there was no place which looked good to get into the water. The road moved along the reservoir, where we clicked few photographs, including the full moon. Grossly dissatisfied, I remembered that this way led further to Alibaug, from a previous bus journey. I asked a local who confirmed. Those with me gave a nod, and we went ahead. As we went further, the road condition worsened, and there were many turns where… At one point, there is a narrow road running between steep cliffs on both sides, crossing it was a Thrilling experience.

The road is generally avoided in the night, as there are incidences of robbery. It is a road less used, and during our journey down the ghat, hardly any vehicles came from the front. This added to our fears. None of us knew where we would find the next petrol pump, and we weren’t prepared. After some distance, we found an armed forces establishment- The Rajmachi Centre, and the guy there directed us further. The road was bad, and we did not know how far Alibaug was. On descending down the ghat, and buying adulterated petrol, we reached a diversion, and took the wrong turn, reaching the road which goes to Mahad, much south than Alibaug. The moon accompanied us throughout, and as we returned to civilisation, there were villages where ‘holi’ fire was being burned. We went down to Mahad, hoping to find a less expensive lodge, but not getting any place to stay, inquired about places where we could visit the next day. We realised that Raigad fort was nearby (30km) and set off for Raigad at night. All the way, there were huge fires being lit for Holi. People said that it was not a good idea to go to the fort at this time. It must be around 1 am by now, and moving at a slow pace, negotiating the slippery gravel and turns, we reached Raigad in 1 hour. There, we could not see a single soul. There was a group of dogs, that barked the whole night, not letting us sleep. We saw a bus stop, and then, slept there, to catch a nap of 2 hours. On waking up, and having breakfast, we waited for the sun-rise, and then, went to Trek the fort, reaching up in an hour. There is a ropeway too, for those who cannot walk to the fort. It felt nice to see the morning sun between the Hills of Sahyadri. Raigad was once the Capital of Shivaji, and this was the place where he was coronated as king. The fort has ruins of the market in those times, a durbar, temples and the final resting place/ tomb of Shivaji. It was a nice Experience being there- Accidently.Coming down was tiring, after the lack of sleep. Now that we came here to see a Beach, we proceeded to Hari hareshwar.

The roads in Konkan have many characteristics. They are narrow, red soil on both sides, there are many ways to reach a particular place, via different Villages, the signs are sometimes misleading, as the same place can be reached by different routes. Ask locals, and confirm. Though if you do not have time constraints, trust your gut feelings and you will discover for your self the best places that nobody can tell you. Bike is the best way to enjoy these roads, but the riskiest too.
After a long ride, going up and down on the ghat roads, we had our first sighting of the sea for the day, and this sea was going to accompany us for a while. On reaching HariHareshwar, we visited the Shiva temple and went to the beach, which was an average beach. After spending some time, getting wet, we inquired about nearby places, and after skipping the srivardhan beach, went straightaway to Dive Agar. The road to Dive Agar passed along the coast, and while coming back, we enjoyed the sun-set. Reaching there, we took our bikes to the beach, and for the first time, rode bikes on a beach, This was truly a Great Experience, as we took them into the water, and somehow, brought back, later pulling them out of the sands, after the tiring journey. The temple here has a gold idol, which was found in a nearby stream. From there, it dawned on us that we had to return, and the road was dangerous, and now that we knew what lied ahead- the bad road, we asked if there was another way. The alternate way is too long, but people adviced us against going on the Tamhini Ghat section in the night. Still, we decided to go by that route, and drove continuously for 100 kms, then after a 5 minute stop, drove again, and reached Pune by 10 pm. All our friends were searching us the whole day, as Holi is celebrated in Hostels in the most memorable ways. The guy whose bike I took was cursing me, to whom I apologized, but we had a good time.

Article source by yuvarajasthan in Travel

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Vacation – India vacation packages

Vacation – India vacation packages

India is one of the most amusing tourist destinations on earth. India is a land of varied culture, traditions and religions abounds with hundreds of fairs and festivals all through the year. India vacation package offers gateway to incredible India. Plan your trip to India around some festival to experience the unique charm. It also offers India tour, India hotels, and tour to India and takes care of all your need and comfort. You just have to express your desire and India vacation package will tailor makes your trip as per your need and pocket.

 Europe vacation Package

Europe is known as the glittering star of the world. Italy, UK, Switzerland, Austria are some of the most visited destinations of Europe. The dazzling crystal clear lakes, and verdant forests, attract infinite number of travelers for vacation in Europe.

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Vacations in India – Family vacation package

 

India is a country with whole lot new feat and adventure to offer. Family vacation in India offers fascinating dimension encompassed by the exotic state. You can retreat your family with enchanting splendor the state on your vacation in India. Family tours include family adventure sports and places where you can unwind and relax. India Travel Vacation Packages

You can easily book India travel vacation packages online. You simply need to fill a query form requiring information about the number of people traveling, duration, name of the package and budget. India Travel Vacation Packages

It can be overwhelming for so many options to choose domestic and abroad vacation packages. One way to reduce this stress is to figure out what you and or your family wants to do. For family vacations, it really depends on the ages of your children. For younger kids, there are theme park vacations, beach vacations, sports vacations, and many more.
For older children, there are just as many vacations. Europe vacation package can provide great opening to travelers to discover the rich cultural heritage of Europe. Europe is considered as most favored destination for travelers across the globe. Europe vacation package offers almost everything to please all types of visitors. Europe vacation package also customizes Europe holidays as per your choice and pocket. So, get ready to unfold the hidden mysteries of the diverse continent and enjoy a memorable vacation at Europe. As the tours to Europe are in great demand hence book your Europe vacation package well in advance to avoid last minute hassles and confusion.

Travel to Goa

Goa comprises of azure waters, glistening sands and majestic beaches. Goa tourism offers all the tourists an opportunity to explore fascinating churches, pulsating night life, mouthwatering cuisine and much more on your travel to Goa.
Your travel to Goa will take you to placid beaches and make you drenched in its spell binding beauty. The other tourist spots when you travel to Goa are Dona Paula a popular beach, Fort Aguada, Calangute, Agonda also known as turtle beach, old Goa that comprises of churches, Ponda, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, candolin, Dudh Sagar waterfall. Your travel to Goa will make you explore beautiful beaches like Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach, Palolem Beach, patnem Beach, Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach, asvem Beach, Mandrem Beach, Candolim and Sinquerim, Colva beach, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach which will fill you with unforgettable memories of lifetime.

Article source by :- travelinfophotography


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Sindhudurg - Malvan & Tarkarli

Sindhudurg - Malvan & Tarkarli

While we started from Ratnagiri to Malvan, we saw three men walking on the road; they were foreigners so we stopped out of curiosity. I was amazed to find that they were walking from Mumbai to Goa. I asked them what made them walk such long distance in a climate; which they are not used to. And one of them replied “We are not walking for Charity; but we are walking for Clarity”. We were amazed to hear that; but it is true. Almost 10 years back; I had walked in the mountains of Himalayas visiting Vaishnodevi-Yamunotri- Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath; with my colleague and friend Nitin Joshi in just 9 days(109 kms). We had walked during the worst period i.e. August. There were heavy rains and we completed our journey facing landslides; often getting drenched in very low temperatures. Our biggest discovery was that; travel in tough terrains and long exhausting walks are a spiritual experience. We wished them good luck.

We took the coastal route and first went to Kashedi. There is a temple of Kanakaditya here. It is very old sun temple and is famous for is interiors. The pillars made of wood so strong that hundreds of years of saline weather could not damaged them. Roof is of interlocked wooden beams, in the ceiling are statues of gods carved in wood. It is amazingly intricate work and don’t miss to visit this temple.

We also went to Purangadh, it’s a nice spot but the sea is rocky and if you wish privacy go there else nothing much to see.Purangad

We reached Malvan; towards late in the evening and I tried to locate my friend of school days,

Rahul Pantwalawalkar. Going against the popular trend; Rahul had learnt Ayurvedic Medicine and settled in Malvan; leaving behind is big home at Dadar- Hindu Colony; one of the most prime and popular localities of Mumbai(people who are from Mumbai can appreciate magnitude of this change). I had no clue as to where he stays and I decided to speak to Chemists as they would most likely know a Doctor. I found first chemist and he told me that his clinic is at the other end of the town; but also told me not to worry and keep asking direction for Dr Pantwalawalkar’s clinic; which everybody would know. I was skeptical, but to my surprise everybody knew it. I amazed by his popularity.
I reached clinic and filled the slip; which is given to every patient and waited in the queue. I entered his room and he asked “yes, what is the problem?” I looked at him and smiled and he stared back at my face for few moments; and screamed “arey, you Kishor!” after so long time. We hugged each other spoke for few minutes and then again I waited again outside for him to complete his work.


We then chatted for till late in the night, he is one of the most popular doctors in the town. Meeting him is a pleasure as he radiates tremendous energy(he even speaks too fast).
I had visited Malvan before and stayed at Tarkarli, one of the most popular beaches of Malvan. However, Rahul told me that I should try Chivala Beach this time. We went to Chivala beach and stayed with Prof. Prasanna Mayekar. By the time we reached it was dark, I could see the waves hitting the beach in front of his home and could hear roar of the sea.

We went out for dinner and came back and slept. The next day morning we got up at 5.30 a.m. and decided to go on the beach for a stroll, as soon as I stepped out; what I saw was one of the most beautiful scenes in front of my eyes.

The beach was not more than 50 mtrs from our room, it was a 2 km long stretch of the sand, in form of an arch; with not more than 10 fishermen. I had stayed at Tarkarli before; but this was something very different. We were staying at 15 minutes walk from heart of Malvan town and still the beach was so secluded and private. Only seasoned travelers know about this beach; the rest go to Tarkarli.

Chivala Beach

If you are a family and wish to avoid crowd, especially if women of the family want privacy while

going in the sea; then this is the most recommended beach. If you are a honeymoon couple; then lso this is the most recommended place. Entire stretch of 2 km is at your disposal with white sand and clear water and absolutely no human beings making it as good as your private beach. Do stay at Mr Mayekar’s or Mr Ram Patil’s place they are right on the beach
We moved to Sindhudurg fort after breakfast. It is an amazing fort in the middle of the sea. Rocky surroundings make it difficult for enemy boats to reach giving added protection to the fort.
This is among the last of the big forts in the chain almost 65 forts (small and big- ranging from North to South) that Chhatrapati Shivaji built along the coast of Maharashtra. The fort sprawling over 45 acres was built in record time of 3 years (1664 to 1667).

There are 42 bastions to the fort along the boundary wall. The wall is built with Mixture of jaggery, lime, udad dal(lentils) and molten lead. It is so strong that after facing strong waves for centuries they are still intact. There are three sweet water wellss namely Dhudhbaon, Dahibaon and Sakharbaon (baon means “well” in Konkani the native lanugage). Besides there are temples of Bhawani, Mahadev(Shiva), Mahapurush and Shivarajeshwar. Shivarajeshwar, is temple of Shivaji, built by his son Rajaram. This is also the only fort where palm and foot print of Shivaji, taken in lime mortar are preserved. These were taken when he came to visit the fort after its completion.
In front of the Mahadev temple is a small well and apparently there is a secret tunnel from inside the well(local legent). This tunnel goes few Kilometers under the sea and comes out on land. It was used as escape route, in times of trouble. But where exactly it leads; is not known as excavation is yet to be done.
This fort again shows foresight of Shivaji; who had predicted that enemy will not only come from land but also from sea and hence building forts is necessary. Given the fact that, later British used the same route speaks of this wisdom.
Our guide told us very interesting story about construction of the fort. While this fort was being constructed, Shivaji had to go Agra to meet Aurangzeb who put him under house arrest. The reins of kingdom were with his mother in his absence. But obvious in such situation; money was falling short and his mother Jijabai gave token currency to workers with a promise that once Shivaji is back, everybody would be paid. Later the money was paid. But the saying came that “ye killa(fort) Kavadiyon ke Mole mein bana hai”

We came back and had lunch. We then moved on to see the surrounding area. We went northwards on coastal road to Aachare and then to Kunakeshwar.

There are some very interesting places on the way; which not many tourists know about. Once you leave Malvan at approx 5 km is Ozar. Don’t miss to spend time at Brahmanand Swami Samadhi here. It’s a small valley with a fresh water pond, a cave where swami stayed and some very old trees. The environment is blessed with absolute tranquility and is prefect for meditation.

We spend some time over there and then moved on to Aachare to see Rameshwar Temple. It’s more than 600 year old temple of Shiva with wooden pillars and ceiling. The pillars are big and carving is delicate. The pillars are painted and hence at first glance you don’t really understand that they appear to be cement or stone ones. We spent some time in the temple; speaking to the priest. He was delighted to know that we are travelers and not tourists. Even, he was fond of travelling and just few months back he had come back from Kashmir. The beach at Aachare is nice and secluded so if you are want to read/write a book or generally ponder on life then this is a recommended place.

We then moved on to Kunakeshwar. The temple here is famous and was undergoing renovation. The town is like any other temple town; with crowded roads, lot of noise and dirt. I personally did not like this place much. It was already dark and we did not spend much time there. We started journey back to Malvan.

The next day we got up and went on a stroll on the beach. We then met people from the town who are running Homestays. Ghar Mithbawakaranche is the oldest operator here and is famous for food. They chatted with us for some time. We then went on to meet Balu Padwal of Visava. Later we met Mr Khanvilakar of Ya-hoo hometel and many others. Their stories are worth reading. They are mentioned here and I urge you to read on; as it not only the Beach and sea that make a place interesting but tourism is about people and knowing their stories; is to know real India.
MTDC started effort of marketing Tarkarli with setting up a resort. At that time there was nothing in that town. Mr Mithbavkar, a locale from the village started as canteen contractor. MTDC resort became famous for two reasons one its location and second its food. Mithbavkar operated the canteen till 2007 but in 2008 the property was privatized and his contract was discontinued; it is also suspected that there was political interference in the deal. Thus, the man who helped develop tourism and is a local lost his job and somebody outsider got it courtesy government body which was supposed to protect them. He is now operating his homestay and the food is still a big hit.
Balu, is absolutely forthcoming and blunt; which is why I liked him. If you go to Malvan make it

a point to meet him. He started his life with selling Jambhul(Jamun) in a crate in front of MTDC resort gate. He started interacting with tourists and came to know that they need somebody as guide. He then started working as guide to them. This made him understand tourist psyche and preferences. From little money he had; he then started a homestay. He has now bought a boat and he plans to start backwater cruise(what a dream for guy who is not trained by anybody).
Mr. Khanvilkar was working working at Mumbai. There was lock-out in his company; he went back to Malvan to start a homestay as means of livelihood. He knew benefit of getting organized and hence formed association of homestay operators. They regularly meet and learn from each other.
Homestays are thus symbols of grit, survival instinct, innovation and commitment. It is better to support their dream of the future; than to throw money at some resort and buy luxury; raw material to which is cheap labour of locals, exploitation by people in power and dirty capital.
We spent evening on Tarkarli beach with plans to start for Vengurla in the morning…..

article sources by :- Travelling in India

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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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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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Kayaking in Konkan Beaches

Kayaking in Konkan Beaches

Beach Camping in Konkan

Beach Camping in Konkan

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Weekend Getaways near Mumbai - Konkan beaches and Harihareshwar Beach

Weekend Getaways near Mumbai - Konkan beaches and Harihareshwar Beach

For those people who don’t have a lot of time on their hands, a quick weekend getaway package is an ideal option to escape from the fast paced drudgery of our metropolitan lifestyles. As we all know, living in Mumbai's lifestyle requires a break once in a while. The good thing about living in Mumbai is that there are a plenty of places to visit and a lot of Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai, making it possible to have some comforting rest and relaxation over the weekend.

Konkan beaches

For folks looking for good weekend getaways from Mumbai you should try going down south towards the Konkan coast. The Konkan beaches are one of the finest beaches in India. There are a lot of beautiful beaches along the entire Konkan coast. Most of these beaches are not yet truly discovered by tourists which makes the beach desolate with crystal clear water and clean seashores. The golden and silver sand on the coastal side of Konkan is perfectly contradicting to the beaches that you find in Mumbai. The water here is clean and safe for swimming. Coconut trees all over the beach with no traffic, no pollution, no horns, no office, makes it an ideal weekend getaway for people looking for a break from their busy lives.

Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach is one of the prettiest and cleanest beaches on the Konkan coastline located at a convenient distance from both Mumbai and Pune. Harihareshwar is a town in Raigad district in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by four hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. Apart from playing in the sands of one of the finest beaches in India, Harihareshwar is also known for its Shiva and Kalbhairav Temple situated on the beach which makes it a famous pilgrimage. Since it was under the dominion of the great emperor Shivaji it has a number of temples and unique architectural style like no other.

The Harihareshwar beach is clean and sandy on one side and rocky on the other. Out of all the Weekend Getaways from Mumbai, this fine beach is one which allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city since it is calm, clean, concrete-free, and not so populated as compared to other beaches on the Konkan coast. Since it’s a coastal area, sea food is a great attraction out here. If you're at a hotel or a resort, don't opt for their food. Instead try local restaurants for their crab and fish curries.

If you really want to explore the Harihareshwar beach, then take a boat ride to the north side of the bay which used to be the residing place of the Peshwas (rulers of the Maratha Kingdom). You can find all types of accommodation within the town itself. There are resorts, hotels, lodges and shacks that you could stay in depending on your preferences and budget. Happy Weekend! 

Article Source: Travelblog

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Beautiful beach in Konkan - Tarkarli Beach

Beautiful beach in Konkan - Tarkarli Beach

Tarkarli is a narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters, located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. It is 546 k.m. away from Mumbai, 6 kms. south of Malvan, on the west coast of India. This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea- bed up to a depth of 20 feet. This beach can be rightly called as ‘Queen Beach’ of Sindhudurg.

Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool river waters add to the beauty of this beach. Here newly built M .T. D.C. Cottages are ready to provide you comfortable accommodation and recreation facilities. Now MTDC has made houseboat facility available at Tarkarli. 2 houseboats, namely, Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat) are at the service of discerning traveler. These fully equipped luxury boats have the Hi-tech equipment and all luxurious amenities on board. For more details and latest tariff visit MTDC site on web.

TARKARLI BEACH

For adventure water sports lovers, snorkeling and scuba diving facilities are also available at Tarkarli. For novice, well-trained snorkeling guides will guide snorkeling trip ensuring safety and make it sure that one can have the first and finest ever experience of marine life.

While at Trakarli, do make a point to taste special Malvani food such as variety of fish items, ‘kombadi-vada’. 
  
Activities to do:  

Scuba Diving: Do you want to explore the Konkan below water in Arabian Sea?   Programs are offered for all ages - Open Water, Advanced Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Certified Diving etc. Water Sport, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling.

Accommodation:

Tarkarli has a huge number resorts, hotels for every budget. During the season these hotels gets full so make sure you book your reservation in advance.. 

Getting there: 
By air: Nearest is Mumbai. 
By rail: Nearest railhead is Kudal, 45 k.m. on Konkan Railway. 
By road:
Mumbai–Tarkarli, 546 k.m.,Kolhapur–Tarkarli , 160 k.m.,Malvan –Tarkarli , 8 k.m. 
State transport buses ply From Mumbai, Kolhapur or Pune to Malvan and from Malvan to Tarkarli . Rickshaws are also available from Malvan.

Places to see nearby:


1) Sindhudurg Fort
2) Devbag
3) Dhamapur Lake 
4) Bhagwati Temple   
5) Bharadi Devi Angnewadi 
6) Jay Ganesh Temple  
7) Rameshwar Temple 
8) Amboli Hill Station 
9) Bhalachandra Maharaj Ashram  
10) Kunkeshwar Temple and Beach 
11) Bhogve Beach   
12) Nivati Beach   
13) Shiroda Velagar Beach  

Article Source: Konkan Online

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