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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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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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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