Saturday, June 17, 2006

Anjarle Tal. Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri
Ganapati of Hill (Kadyawarcha): - In Aanjarle village on the seashore the temple built on huge mountain is known as 'Ganapati of Kadyawar'. After crossing the Jog river creek, there is Aanjarle village. In earlier times there were two temples in the sea, one of Aanjarleshwar & other of Ganapati. They got drowned in the sea, later on Ganapati temple was built on a high mountain. The temple must be of Madhavrao Peshve period. There are 250 steps to it. There is a lake in front of it. It has a big hall & a stone staircase. There is water fountain in the hall, There is a dome, are & many pillars in the temple. The place is cool & pleasant in Dapoli Taluka with seashore & forest. Hence, tourist are attracted at this place. KELSHI : Further north from Anjarle, near the border of Raigad district, is another small town known as Kelshi. This village is frequented by pilgrims who come to the Mahalaxmi Temple here, built during the rule of the Peshwa dynasty. Other than the Mahalaxmi Temple, there are other temples here dedicated to Rasha Krishna, Beleshwar and Ganesha, to name a few.Just outside of the village is a lovely beach, which stretches for 2.5 kms and the sunset is said to be spectacular from this beach.Getting thereBy Road : From Mumbai to Dapoli and Dapoli to AnjarleBy Rail : Train upto Khed - konkan RailwayBy Air : Mumbai



गणपतीपुळे
The sun-kissed beach and lush green of `Ganapatipule inevitably draws tourists back, year after year. The added attraction is a 400-year old temple which houses the Swayambhu Ganapati (a naturally formed idol) and a glittering white-sand beachSome interesting excursions are: Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot, the Marathi poet. Ratnagiri , the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, and Thebaw Place, where the deposed king of Burma was confined. Flanked by stretches of scenery, Ganpatipule is the seaside resort of today especially for families. Some interesting day-trips are the Jaigad beach and fort, the Velneshwar beach temple and and Swami Swarupanand's Ashram in Pawas. Pawas are also worth a visit.Ganapatipule is a sleepy hamlet on the Western coast of India in the state of Maharashtra. About 375 km. South of Mumbai, this tiny resort village boasts of 6 km of unspoiled white sand beaches, the only other white sand beaches other than Kashid in all of Maharashtra. Though Ratnagiri, famous for its Alphonso mangoes, is just 19 km. away, commercialization has yet to tarnish this rural resort. Unlike Goa, this virgin stretch of beach has not been tainted with huts, shacks and vendors all about.Ganapatipule is famous for its 400-year-old Ganesha temple made from one massive rock. This temple holds the Swayambhu Ganpati shrine, which is a naturally formed or self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha. Pilgrims from all over and especially Maharashtra flock here to pay homage to Lord Ganesha at this temple. During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and on other such festivals, this idol is taken out of the temple accompanied by a pujari or priest and a drummer.There are three resorts that offer creature comforts to tourists looking for respite from the demands of everyday life. One can eat in the restaurants here or sample traditional Maharashtrian cooking. Many of the locals sell and serve food in their own homes. This tradition dates back to their ancestors who gave food to all the weary pilgrims that had arrived at the temple. The Maharaja of Baroda promoted this ritual and every year when he made his annual pilgrimage to this place, he would reimburse the locals for all their costs and efforts. This practice continued until independence.Rest and relaxation are the key to this offbeat resort. You can amble along the peaceful beach, stroll through the village or wade across the shoals of a nearby creek. Boat rides upstream are also offered, sailing past swaying palm tress and then jungles.Ganapatipule is an ideal place to forget all your worries and smileGetting thereBy Air: Nearest airport is Ratnagiri 50 kms.By Rail: Ratnagiri on the Konkan Railway is the nearest railhead and kolhapur 144 kms. on the South Central Railway.By Road: Mumbai-Ganpatipule 375 kms. via Mahad. Pune-Ganpatipule 331 kms. via Satara.Kolhapur-Ganpatipule 144 kms.State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganpatipule



Ratnadurga - Ratnagiri Fort
Ratnagiri Fort or Bhagvati FortRatnagiri, also known as Ratnadurg, or Bhagwati, fort is situated about 220 km south of Mumbai. The Bijapur sultans built the fort in the sixteenth century but it was renovated by Shivaji in 1670, serving as an important base for the Maratha navy. The fall of the hereditary Angre admirals also meant the decline of Ratnagiri as a naval base of any military significance.The fort, easily accessible by road, comprises three fortified peaks. The largest, to the south, is called Parkot and supports a functional lighthouse on its western edge. There are hardly any traces of the middle peak, Peth fort, but the Bale Kila, or citadel, is still well preserved and houses the famous Bhagwati Temple. Beyond the temple is a cliff with a sheer drop from where it is said that condemned prisoners were thrown to their death. There are also some old caves on the western face of the cliff. Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was exiled by the British to Ratnagiri in 1885 and put under house arrest in a palace specially built for him.Getting thereBy Road : Mumbai Ratnagiri 340 km By Rail : Ratnagiri (konkan railway) By Air : Ratnagiri, Mumbai, Goad





Kihim - Alibag
Kihim Beach - Alibag dist. Raigad, Tal. Alibag. Just 120 kms. away from Bombay, Kihim is an exclusive beach laced with lush coconut trees. The inviting part of it is that Kihim is entirely undiscovered and unpolluted. Its surroundings are as attractive: Murud beach and Chaul, historic forts, churches, synagogues and the fascinating tower of St. Barbara.At Kihim, you have an unconventional 'Tent Holiday' with modern facilities attached.The journey to these two destinations is as wonderful an experience as the beaches, if one travels by ferry. The boat journey of more than an hour from Bhaucha Dhakka or Ferry Warf to Rewas Jetty is simply exhilirating. Sailing with sea gulls for company is not a Mumbaikar does every second day. There are now catamarans from Gateway of India which touch Rewas in 30 minutes flat but don't provide the same romance as that of the ferry. Of course, one can travel by road but it is not the same and is too time consuming. Located in Raighad district, Kihim is 136 km while Alibaug is 124 km away. The nearest railhead is Panvel which is 85 km from Kihim. Rewas Jetty is just six km from Kihim. Both these places have turned into a weekend retreats for the rich and the famous who have their bungalows along the beach and in the interiors. The proximity to the city is the main asset of the beaches and tourists throng them in large numbers. In fact, much of Alibaug's charm has been lost due to the presence of too many people. On Sunday, Alibaug resembles Juhu beach but with greater scenic beauty. In comparison, Kihim with MTDC tented accommodation on the beach, is a more attractive proposition. The attractions around Kihim include historic forts, churches, synagogues and the fascinating tower of St. Barbara. Accommodation is no problem as there are many resorts which have sprung up in the last few years to suit all kinds of budgets. Instead of a day's picnic, one should visit these beaches for three or four days to really enjoy and experience its beauty. Getting thereBy Air : Nearest airport is Bombay 136 kms.By Rail : Nearest railhead is panvel 85 kms. on Diva Panvel section of Central Railway.By Road :Mumbai-Panvel-Pen-Alibag-Kihim 136 kms.Alibag-Kihim 12 kms.Panvel-Kihim 85 kms.State Transport buses ply from Mumbai to Alibag, and Alibag, Rewas to Kihim.By Sea : Nearest port is Rewas 6 kms. from Kihim. Regular ferry service between Mumbai-Rewas[except during monsoons].




Gopalgadh [Anjanwale Fort]
Near Enron project in Guhagarh, there is Anjanwale Fort which is also known as Gopalgadh located at the top of the mountain this fort covers 7 acres area. In it their is a place called 'Padkot' where there are pillars which reach out to the sea. It is believed that in the year 1699. It was built by Siddhi Khairath Khan. It has assumed importance due to Dabhol creek. The fall of Maratha Kingdom was seen by this fort and as such has historical importance. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1660. At that time a godown was built for Maratha troops. In the year 1699 Khairath Khan captured this fort and it was under his control for 46 years. In 1736 Chimaji Appa captured it. In 1745 Tulaji Angre captured it uptill than the fort was known as Govalkot, but due to Angre it came to be known as Gopalgadh. During the Peshwa rule Sardar Biwalkar captured it uptill 1880 it was under Maratha rule.How to Reach : From Guhaghar 26 km. Bus facility available from Guhaghar and Chiplun to Anjanvel.Ufrata Ganapati : When the face of idol of Ganapati facing towards the east turns towards west, it came to be known as Ufrata Ganapati. This temple is located near Guhagar the idol is white in colour & there are Parshu & Trishul in its hands. There is a snake entangled the idol. Around 300 years ago this idol was found by the fisher man or kolis in the sea.How to Reach : Near Guhaghar.Vijaygad : Dhamanakhol is the port near Tavsal, the fort which protects, this port is Vijaygad. In Guhaghar taluka, to the south coastal area of Jaigad creek, Vijaygad is located. It is famous as a part of Jaigad fort. The main entrance of the fort fell down many a times while constructing, so it took many years for the construction of this fort. When an idol of Ganapati was placed at the main entrance gate, that time construction work of the gate was complete and no further incidents of falling of the gate occurred.How to Reach : From Guhaghar 66 km.Getting thereBy Rail : konkan railwayBy Air : MumbaiState Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Neral





Guhagar - Dist. Ratnagiri
Hedavi - 'Dashabuja Ganapati' : In every month on 'Chathurthi' the devotees of Lord Ganesh make a point to visit the temple. The idol of Ganapati was created in Kashmir. The idol is made from Marble. Goddess Laxmi is seated on the laps of Lord Ganapati. On the body of Ganapati there is a sacred thread in the form of a snake. Bow, Trishul, Club 'Modak' chakra lotus are the weapons in the hands of God Ganapati. This temple is of the time of Peshwas and the foundations of Kelkar Swami. The temple was renovated in 1956. Charitable institutions are built to provide accommodation facilities to the tourist. Near this temple at a distance of 3 km there is a temple of 'Uma Maheshwar' in Bomanhal.How to Reach: From Guhagar 27 km.Vyadeshwar : This temple is situated at Guhaghar Taluka. In this temple there are idols of Shreedevi, Surya Narayan, Vishnu, Ganapati. There are temples of Balkeshwar, Talkeshwar, and Udaleshwar in this area. They are the incarnations of Vyadeshwar.How to Reach : Near Guhaghar.Velaneshwar : Situated near the seashore a very quite and nice place for relaxation of the tourists. It is at 25 km from Guhakar and 6 kms from Hedavi. The area of Velneshwar temple is 70 kms. In front of the temple there is a huge pillar for lightning lamps. Also, there are temples of 'Kal Bhairav', 'Ganapati', 'Rameshwari'. There are also ancient charitable institutions and cannons in this temple. The Enron Electricity project has resulted into frequent visits of people to this place. Bus facility is available from Guhaghar, Chiplun, Mumbai. Away from the polluted atmosphere of the city, this quiet place with beautiful scenery of Coconut trees, has attracted many tourists.How to Reach : From Guhaghar 21 kms.







Karnala - Karnala Bird Sanctuary
While travelling by the Mumbai-Pune or the Mumbai-Goa highway, beyond Panvel, one can easily notice a thumb shapped pinnacle. On top of the pinnacle is the Karnala Fort and the dense forest covering almost five square Km. around the pinnacle is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary area extend on both sides of the Mumbai-goa highway.The Park is a great place for bird lovers and you can spot drongos, barbets, bulbuls, spotted doves, tree-pies, woodpeckers and many other smaller birds.Although there are many species of birds, spotting them is not very easy as the vegetation is very dense and you have to rely more on bird calls that tell you about their presence.The locals also tell about panthers prowling the woods after sunset.There is a trail that goes up to the base of the pinnacle. The view from the top is very good and makes the half hour climb worthwhile. You can see the wooded areas of the sanctuary, the villages around and even the sea from the top. At the base of the pinnacle there is a temple of goddess Bhavani and may water cisterns. There are many beehives on the pinnacle and you have to take care not to irritate the bees.Getting thereBy Air : Nearest Air Port MumbaiBy Rail : konkan RailwayBy Road : on 17 highway



Pawas, Dist. Ratnagiri
Besides its natural beauty and serenity, Pawas achieved prominence when Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians) had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.Following the great saint Dnyaneshwari tradition Swami Swarupanand too tried to spread his teachings in the cannon people. Now due to Swami Swarupanandas work Pawas has become a major place of tourists attraction. He made a new big family of devotees all over Maharashtra by chanting the Mantra 'Om Ram Krishna Hari'. He stayed here for a period of 40 years. Pawas is now one of the important holy places of Konkan. Samadhi of Swami Swarupananda is there in the Pawas & also temple has been built for his devotees. The special variety of eatables of Konkan like 'Fanaspoli', Ambapoli, Amras & other different Konkans items are available to the tourists at a very reasonable rate. Near Swarupanandas Samadhi on the Avala tree lord Ganesh Statue has appeared. People definately visit this place & also the house 'Anant Niwas' where Swami Swarupananda stayed. It is 20 km. from Ratnagiri. Getting thereBy Road : Mumbai to Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur to Ganapatipule is 144 kms.By Rail : Nearest Railway Ratnagiri By Air : Mumbai, Ratnagiri


Hedvi Tal.Guhagar, Dist. Ratnagiri
Hedvi is a small village that is spread out over a largish area behind a small beach. The highlight of the beach is the grove of coconut trees and the small temple at the bottom of the hill to the north of the beach. The Ganpati temple has a convenient fresh water spring just outside the entrance and its located just right to "shower" down after a romp in the sea. The sand, however, is slightly dark but that does not mar the beauty of the beach and its exclusivity. Also conveniently located is a "beach house" bed and breakfast place belonging to one Mr Abhay Bhatkar. He has erected some huts at the rear of the beach and his more "pucca" hut is located a further 50 yards behind. You can drive upto this place and park your car in his porch. Mr Bhatkar lets out this place. A year ago it cost us Rs 200. With a sumptuous dinner with fish and a generous breakfast the next morning for three put us back by only Rs 175. To get in touch with Mr Bhatkar you can call him at (02359) 43208 or 43209. He calls his place "Suruchi Corner". Toilet and bath facilities are extremely basic and have to be shared with others, if any. Getting thereBy Road : From Mumbai to GuhagarBy Rail : Konkan RailwayBy Air : Mumbai, Goa







Yashvantgarh Fort
It protects the Mosa Kazi port & is famous tourist visiting place. Strong fortification is its peculiar feature. It is spread over an area of 1200 sq. Metres. It has 17 pillars which are still in a very strong position. Near it there is Ambegad fort which is also in a strong position.How to Reach: Close to Mosa Kazi.Getting thereBy Air: Nearest Airport Ratnagiri,By Rail: By Konkan Railway - Ratnagiri Rly.Stn.By Road: Mumbai-Goa High way 17 Places to see near by Yashvantgarh FortGanpatipulePavasBhatye




Harihareshwar Beach
Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers. And if one relishes sea-food, there is no dearth of delicacies to sample here. The adventuerers can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the "Peshwas" or prime ministers of the Maratha Kingdom, Originally resides. The "Peshwas Smarak" is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan.The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva temple. Getting thereBy Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 215 kms.By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon on Konkan Railway.By Road: Mumbai-Harihareshwar 230 kms. via Mumbai-Panvel-Mangaon-Gregaon phata on Mumbai-Goa highway. Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar 20 kms. Bagmandala-Harihareswar 4 kms.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home