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Dapoli Sightseeing

AttractionArea/Distance
Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg FortsStationed on a bantam rocky island in the Arabian Sea near the Harnai Beach of Konkan about 14 km away from Dapoli
Panhalekaji Caves Located on the Dapoli-Dabhil Pangari Road in the valley adjacent the convergence of the ‘Kotjai’ and ‘Dhakti’ rivers
Unhavare - Hot Water Springs Located at the Unhavare Village near the Panhalekaji caves about 30 kilometers away from Dapoli
Kadyavarcha Ganpati Located at Anjarle Village of Dapoli Taluka about 24 kilometers away from Dapoli
Keshavraj Temple - Asud Located at the distance of about 8 kilometers from Dapoli on the Dapoli Harne Road
Harnai Fish MarketLocated close to the Harnai Beach of Ratnagiri
Harnai BeachPositioned about 14 kilometers from the hill station of Dapoli
Chandika Mata TempleLocated on the south western border of Dapoli close to the Panhalekaji Caves
Dabhol Located at the distance of about 27 kilometers from Dapoli
Bhargav Ram TempleLocated at Ade in the neighborhood of Dapoli about 20 kilometers from Harnai
Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapith Located in Dapoli
Anjarle Stationed approximately 24 kilometers away from Dapoli
Ladghar Situated just 9 kilometers away from Dapoli
AdeLocated in Dapoli Taluka
KelshiStationed at the distance of nearly 33 kilometers from Dapoli
Murud Located near Alibag
AmbvaliLocated just 7 kilometers away from Harne on the Dapoli Harne Road
Anda Masjid Located about 27 kilometers away from Dapoli
Yaqoob Baba Dargah Located in Kelshi Village about one kilometer from the Mahalaxmi Temple


Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Forts

Location: On a bantam rocky island in the Arabian Sea near the Harnai Beach of Konkan about 14 km away from Dapoli
Both the terms ‘Suvarnadurg’ and ‘Kanakdurg’ literally mean ‘the golden fort’. Suvarnadurg, stationed on a bantam rocky island in the Arabian Sea near the Harnai Beach of Konkan about 14 km away from Dapoli is an ancient fortress established by Sultan Adilshah of Bijapur and later abducted by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 AD. Earlier Suvarnadurg was connected with a smaller land fort named Kanakdurg through a tunnel. Kanakdurg Fort is positioned on the coast at the base of the promontory of the Harnai Port. Under the domination of Shivaji, Peshwas and Angres both these garrisons were further reinforced with the aim of defending the territory against Europeans, Siddis and other local chieftains. Later, Suvarnadurg also functioned as the base of Maratha navy’s ship building. Suvarnadurg, situated at the distance of about 1 mile from the mainland is a huge fort spread over an extensive area of about 8 acres. Girdled by a dry moat and fortified by a number of bastions, the Suvarnadurg Fort can be accessed through two entrances; the ‘Mahadarwaja’ which faces the land to its east and the ‘Chor Darwaja’ which faces the sea to the west. Both the entrances are bedecked with the impressively carved motifs of Lord Hanuman, turtle, tiger, eagle, elephants and so on. Inside the fort premises the ruins of old palaces, ammunition magazine, flight of stairs, 15 old guns, step well, other water sources, etc. can be spotted. The land fort i.e. the Kanakdurg, once a military bivouac covers the total area of 0.62 acres. Most of the citadel is now in ruins except for two decrepit bastions, some water tanks and a lighthouse. Today, Suvarnadurg can only be reached by boat from the Harnai Port while the Kanakdurg can be reached from Dapoli by road.

Panhalekaji Caves

Location: On the Dapoli-Dabhil Pangari Road in the valley adjacent the convergence of the ‘Kotjai’ and ‘Dhakti’ rivers
Panhalekaji Caves, to be found on the Dapoli-Dabhil Pangari Road in the valley adjacent the convergence of the ‘Kotjai’ and ‘Dhakti’ rivers are the rock cut caves near Dapoli popularly known amongst the locals as ‘Panhalekaji Cha Lenya’. Commended as the rare evidences of erstwhile historical, religious and cultural quintessence of India’s legacy, these caves are one of the must visit tourist’s destinations around Dapoli. Panhalekaji Caves are an assembly of 29 assorted caves preserving the archaic sculptures dating back to 3rd century AD to 14th century AD. These antique caves bequeathed with the rich heritage of over a thousand years are particularly praised for its monumental album of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. Presenting an extravagant banquet to the tourists interested in architecture and archaeology, the sculptures found in the Panhalekaji Caves exhibit a great semblance with the Hindu and Buddhist sculptures discovered in Ajanta caves. The rock cut caves of Panhalekaji are noted for their religious carvings portraying various Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Nataraaj, Ganapati, Saraswati, Lord Krishna, images of Lord Buddha, Humayoon, Shravan, motifs of Soldiers, Horse Riders, and so on. An additional attraction of the Panhalekaji Caves is the Pranaldurga fort erected on an adjacent mount. Moreover, in the proximity with the Panhalekaji Caves near the riverbeds many charming birds as well as reptiles can be spotted. Endowed with nature’s grace, the terrain surrounding the Panhalekaji Caves yield a real enamoring ambiance.

Unhavare - Hot Water Springs

Location: At the Unhavare Village near the Panhalekaji caves about 30 kilometers away from Dapoli
Unhavare, which literally means ‘hot winds’ in local language are natural hot water springs located at the Unhavare Village near the Panhalekaji caves about 30 kilometers away from Dapoli. These water springs enriched with the medicinal values of sulfur are believed to be curing almost all types of skin diseases. Myriads of tourists and those suffering from various ailments regularly arrive here to bathe in the therapeutic as well as rejuvenating hot sulfur water springs. Separate quarters for men and women are built up at the Unhavare where they can freely take a dip into the invigorating hot water. Sited in the midst of pictorial valley adjoining the dense woodland, Unhavare are much loved by the tourists for their mesmerizing natural grandeur and its remedial appeal. Dr. Deodhar; an algae expert from Bombay University has established a farm close to Unhavare. This farm, also known as Keshav Baug provides a well maintained guest house for the tourists. Apart from the hot water springs, Unhavare is also famous for its other attractions including the Mosque Farare, Mahamai Gram Devata Mandir, Vidya Mandir High School, a temple of Lord Shiva and the Starwin cricket ground.

Kadyavarcha Ganpati

Location:At Anjarle Village of Dapoli Taluka about 24 kilometers away from Dapoli
‘Kadyavarcha Ganpati’, which literally means ‘the Lord Ganesh seated atop a cliff’ is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and located at Anjarle Village of Dapoli Taluka about 24 kilometers away from Dapoli. This majestic shrine incipiently constructed in 1150 AD using the wooden pillars was renovated in 18th century AD from the year 1768 to 1780. The idol of the Lord Ganesh seated in the sanctum of this temple is right-sided i.e. ‘Ujvya Sondhecha’ (which means His trunk takes a right curve). This kind of Ganesh idols are quite rare and believed to be possessing greater miraculous powers. It is believed that the Kadyavarcha Ganpati is a ‘Jagrut Devata’ i.e. a live deity who will promptly respond to the petitions of his devotees. This Lord Ganesh is described by the attribute; ‘the Nawsala Pavnara Ganpati’. In olden days people had to cross the Anjarle creek i.e. the Jog River in a ferry and then climb the steps up the hill that pass through the Anjarle village. But now a bridge has been constructed which will let you drive your vehicle right up to the entrance of the temple. A stone staircase fixed to the right of the temple leads us to the top of the shrine near the ‘Kalas’ from where breathtaking spectacles of dense coconut and betel nut plantations, Suvarnadurg Fort, far flung rolling hills and endless blue Arabian Sea can be perceived. A dandy little pond is placed right in front of the temple where fish and turtles can be found. Tourists like to feed the fish of this pond. Moreover, a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also situated close to the Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple who is also believed to be fulfilling all the pleas.

Keshavraj Temple - Asud

Location: At the distance of about 8 kilometers from Dapoli on the Dapoli Harne Road
Asud, a tranquil lovely hamlet located at the distance of about 8 kilometers from Dapoli on the Dapoli Harne Road is particularly celebrated for its Shree Keshavraj Temple and Shree Vyaghreshwar Temple. Shree Keshavraj Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is believed to be as old as the Mahabharata era. Revealing the Peshwian style of temple architecture, the sanctum of the Keshavraj Temple enshrines an enrapturing idol of Lord Vishnu. This figurine of the presiding deity faintly glowing in the dim light of the Samayee lamp undoubtedly captivates the heart of even an atheist. This temple of Lord Keshavraj can be accessed via Dabkewadi through a timbered road. Once you cross a small river, a steep climb that passes through coconut, beetle nut, cashew and mango plantations will reach you to the Keshavraj temple of Asud. Close to the temple at a certain spot a fresh water rivulet marvelously springs out of a tree trunk. This miraculous water constantly oozes out of the tree all round the year and passing through a ‘gomukh’ forms a perennial stream which later heads towards the undulating hills of the Konkan region. Close to the Keshavraj Temple of Asud is nested another religious destination i.e. Shree Vyaghreshwar Temple. Positioned at the opposite side of the bridge built on the Asud River, the Vyaghreshwar Temple is enclosed by deep woods marked with incessant quietude and harmony only interrupted by the melodious chirping of the birds.

Harnai Fish Market

Location: Close to the Harnai Beach of Ratnagiri
Harnai Fish Market located close to the Harnai Beach of Ratnagiri is accredited to be one of the biggest suppliers of fish to the state of Maharashtra. Not only that, Harnai Fish Market has also made its mark in the international fish business and is noted for its opulent fish export. A wide variety of fish including lobsters are seen in abundance at the Harnai Fish Market. Besides, you will also get a chance to witness the fish auctions carried out on the beach every single day.

Harnai Beach

Location: About 14 kilometers from the hill station of Dapoli
Harnai Beach an elongated flat beach smoothly extending from the south of the old Harnai Fort (Suvarnadurg) up to Karde is a widely famed seaside positioned about 14 kilometers from the hill station of Dapoli. This palm fringed beach of Harnai distinguished for its velvety white sands and crystal clear waters is greatly cherished by the tourists for its immeasurable natural pulchritude, clean surroundings, placid and composed ambiance and safe to swim waters. Taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or reposing on the soft creamy sand or bathing in the rejuvenating waters of the sea is indeed a pleasurable and gratifying experience. People from Mumbai and Pune procure refuge away from the hectic city life in the cradle of Mother Nature on weekends. This romantic and immaculate beach of Harnai also offers additional attractions nearby such as the Goa Fort, Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg, the Lamp Post, and so on. The Harnai lamp Post is considered to be the oldest lighthouse ever built on the entire Konkan coast. Standing near the lamppost, you can observe the far reaching Harnai Beach, the lofty Suvarnadurg anchored against the horizon and the ships garlanding the Harnai Port. The Fish Auction that takes place at the Harnai Beach every day in the evening around 6:00 pm is truly a sight of wonder.

Chandika Mata Temple

Location: On the south western border of Dapoli close to the Panhalekaji Caves
Chandika Mata Temple of Dabhol located on the south western border of Dapoli close to the Panhalekaji Caves is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika. One of the most sought after pilgrim destinations of Konkan, this temple estimated to be dating back to the Pandava period is positioned inside a natural cave where a self originated (Swayambhu) idol of the presiding deity is enshrined. This underground cave temple can be reached after passing through a squat darkened passage and no light except for the small oil lamp can be seen inside the temple. A live perennial spring of fresh water which flows all round the year can be spotted in the close vicinity of the Chandika Mata Temple. Every year at the time of Navaratri Festival pilgrims throng the Chandika Mata Temple of Dabhol to get a glimpse of the propitious Goddess. It is believed that this primordial temple used to be visited by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as well.

Dabhol

Location: At the distance of about 27 kilometers from Dapoli
Dabhol, located at the distance of about 27 kilometers from Dapoli is a coastal town where the Vashishthi River flowing from Chiplun merges into the Arabian Sea. The cave temple of the ‘Swayambhu’ Goddess Chandika, the Gopalgarh Fort, Dolphin watching and the booming fishing jetty of Dabhol Creek have rendered Dabhol one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Konkan. Before you cross the threshold of Dabhol you can perceive the panoramic vista of the Enron Power Project of Dabhol, the Dabhol Creek and the chocolate box town from the imposing hill top. The tiny hidden beach of Dabhol ornamented with black sand and skirted with the thick plantation of she oak, Dabhol Backwaters and the Dabhol Harbor are some of the most noteworthy attractions that enchant the tourists to no limit. Be it fishing from the jetty or boating or aimlessly roaming along the village streets flanked by coconut and betel nut plantations, Dabhol has something to offer to everyone. For past few years Dabhol has registered an increase in the inflow of tourists due to its thrilling entertainment of dolphin watching. Cruising in the deep sea or the Dabhol backwaters in a jetty and spotting the dolphins in their natural habitat is undoubtedly a memorable experience. The additional attractions near Dabhol are the ancient mosque named Shahi Masjid built by Adilshah’s Begum at the expense of 1.5 million INR, the historic Gopalgarh, a beautiful light house, two age old temples, etc. A ferry service is made available between Dabhol and Dhopave from where we can carry our vehicles across in a jetty and thus save a lot of time and fuel.

Bhargav Ram Temple

Location: At Ade in the neighborhood of Dapoli about 20 kilometers from Harnai
The ‘Bhargav Ram Temple’ located at Ade in the neighborhood of Dapoli about 20 kilometers from Harnai is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Bhargav Ram i.e. Lord Parshuram; the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Parshuram was born to Sage Jamadagni and Goddess Renuka and is worshipped as the destroyer of the Kshatriyas and founder of the Chitpavan and Daivadnya Brahmin Communities. The Bhargav Ram Temple of Ade is one of the five temples sited along the road between Ade and Kelshi. This cluster of five historic temples can be reached after undertaking a short climb of about 10 to 15 minutes through an old and asperous flight of stone steps. All the five temples fashioned after the Peshwa style of architecture and established amidst the tranquil and composed ambience are positioned facing east. Apart from the Shree Bhargav Ram Temple, this temple congregation incorporates other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Renuka, Lord Ganesh and Lord Shani. As the legend goes, this is the place where Lord Parshuram had pierced the earth with His arrow and made the heavenly river Ganga spring out of it. Ade is one of the two pilgrim destinations of Konkan region, the other being Chiplun, where Lord Parshuram is worshipped in a temple. Every year on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya the Bhargav Ram Temple of Ade celebrates the Bhargav Ram Yatra commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram.

Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapith

Location: In Dapoli
Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapith is an agriculture university located in Dapoli in the Ratnagiri District. Established on 18th May 1972 under the name of ‘Konkan Krishi Vidyapith’ and later rechristened after Dr. Balasaheb Sawant in the year 2001, this university aims at providing facilities in agriculture education and research and attain the long lasting and profitable agricultural development of the Konkan terrain. This Krishi Vidyapith administers the jurisdiction of five district of the state of Maharashtra including Brihan-Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Sindhudurg. The university chiefly focuses on rice, horticulture and fishery and the research center of this Krishi Vidyapith established at Karjat has developed some patented varieties of rice. Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapith was honored with the ‘Best Institute Award’ of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in the year 1997. The courses offered at the Agriculture College of Dapoli are; B.Sc. (Agriculture), B.Sc. (Horticulture), B.Sc. (Agriculture Marketing & Business Management), B. Tech. (Food Science), M. Sc. and Ph. D. (Agriculture). Other colleges affiliated to the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapith of Dapoli include the College of Forestry; Dapoli, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; Dapoli, College of Fisheries; Ratnagiri, 15 off campus research stations and 2 Agricultural Science Centers.

Anjarle

Location: Stationed approximately 24 kilometers away from Dapoli
Anjarle, stationed approximately 24 kilometers away from Dapoli is a small settlement of Dapoli Taluka in the Ratnagiri District. Bequeathed with evergreen tropical forests, alphonso mango and coconut groves, untouched sparkling beaches and a port, Anjarle is an idyllic weekend retreat away from the eventful city life. The most noteworthy attraction of Anjarle is its Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From the top of the temple enticing panoramas of the adjoining coconut and betel nut groves, the imposing Suvarnadurg Fort, the far reaching mountain ranges and the unfathomable Arabian Sea can be beheld. Anjarle is famous for its alphonso mangoes, cashew nuts, watermelons, jackfruits, assorted pickles, jackfruit and mango products, and kokam sherbet and so on.

Ladghar

Location: Just 9 kilometers away from Dapoli
Ladghar, situated just 9 kilometers away from Dapoli along the western coast of India is a tiny littoral village greatly renowned for its ‘Tamas Teertha Beach’ and the spellbinding views of the sun set perceived from here. The Ladghar beach is known as Tamas Teertha as the sea at this place appears to be crimson red in its color. Moreover, the seashore also differs from other beaches of Dapoli due to its granule like sand instead of the soft creamy sand at other sea sides. Besides, the shoreline is laden with multicolored pebbles, shells and stones which turn out to be a paradise for the shell collectors. The Tamas Beach of Ladghar receives myriads of tourists who make it a point to bath in the scarlet waters of the Arabian Sea here and also indulge in bathing and dolphin watching adventures. The immaculate beach and the charming landscape of Ladghar will undoubtedly invigorate your spirit and revive your energy. Witnessing the ballade of colors against the firmament at the time of sunset is truly a feast to the eyes. The Ladghar Beach is also reckoned for its Veleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and another temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. Adding to that, Ladghar is also a heaven for the foodies. The sea food available here is totally delectable and mouthwatering and will make your visit to Ladghar really worth it.

Ade

Location: In Dapoli Taluka
Ade, a humble hamlet located in Dapoli Taluka records a significant inrush of tourists by the reason of its irresistible loveliness and its collected and unruffled ambience. The road that leads to the Ade Beach passes through the charismatic coconut and betel nut groves. The Ade Beach is exceptionally unsoiled and unemployed and the thick Kevda woods growing close to the beach add to the magnetism of the place. The Ade Beach is the perfect milieu for relaxing and unwinding in the intimacy with the fondling nature. Languidly laying down near the Kevda thickets and capturing the magic of the setting sun in your eyes is definitely a seductive experience. An additional attraction of Ade is the ancient temple of Lord Parshuram located here.

Kelshi

Location: At the distance of nearly 33 kilometers from Dapoli
Kelshi, a quiescent precinct of Konkan province stationed at the distance of nearly 33 kilometers from Dapoli is a pretty coastal village presenting the very face of rural Konkani lifestyle. Blessed with 2.5 km long pristine beach filled with splendid sand dunes, Kelshi is a venue to spend some quiet moments in the communion with nature. Apart from the nature lovers and voyagers, Kelshi particularly attracts the pilgrims who come here to pay homage at the feet of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The Mahalaxmi Temple of Kelshi erected during the Peshwa rule is the most prominent attraction of this Konkani Village. This temple of Swayambhu Mahalaxmi, enclosed in a stone fortification and set up at the footings of the Utambar hill also enshrines the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh. Kelshi is also celebrated for its Lord Ganesh, Lord Radha Krishna and Lord Beleshwar Mahadev temples and the legendary Dargah of Baba Yaqoob Sarvari. It is said that Baba Yaqoob Sarvari was the 11th spiritual Guru of Shivaji Maharaj. Apart from its geographical and natural pulchritude and its religious magnitude, Kelshi village is also reckoned for its historical and archaeological importance. On the sea shore of Kelshi numerous pre-historic objects such as coins, pottery items were found. These odd shaped coins bear the inscriptions which suggest that Kelshi must have been a stopover of the pre-Islamic Arab sailors headed towards China from Rome more than 2000 years back. The sand dunes on the Kelshi Beach were naturally formed in 16th century AD due to the Tsunami. Presently, the bauxite mining going on in Kelshi has posed a threat to the ecology and the environment of the village. Kelshi doesn’t have any hotels but you can avail the home stays offered in Kelshi.

Murud

Location: Near Alibag
Murud, commonly known by the sobriquet ‘Murud Harnai’; so as to distinguish it from the Murud Janjira of Raigadh District located near Alibag is a small fishing village sited just 11 kilometers away from Dapoli. Owing to its spectacular beaches, pre historic temples and the imposing sea fort dating back to the medieval era, Murud is incessantly growing as a favorite tourist destination near Dapoli. The hamlet is also renowned for its Durga Devi Temple dated back to 18th century AD. Bedecked with 28 ornately carved wooden pillars that support the central porch of the shrine this temple houses a huge bell which is placed to the left of the entrance. It is said that this bell was looted from the Portuguese of Vasai by Peshwa Chimji Appa. The well known social reformer of Maharashtra and the honored winner of the Bharat Ratna Award; Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve was born at Murud in the year 1858.

Ambvali

Location: Just 7 kilometers away from Harne on the Dapoli Harne Road
The Ambvali Village located just 7 kilometers away from Harne on the Dapoli Harne Road is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Siddi Vinayak. This temple of Lord Ganesh enshrines an idol of the presiding deity chiseled out of the silky marble stone.

Anda Masjid

Location: About 27 kilometers away from Dapoli
The Anda Masjid of Dabhol also nicknamed as the ‘Shahi Masjid’ is located about 27 kilometers away from Dapoli. Embellished with a lofty dome and elaborately decorated minarets, this mosque situated close to the Dabhol Port is a supreme epitome of ancient Muslim architecture existing in India. Constructed during the governance of Adilshah under the patronage of His Begum, this Masjid is said to have been built at the expense of around 15 lakh INR. Commended as a leading landmark of Dabhol, the Anda Masjid or the Shahi Masjid is a worth visiting holiday destination of Dabhol near Dapoli.

Yaqoob Baba Dargah

Location: In Kelshi Village about one kilometer from the Mahalaxmi Temple
Yaqoob Baba Dargah located in Kelshi Village about one kilometer from the Mahalaxmi Temple is a famous mausoleum of Yaqoob Baba Sarvari; the 11th spiritual Guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This, more than 386 years old Dargah, holds tremendous historical significance. It is believed that many great emperors of Maharashtra including Shivaji, Sambhaji, Thorle Bajirao Peshwe, etc. used to pay visit to Yaqoob Baba and sought his blessings.