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A history of Shrivardhan for
over 200 years is replete with glorious tales of Maratha warriors
and their hounding efforts to maintain the “Hindavi-Swaraj. The
famous Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath was born here and was later chosen
as the First Peshwa by the Maratha Ruler Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj.
The Peshwa’s continued to rule the Maratha kingdom on behalf of the
Kings for over a century till the British overtook them. Though the
food may not be a problem what strikes most in the place is lack of
any liquor shop. So, if you are planning your evening tipple along
the beach better carry our own stuff. Another important accessory to
remember is Mosquito net / repellent if you are planning an
overnight stay for walk along the sea. Moreover, one has to be
careful along these beaches as the water can rise pretty sharply and
by the time one realizes the distance traveled to turn back the
water may even start lapping at the belly.
How to Reach Shrivardhan
By Air - Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is
185 km away from Shrivardhan, is the nearest airport. All the major
airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and
many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf
countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shrivardhan and costs
about Rs 4000.
By Train - Nearest railhead is Mangaon, which is 45 km away from
Shrivardhan and this railway station in Konkan rail is well
connected to Pune and Mumbai.
By Bus - Shrivardhan is well connected to all neighboring cities by
Government owned buses. Buses connect Mumbai (185 km), Pune (180
km), Harihareshwar (20 km) and Panavel (125 km). Private A/C and non
A/C deluxe buses are also available from Shrivardhan to many cities
in the State including Mumbai and Pune. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs
4 per head.
History of Shrivardhan
A history of Shrivardhan for over 200 years is replete with glorious
tales of Maratha warriors and their hounding efforts to maintain the
“Hindavi-Swaraj�?. The famous Peshwa
Balaji Vishwanath was born here and was later chosen as the First
Peshwa by the Maratha Ruler Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj. The Peshwa’s
continued to rule the Maratha
kingdom on behalf of the Kings for over a century till the British
overtook them. Though the food may not be a problem what strikes
most in the place is lack of any liquor
shop. So, if you are planning your evening tipple along the beach
better carry our own stuff. Another important accessory to remember
is Mosquito net / repellent if you are
planning an overnight stay for walk along the sea. Moreover, one has
to be careful along these beaches as the water can rise pretty
sharply and by the time one realizes the
distance traveled to turn back the water may even start lapping at
the belly.
Places to visit in Shrivardhan
Diveghar - Diveghar, is another marvellous spot around 15 km from
Shrivardhan. The spot is popular for its stunning beaches. However,
watch out for the crowd that throngs the exclusive temple housing a
pure gold (12 kg) idol of Lord Ganesha. The idol is rumoured to have
strangely exhumed in a chest full of cache of diamond almost 1000
yrs ago. The drive to Diveghar, along the coastline, is
breathtakingly magnificent and the scenic drive combined with the
overwhelming joy of watching the “Suvarna Ganpati‿ (Golden Ganesha)
is beyond words. The long stretch of Diveghar beach is just the
ideal place to continue in the serene atmosphere accompanying the
temple.
Attractions near by Shrivardhan
Shankar Temple - The route to spiritualism goes through many doors
and as we leave the Somaja Devi Temple we encounter the Shankar
Temple. This ancient Mahadev (Shankar) Mandir is devoted to Lord
Shiva and his Goddess wife Parvati. The temple bores an ancient look
and is believed to be as old as Srivardhan. The royal Bull Nandi
guards his master inside by blocking the entrance to the temple. The
idols of the Lord, his wife Parvati and Nandi the bull are
wonderfully lifelike. It is believed that anybody fasting and
praying for all the 4 consecutive Mondays during Shravan Month
(Hindu Calendar Month) would be blessed by the Godly couple and
would have the fortune of even witnessing them in flesh and blood.
The temple is primeval of Pandavera.
Somaja Devi Temple - If we talk about Gods and Temples can miracles
be left behind. Enter the exceptional Somaja Devi Mandir (Temple)
where despite of the unbelievable claim of “Venom Neutralisation‿ it
is pretty common to see serpentine queues of snake bite victims
requesting the Goddess to extract the venom from them body and heal
them. Tall claims, one may think but the confidence, faith and
conviction with which the victims pray and undertake the arduous
Pradakshinaas/ Dandvat (Circumventing the temple lying flat on
stomach) is to be seen to be believed. There are stories abound of
how patients rejected by pronounced Doctors have been miraculously
cured by the blessings of Goddess Somaja.
Activities at Shrivardhan
The temple of Lord Harihareshwar is quite famous and gets a lot of
devotees. It is well known for Rotha Supari and tourists often shop
for it.Located about 200 km from Mumbai, lies the serene and
beautiful coastal town of Shriwardhan. It is an unexplored beach on
the Konkan coastline and falls in a bay. This area also has a
historical background and was the ancestral home of the Peshwas who
ruled Maharashtra. Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar is very popular for
its fresh and delicious seafood and for people who want to soak up
the sun.
Where to Stay in Shrivardhan
Accommodation in Shrivardhan more hotels and there are few basic
stay options available.
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