4.3 / 5

Harihareshwar Beach
📍 Harihareshwar Temple Road, MaharashtraView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March

⏰ Open Hours:Open 24 hours

🏖 Things To Do:Swimming, Beach walks, Photography, Visit nearby temples

💰 Budget:Free entry to the beach. Water sports and other activities may cost extra.

🧳 Traveller Types:Families, Solo Travellers, Nature Lovers, Adventure Enthusiasts

🔍 Known For:Serene beaches, Beautiful sunset views, Proximity to historical temples

🚄 Distances:Mangaon Railway Station - 59 km, Pune Airport - 170 km, Mumbai - 200 km

🏨 Nearby Accommodations:There are several budget and luxury hotels available close to the beach.

🍴 Local Cuisine:Try the local Konkani cuisine for an authentic experience.

🏛 Nearby Attractions:Shri Laxminarayan Temple, Ganesh Gully, Kalbhairav Temple

💡 Tips:Carry sunblock and beachwear. Avoid swimming during high tide.

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Harihareshwar Beach: A Guide to the Divine and Serene Destination in Konkan

Are you looking for a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the tranquility of spirituality, and the adventure of water sports? If yes, then Harihareshwar Beach is the perfect destination for you. Located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Harihareshwar Beach is one of the most popular and scenic beaches in the Konkan region. It is also known as the “Dakshin Kashi” or the “Southern Varanasi” because of its religious significance and ancient temples. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Harihareshwar Beach, such as how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to see near this divine and serene destination in Konkan.

Photo of Harihareshwar Beach 1/2 by
(C) Maharashtra Tourism

How to Reach Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as road, rail, or bus. Here are some details on how to travel to Harihareshwar Beach from various cities and towns in Maharashtra and nearby states:

By Road: Harihareshwar Beach is well connected by road with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Goa, and other major cities and towns. The distance from Mumbai to Harihareshwar Beach is about 200 km, from Pune it is about 170 km, from Nashik it is about 300 km, and from Goa it is about 400 km. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a cab to reach Harihareshwar Beach by road. The road condition is good and the scenery along the way is stunning.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Harihareshwar Beach is Mangaon, which is about 60 km away. Mangaon is well connected by train with Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and other major cities and towns. You can take a train to Mangaon and then hire a taxi or a bus to reach Harihareshwar Beach from there. The train journey is comfortable and economical.

By Bus: There are regular state transport buses and private buses that ply between Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and other cities and towns to Harihareshwar Beach. You can book your bus tickets online or offline and enjoy a hassle-free ride to Harihareshwar Beach. The bus fare is reasonable and the service is reliable.

You May Love: 7 Days, 7 Beaches - The perfect coastal road trip itinerary from Mumbai!

Some tips and suggestions for travelling to Harihareshwar Beach are:

- The best time to visit Harihareshwar Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the beach is less crowded.

- Before travelling to Harihareshwar Beach, check the weather forecast and carry appropriate clothing and accessories accordingly.

- If you are travelling by road, make sure your vehicle is in good condition and you have enough fuel and spare tyres.

- If you are travelling by train or bus, make sure you have your tickets and identity proofs with you.

- If you are travelling with children or elderly people, carry some snacks and water bottles with you.

Where to Stay Near Harihareshwar Beach

There are plenty of accommodation options available near Harihareshwar Beach, such as hotels, resorts, homestays, cottages, and villas. You can choose a place to stay near Harihareshwar Beach according to your preference, budget, and availability. Here are some of the best-rated and recommended places to stay near Harihareshwar Beach:

Harihareshwar Resort: This is a 3-star resort that offers spacious rooms with sea views, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a garden, and free Wi-Fi. The resort is located just 2 km away from Harihareshwar Beach and provides excellent service and hospitality. The price range for a room at this resort is from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per night.

Tranquil Beach Resort: This is a 2-star resort that offers cozy rooms with balconies, a restaurant, a terrace, and free parking. The resort is located just 1 km away from Harihareshwar Beach and provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The price range for a room at this resort is from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 per night.

MTDC Holiday Resort: This is a government-run resort that offers basic rooms with attached bathrooms, a restaurant, a playground, and free parking. The resort is located just 500 meters away from Harihareshwar Beach and provides a budget-friendly and convenient option for tourists. The price range for a room at this resort is from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night.

Some tips and suggestions for choosing a place to stay near Harihareshwar Beach are:

- Book your accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and get better deals.

- Compare the prices, features, and ratings of different places to stay near Harihareshwar Beach and choose the one that suits your needs and expectations.

- Check the reviews and feedback of previous guests and verify the authenticity and quality of the place to stay near Harihareshwar Beach.

- Choose a place to stay near Harihareshwar Beach that is close to the beach and other attractions, but also offers privacy and security.

Also Read: Beaches Near Pune – Within 200 Km

What to Do Near Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach is not only a place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, but also a place to indulge in various activities and attractions that can make your trip more memorable and exciting. Here are some of the most popular and fun things to do near Harihareshwar Beach:

Water Sports: If you are an adventure lover, you can try some water sports near Harihareshwar Beach, such as jet skiing, banana boat ride, kayaking, parasailing, etc. You can find many operators near the beach that offer these water sports at reasonable rates and with proper safety measures. You can also rent a boat and explore the nearby islands and coves.

Boating: If you are looking for a more relaxing and romantic activity, you can go for a boating trip near Harihareshwar Beach. You can hire a motorboat or a rowboat and enjoy the scenic views of the sea, the hills, and the coastline. You can also spot some dolphins, turtles, and birds along the way.

Fishing: If you are fond of fishing, you can try your luck near Harihareshwar Beach. You can find some local fishermen who can guide you to the best spots for fishing and provide you with the necessary equipment and bait. You can catch some fresh fish and cook them on the beach or take them home as souvenirs.

Camping: If you want to experience the nature and culture of Harihareshwar Beach more closely, you can opt for camping near the beach. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the local vendors and spend a night under the stars. You can also enjoy a bonfire, a barbecue, and some music with your friends or family.

Festivals: If you happen to visit Harihareshwar Beach during some festivals, you can witness some colorful and vibrant celebrations near the beach. Some of the festivals that are celebrated near Harihareshwar Beach are Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, etc. You can join the locals in their rituals, dances, and feasts and learn more about their traditions and customs.

Photo of Harihareshwar Beach 2/2 by
(C) Google

Some tips and suggestions for making the most of your time near Harihareshwar Beach are:

- Plan your activities according to the weather, tide, and crowd conditions near Harihareshwar Beach.

- Book your water sports, boating, or camping in advance to avoid disappointment and get better deals.

- Follow the instructions and precautions given by the operators or guides while doing any activity near Harihareshwar Beach.

- Respect the environment and culture of Harihareshwar Beach and do not litter or disturb the wildlife or locals.

What to See Near Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach is not only a place to relax and rejuvenate, but also a place to explore and discover some amazing places of interest that are located near the beach. Here are some of the most beautiful and historic places to see near Harihareshwar Beach:

Temples: Harihareshwar Beach is famous for its temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. The most prominent temple is the Harihareshwar Temple, which is located on a hill near the beach. The temple is believed to be built in the 16th century by a Maratha king and has four faces representing Lord Shiva in different forms. The temple is also known for its Pradakshina Marg, which is a circular path around the hill that passes through rocks, caves, and sea waves. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year who come here to seek blessings and witness the Aarti or Pooja ceremonies.

Forts: Harihareshwar Beach is also surrounded by some forts that reflect the history and glory of the region. The most notable fort is the Bankot Fort, which is located about 15 km away from the beach. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1670. The fort offers a panoramic view of the sea, the river, and the hills. The fort also has a Lighthouse that guides the ships in the dark. Another fort that is worth visiting near Harihareshwar Beach is Suvarnadurg Fort, which is located on an island about 25 km away from the beach. The fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 as a naval base and has a hexagonal shape. The fort can be reached by boat from Harnai port.

Caves: Harihareshwar Beach is also home to some caves that are carved out of rocks and have some interesting features and stories. The most famous cave is the Kalbhairav Cave, which is located near the Harihareshwar Temple. The cave is dedicated to Lord Kalbhairav, who is a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The cave has a statue of Lord Kalbhairav and some paintings and sculptures depicting his legends. The cave is also said to have a secret passage that leads to the sea. Another cave that is worth exploring near Harihareshwar Beach is the Ganesh Cave, which is located on the Pradakshina Marg. The cave has a small idol of Lord Ganesh and some inscriptions on the walls. The cave is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesh wrote the Mahabharata as dictated by Sage Vyasa.

Waterfalls: Harihareshwar Beach is also blessed with some waterfalls that add to the charm and beauty of the place. The most spectacular waterfall is the Bagmandala Waterfall, which is located about 10 km away from the beach. The waterfall is formed by the confluence of three rivers, namely Savitri, Kalu, and Gandhari. The waterfall cascades down from a height of about 100 meters and creates a misty and magical atmosphere. The waterfall is also a popular picnic spot and a birdwatching spot. Another waterfall that is worth visiting near Harihareshwar Beach is the Velas Waterfall, which is located about 20 km away from the beach. The waterfall is formed by the Velas river and falls from a height of about 50 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing and soothing experience.

Conclusion

Harihareshwar Beach is a place that offers something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker. It is a place where you can experience the divine and serene aspects of life in Konkan.

You can also share your travel stories, photos, and videos with Tripoto and get inspired by other travelers’ experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Harihareshwar Beach for an unforgettable vacation.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions about Harihareshwar Beach or this article, please feel free to share them with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you and answer your queries.

Harihareshwar Beach Reviews

The next day was a Saturday which is when most of the crowd was expected to turn up. We were also going to be joined by my two other friends who fortunately had a much much better driver and hence an extremely decent bus ride. While there was a larger audience waiting on, we were still out of luck on the sightings front. We’d have to try our luck in the evening. We decided to spend our day visiting the nearby beaches of Srivardhan and Harihareshwarand make it in time for our evening ‘darshan’. The stakes were much higher as there were more people who travelled from near and far. The organizers had provided us with some assurance that morning. Hopes were held high not just by the four of us but the 100+ other people who we found ourselves surrounded by. But our “stars” here were clearly keen on building on the anticipation. There would be no hatchlings in sight on the evening of our Day 2 either! “Tomorrow for sure!” we were told (yet again). Hope wasn’t lost just yet. We decided to get away from the maddening crowd on the beach by getting on to a nearby hillock that overlooked the entire sea. That just had to be the best view ever of a coastline I’ve seen from high above. Back home we had prawns for dinner and believe me that it was the yummiest preparation I’d had in a while. Thank god for homestays and authentic home cooked meals. However around us there were more people as it was the weekend which meant that the quaint and modest village was suddenly a little too noisy with music blaring from some quarters. Sunday morning was a super-charged one. The energy was crazy. Everyone wanted to know whether or not we’d be lucky to sight any hatchlings as most would be returning back to the city by noon and wouldn’t have another chance. And then in true Bollywood style high on suspense the cane baskets were moved while the rest of us waited with bated breaths. Of the three nests, there weren’t any hatchlings in two. Yeah we did get lucky that Sunday morning when we saw two “turtlets” no bigger than the size of a wafer finally make an appearance for us. Needless to say the crowd was crazy excited and in spite being requested to shut off the flash light of their cameras, it had seemed to fall on deaf ears. The reason for the request is that because these “turtlets” would now make their way into the sea they are drawn towards the light of the sun – and the flashlight confuses them causing them to change the direction of their movement. But the two were stars never the less! The excitement didn’t seem to simmer down even after the two went into the sea. What euphoria! I’d never come this close to witnessing the magic of life – more so of another species. To think that out of all the eggs that are laid only 40% hatch; of which only 10% survive the big bad sea world. I was yet to truly understand the significance of ‘survival of the fittest!’ My friends made their way back to the city later that day but I was going to stay on for another – and no I didn’t get lucky a second time that Sunday evening because even though the eggs had hatched they hadn’t made it to the top – which is critical for the development of their flippers.
The next morning we started off for our last stop, Harihareshwar which again was some one hour drive from Srivardhan. The road to this place surprisingly ends up into the parking lot of a hotel cum resort and is quite confusing. There's a narrow by-lane just before that hotel which sneaks up to the beach, unlike our earlier two destinations. Thankfully Harihareshwar broke our melancholy and we could spot hills on the both sides of the beach. It was around 11 in the morning with bright sunshine. Although the beach seemed a private place(no one enjoying the sea) yet we could see a lot of people on the rocks on one side of the beach. We kept moving in that direction to find a lane which were dotted with shops selling locally made stuffs as well as something to eat. It ended into the Harihareshwar temple from which the beach has got its name. There's a flight of stairs which goes upto the hill from behind the temple and we kept following it. Climbing them under the harsh sunshine was not a pleasant experience but the panoramic view of the beach from the hill top was. The path took us to the other side of the hill from where it was a steep discend. Until now it seemed that we are on a trekking trip with water all around us. As soon as we came down, we were surrounded with freakishly sea-waves-carved mountains on one side and the gushing waves on the other. For a moment I felt like I am at some place in the famous Game of Thrones series! Over hundreds of years these rocks kept washed by the sea waves during high tides, resulting in such amazing sculptures. The place was a photographer's delight and we could see a lot of people trying to strike different poses. These rocky structures were all along the beach on one side as long as our vision permitted. The wind was blowing at great speed making us oblivious of the bright sun. We even spotted a ravishing fish, the exquisite colours it had added a glint in our eyes. Lying on the stones with its eyes open, this was one of the most captivating moments we had one this trip. This also proved the point that at night the whole place gets covered under water! We returned back from our small trek to found a place to stay. Again it didn't have much options like Diveagar but definitely more than Srivardhan! We took a bath in the evening and relaxed in our rooms to get charged for the last night. It was a full moon and all we can see was the white sand making it quite romantic. The sea seemed quite furious with water covering all over those places where we had a good time in the day. We kept sitting idle under the moon looking onto the waves which was quite soothing an experience. Intermittently people in small groups came running by but ultimately we were the last ones till around 3 am. We started our walk back to our stay and found nobody awake in the whole area. It was dead silence all around the village, a great respite from 'people' who are everywhere in Mumbai! I guess this is what weekend getaways are meant for!
Getting there: Harihareshwaris an easy weekend escape from the ever bustling city of Mumbai– around 150 kms from Panvel, the roads are mostly good except for a few patches, making it a 4 hour drive. The drive in itself is quite scenic. There are also state buses that take you there from Panvel, and even from Borivali. Why Harihareshwar:It is still mostly undisturbed, thankfully, unlike other beaches closer to Mumbai which are swarmed by tourists in the weekends who have dirtied the beaches end to end. The water is also not polluted, yet, leaving it clean enough to be transparent and reflect the blues of the sky. So it makes for an easy and beautiful weekend getaway from Mumbai, you can leave early Saturday morning and get back Sunday evening. Empty little stretches of peaceful shores:If you hit the main stretch of beach early in the morning or around sunset, you are likely to have the entire beach to yourself and may be a couple of more tiny figures far from you. But one day tourists start to arrive a little late in the mornings in groups and all the horse cart riding, quad bike riding (slowest quad bikes you will ever see) and other such Mumbai beachy activities start to happen. So avoid the main beach during the day. But there are quite a few other small stretches of shores that can be fully yours throughout the day, and the mountains at the edge of the sea give quite a few rocky shores where you can lounge around to enjoy the waves peacefully hitting the rocks and splashing a few drops of water over you. We chose to laze around on the rocky stretch of the shore right outside our hotel in the evening, playing the guitar and singing old Hindi songs, and witnessed one of the most peaceful and beautiful sunsets that we have ever seen. There was not another soul around apart from us, and the only sounds were the waves hitting the rocks and the crickets when the sunset neared. Absolute calmness. And all this just a few hours away from Mumbai – is such a blessing. There are also quite a few patches full of lush green trees, where you can take a short walk.
Post lunch, we started for Harihareshwar- a temple village and beach about 40 km South of Diveagar. The road unveiled in front of us some of the best landscapes. The coastal road that led us to our destination was meandering between forests on one side and the vast sprawling sea on the other. Those moments are to be captured in our hearts and cherished forever. The gleaming sea and flaming forests on either side - as if we were riding between some ancient settings! Temples can be that quiet and inviting - I never experienced it! The red and yellow ancient temple was a welcoming treat to our souls. We sat there spellbind by the unknown and unseen force.. the soft ringing of the temple bells, the sound of the waves, the sound of hushed voices of travellers - a temple worth visiting and revisiting! We spent quality time on the beach chasing waves or rather chased by them, clicking pictures and savouring the local sweets and snacks. We decided to witness the sunset there itself and soon found a place to sit and enjoy the view - on a large rock at the tip of the sea. Ah! the sun with all its glory bid adieu for the day and melted into the sea. The view of the sunset was enthralling and enough to make us exhilarated. The return journey was full of adventures as the road was pitch dark and not a single soul was on sight. The eerie silence of the woods and the road made the return journey a memorable one. The place never ceases to surprise! The perfect day came to an end with yet another lavish spread of home cooked fish dish. The next morning was entirely dedicated to the Diveagar beach and surrounding areas. The neat and sprawling beach was not at all crowded. We grown ups yet again relived our golden childhood - chasing each other, playing with the waves! The soft morning sun rays kissed the beaches and our faces.The time has come to return with many untold stories and remembrance in our hearts. A hidden tiny village in Maharashtra where I lost my heart, again!!! A charming little place with view and food to die for! The stunning sunset! The quiet temple!
Next day morning we took our own time to woke-up, had decent breakfast at local restaurant and walked to Harihareshwar temple, it was just a walking distance from our hotel. Harihareshwar - A land believed to be blessed by Lord Vishnu and proclaimed as "Devghar" "house of god"& Harihareshwar temple is of foremost importance religiously. Promulgated as the "Dakshin Kashi" (Kashi of south India) Harihareshwar with its temple complex deities of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma along with the temple of Kalbhairav & Yogeshwari is an important pilgrim centre. Harihareshwar is surrounded by four holy hills Harihar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri & Pushpadri. Harihareshwar is a region in Konkan which is amazingly beautiful with hills playing the prefect foil for long stretch of pristine beach. Behind The Kalbhairav mandapa, a sign read "Pradakshina Marg" and pointed to a flight of stone steps that climbed into the adjoining hill. Please check with anyone around the temple about the conditions of the tide as its quite dangerous to go on this terrain during the high tide. The trail starts off with around 60 steps - 60 long steps & then you have to climb down round 140 narrow steps between a beautiful cut in the cliffs down to the sea. As you go around the cliffs, you see lot of interesting sea caves. The waves were quite strong and the splashing of the waves against the rocks was wonderful to look at. The Harihareshwar beach is itself not recommended for swimming as there are strong currents close to the coast and the general public are advised against swimming. After a blessed visit of temple, we were off to Alibag. Our first stop was Shrivardhan within 30 min drive and 20 kms from Harihareshwar. Shrivardhan is a small town and is famous for its beaches & Shri Laxminarayan temple. Its also famous as the "Town of the Peshwas" - the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath hailed from here. Shrivardhan is blessed with majestic white sand beaches and clear sea. The town has been of historical & religious importance. Its believe Pandava warrior Arjun visited the town during his pilgrimage.
Photos of Harihareshwar Beach
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