Sun kissed beaches, swaying palm trees and thatched roofs to make an awesome landscape. Dash of history and spicy seafood builds up the glory, such is this tranquil town of Harihareshwar. Home to some beautiful beaches and temples, this place is also known as Dakshin Kashi by its importance in the spiritual arena of India, especially with an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
We group of friends were looking for secluded place to celebrate New year eve, Away from chaos of Busy Mumbai's pubs and parties. And there we planned to head to Harihareshwar. When we reached Harihareshwar, trust us, this place came across as a pleasant surprise with some of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches along the Konkan Coast. A popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune, Harihareshwar is surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar.
Harihareshwar is a very small town away from hustle bustle of the city life. If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, Heading to Harihareshwar is an ideal option to find peace and relaxing vacation.
Destination Facts:
Location: Maharashtra,
District: Raigad
Altitude: 0 Meter
Temperature: (Summer 23 to 38°C) and (Winter 16 to 26°C)Languages Spoken: Marathi, Hindi and English.
How to reach Harihareshwar:
By Air: The nearest international airport to Harihareshwar is the Mumbai Airport, located at about around 195 km.
Pune Airport, located at approximately 175 km from the town can also be an option for the travelers travelling through airways. Take up a private cab or taxi to make your way further to Harihareshwar.
By Road: Around 150 kms from Panvel, the roads are mostly good except for a few patches, making it a 4-hours' drive. The drive is quite scenic and thus, Harihareshwar is an easy weekend escape from the ever-bustling city of Mumbai.
By Train: Mangaon is the nearest rail head to Harihareshwar.
By Waterways: Mumbai port is the nearest port located to Harihareshwar, and thus, is the only station for the people looking to travel through the means of waterways.
Best time to visit Harihareshwar: October -March is the best time to visit Harihareshwar. Diwali and Shivratri celebrations during this period can make a visit to Harihareshwar a more captivating one. Planning to visit
Harihareshwar in summer (March - May) may not be the best option. Due to hot weather and extreme climatic conditions, you may get uncomfortable to explore the city.
Monsoon in this region can be your second-best choice for a visit to Harihareshwar.
Where to stay in Harihareshwar: There are many budgeted resorts to stay in Harihareshwar. one of the excellent resort is MTDC Holiday Resort Harihareshwar, It is part of the "Maharashtra Tourism" chain of hotels in India.
Other than this, Harihareshwar beach resort and Greengate Harihareshwar Resort are also recommended for a weekend stay.
Here are the 4 Reasons why you should visit Harihareshwar:
Beach Hopping:
HariHareshwar has some wonderful and serene and untouched beaches. Two beaches on either side of Harihareshwar temple, the main attraction of Harihareshwar apart from the beautiful beach. One of these beaches comprises of a straight stretch that is about 2.4 km long and lies in front of the temple, while the second beach lies in front of the MTDC Resort and is L-shaped with a stretch of about 2 km. The Harihar hill on the sea shore adds to the attraction of the beach.
Early morning, we went to the beach and Hurrah!! There was no one on the beach. We had the entire beach for ourselves. Such an incredible feeling when you are desperately searching for a tranquil time. We spent the whole day at the shoreline and going to adjacent spots.
Seclusion seeking tourists can make a visit to the Harihareshwar beach and have a unique experience there. The enthusiastic tourists can have a journey through the water and enjoy speed boat rides and water scooter rides at this beach.
A steep step down from the back of the temple will lead you to the other side remote side of the beach. During low tide one can take a full round of the place where in during high tide the place is not accessible. Though restricted, a small uphill there can bring you spectacular views of the sea and the whole of Harihareshwar.
Harihareshwar has about five beaches on its either sides. Shrivardhan, Aaravi and Diveagar are located to the north of Harihareshwar and Kelshi and Anjarle is located almost at the same distance away from Harihareshwar to its south across the Bankot creek, form a widely popular weekend getaway, especially from Pune and Mumbai. You can easily club your trip to Harihareshwar with a visit to these beautiful coastal destinations which are hidden gems in the interiors of Maharashtra.
Visit Blissful Temples :
Harihareshwar is home to some old and revered temples like the Lord Shiva temple, which attracts several visitors daily.
Harihareshwar temple complex is a main attraction of Harihareshwar and a trip to Harihareshwar is not complete without a visit to the temple complex. The reigning deities in Harihareshwar temple are the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, along with Devi Parvati. The Harihareshwar temple opens up to a long stretch of beach on its northern side.
Kalbhairav Temple, Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the most ancient and the most renowned temples of Maharashtra. In this temple, idols of Lord Shiva and Kalbhairav have been placed. According to the mythology, Lord Shiva made Kalbhairav and bestowed him with all his mantra sastra.
The Somaja Devi Temple is another ancient shrine in the destination, which is dedicated to Goddess Somaja. Natives believe that the Goddess helps in extracting the venom of snake from the body of the person.
Go to see Bagmandla :
Bagmandla is a remotely small village close to Harihareshwar, located in Raigad district in Maharashtra. Consisting of one of the finest beach with soft white sands. Sunrise and sunset are splendid at Bagmandla beach. You will surely be taken to a whole new world of awe and wonder.
Bankot fort is a major attraction of Bagmandla and boats can be hired to reach the fort. There is also a jungle jetty which is a sea harbor in the forest-a rarity.
Ferries can be hired to reach the Bankot fort and the nearby Ratnagiri fort through the Bagmandla creek and the ride is a pleasant one. The ferries even take four wheelers across the creek.
Hike to Ganesh Gully :
Ganesh Gully is a narrow channel which is located in between two mountains. At the end of this 3 feet wide Gully, there is a statue of Lord Ganesh. The idol is placed at the revered niche that is submerged 30 feet under the water.
It is assumed that during the tidal periods one can observe the Ganesh idol placed perfectly at the niche. Many tourists visit this place to have a glimpse of the Ganesh Idol. The place Ganesh gully itself is in the backdrop of natural beauty and calm smoothening winds.
Other Places to see near Harihareshwar:
Shrivardhan - 21kms
Diveagar - 34 kms
Murud Harnai - 51 Kms
Dapoli - 64 Km
Murud Janjira - 73 Km
Kolad - 82 Km
Kashid - 93 Km
Revdanda- 114 Km
Harihareshwar is renowned for its idyllic beaches and is also a renowned local pilgrimage . Watch some best of sunsets and sunrises at these serene beaches, Absolute calmness. And all this just a few hours away from Mumbai - is such a blessing.
Have to been to Harihareshwar yet? Share your experiences with us in comments.