One of the best features of Harihareshwar is that it combines your religious and rejuvenating trip at the same time – that is, this place is known for its temple along the seashore which is popularly known as DakshinKashi(Kashi of Southern India) and used to be worshiped by Maratha Kingdom rulers Peshwas. Harihareshwar is surrounded by four holy hills named as Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. The temple is situated near these hills and it consists of idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maheshwara. It was in the 16th century that these temples were constructed. It also consists of idol of Goddess Parvati. There are other temples in the vicinity too. These temples are of Shri Kalbhairav and Shri Yogeshwari. It also boasts of silent and clean beaches with shallow waters. The nearest place to Harihareshwar is called Shrivardhan. Shrivarshan can also be visited along with Harihareshwar as it has a long clean silver sand beach as well. What is truly enticing about Harihareshwar is that the place offers one of the most splendid mélange – deep dark woods, unruffled and silent seashore, pristine beaches and lovely temples by the beach side.
Stayed at Mauli Resort(by Kiran Wakankar and Family) very homely stay with 5 acres of Beatlenut and Coconut grove.
more........ (many more photos will be uploaded by weekend)
Harihareshwar Temple Complex
Anjarle Kadyawarcha Ashtavinak, Post Kelshi road to Harnai(all the way upto Pristine Murud beach) is something very similar to highway 101 with sea on one side n u driving through green mountains. Anjarle is another popular beach few kms before Harnai. Other than beach place is known for Ganpati temple also called as Kadyawarcha ganpati in local language. Original Wooden pillars Temple was built in somewhat 1165 types; unfortunately before cameras came to this part of world, main temple got destroyed though an stone Shiva temple from 16th century has survived and is in good condition too, Present main temple is magnificent one, but I am sure original one would have been an nice one with large saal-teak carved pillars n thatched roof. Temple court has 2 huge Bakul flower trees along with few mango ones.
Suvarnadurg Fort, also known as Harnai Bunder, lies off the beautiful Harnai coast. It is a small sea port built by great emperor Shivaji to effectively counter the attacks by Sindhis. Of late the fort had been converted to a ship building port in Maharashtra.
Now Fort lies in ruins but it brings the remembrance of the construction abilities of Maratha architects, an treat for those who are fond of architecture history or archeology should visit it. Fort has more than 3 coast watch towers or what are called Bhui Cote in Marathi which were mainly to collect toll from merchant ships as well stock ammunition and small army for controlling and protecting nearby coastal regions from enemy. IMHO post 1857 mutiny most major forts of Maratha Empire n others who faught againt EastIndiaCo/British were purposefully destroyed by Britishers to make sure no re-grouping of estrangled princely state rulers to happen and result in 1857 like another mutiny. That is major reason why we have only those forts/palaces in ruins who faught against British before giving up arms compared to those who surrendered at very beginign, yes weather sply sun n rains has played an part in ruins but post mutiny fear has played far bigger role.
Unfortunately we had to settle for Fort view from Harnai bunder, as recent small boat mishap had made authorities to allow only fishing boats/trawlers to ferry tourists to fort, and a 24 Hr prior notice is required for any boat to ferry tourists to fort.
Veishi Bancote - another excellent example of watch cum trade controll(toll) tower at hills of Veishi, from here much of sea trade of Shrivarhan Harihareshwar Harnai was controlled and protected. Tower has two secret passages(in ruins now), one was for reaching sea at hill bottom and other for reaching nearby deity temple of KalmbaDevi worshiped mainly by Kolis(Fishermen).
Kid n Mumma had lots of fun
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Birding
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