Hedvi Ganapati (Dashbhuja) Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Hedvi Ganapati (Dashbhuja) Raigad

Hedvi is a very calm and pristine location present in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Konkan region of the state. Hedvi is essentially a small village that is located near the bigger town of Guhanagar. There are many attractions in the town of Hedvi, as many temples and other religious destinations are located in this region. 

Hedvi is primarily a pilgrim destination, which attracts pilgrims from across the country through its many temples. The Lord Ganesha temple in Hedvi is very popular, because it is a site that’s of major historical relevance. Constructed during the time of the Peshawas, this temple has an idol of Lord Ganesha that is made fully out of marble. This idol is rumored to have been carved out in Jammu and Kashmir and brought all the way to Hedvi during their rule. You can also visit the Uma Maheshwari temple during your stay in Hedvi. This temple is popular among women, who flock to catch a glimpse of this deity throughout the year. The beach in Hedvi is also very famous for its pristine features, and the Brahman Ghal, which is a large black rock that is thirty five feet high, is a prime destination in the beach.

Mandwa and Kihim Beach Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Mandwa and Kihim Beach Raigad

North of Alibag on the North Coast, lies the beach of mandwa. just 120 km away from Mumbai. On a clear day one can see the Gateway of India. The fishing village of Mandwa has a charm of its own with beautiful groves of coconut palms. Quite near is Kihim beach. For the young at heart and gypsy by spirit, MTDC organises an unusual tent holiday to give you feel of nature. Twenty tents lay nestled amidst the thick coconut groves. these tents also have modern aminities like fans, beds, blankets, cafeteria.

Kihim a nearby unsspoilt and isolated beach, has also a lot to offer; woods brimming with wild flowers, rare butterflies and birds. Kihim is famous for its birds. Kihim is exclusive beach, laced with lush coconut tree. The inviting part of it is that kihim is entirely undiscovered and unpolluted. Its surroundings are as attractive -Murad beach & Chaul, historic fort, churches, synagogues and the fascinating towers of St. Barbara. At kihim, you have an unconventional 'tent Holiday' with modern facility attached.

Shree Vikram Vinayak Temple ( Birla Temple) Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Shree Vikram Vinayak Temple ( Birla Temple) Raigad

 20 Kms. away from Alibag is a small village named ' Salav ' on the Alibag - Roha route. There is a temple on a hill top near Salav village. Vikram Ispat company, a part of Birla udyog group has built this temple called ' Birla Mandir '. This temple is between the Vikram Ispat company and its beautifully located residential colony. It is a temple built in pure milk white marble and its dome can be seen from a long distance also. It can be reached by road or by climbing the steps. While climbing the temple steps one is always mesmerized by the landscape. On both sides of the steps is green velvet carpet of grass and beautiful flowers which will keep you spell bound for a minute.

The temple has marble floors and the hall of the temple is open from all sides. The ceiling of the temple is transparent which allows free flow of air and ample of light to come in. On entering the temple there is a square shaped nave.The nave is also made of marble and is very beautifully carved. The beautifully carved idol of 'Ganapati' is placed the nave. The idols of 'Riddhi and Siddhi' are placed on both sides of idol. Around the nave are small temples of 'Radha-Krishna', 'Shiv-Parvati', 'Bhavanidevi' and 'Suryadeva'. In the the garden next to the temple there is a statue of "Late Aditya Birla".

Ballaleshwar Ganpati - Pali Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Ballaleshwar Ganpati - Pali Raigad

Named after Ballal, son of Kalyan Shreshthi, from whose `tapasya', Ganesh appeared at pali. The deity is known as Ballaleshwar. Erlier the deity was placed in a wooden temple. The wooden temple was so constructed that the rays of the sun would fall directly on the deity from the two equinoxes of the temple. The temple was reconstructed in 1770 by Morobadada Phadanvis.

The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft. high. Behind the temple, another temple of Ganesh, known as Dhundi Vinayak is situated. The Peshwas had installed the big bell, in the temple which is of Portuguese make. Nearby Pali is Sudhagad which is famous for its hot springs. 

Inner sanctum is quite big and is 15 feet high. Outer sanctum is 12 feet high and it has rat idol with Modak in his hands and facing Ganesh. Temple walls are made quite strong by mixing lead with cement while construction.Hall of the temple is 40 feet long and 20 feet broad and it was built by late Shri Krishnaji Ringe in 1910 A.D. Hall is very beautiful with 8 pillars resembling cyprus throne tree. Idol of Vinayaka sitting on stone throne, faces east and its trunk is left turned.

Panvel Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Panvel Raigad

Panvel is a city that is located in the Raigad District of the state of Maharashtra. Panvel is locally called as the gateway to the Konkani region. Panvel is an old place and the earliest known settlement in the region was around 3000 years ago. There are many old buildings and havellis that are located in the city if Panvel and it was an affluent city during the colonial period and also during the time of the Peshawahis. 
History : Panvel is about 300 years old, developed around trade routes (both land and sea), during the Mughal rule and hence after by the Marathas, the British and the Portuguese. Panvel Municipal Council (PMC) was established in the year 1852, which is the oldest municipal council of Maharashtra. Also civilians celebrated Sesquicentennial anniversary (150th anniversary) of Panvel Municipal Council (PMC)in the year 2002. The city prospered and grew due to the influence of large scale trade by land and sea. This was characterised by the large Wadas (Palace-like homes) that came up during the Peshwai and post-Peshwai period. It is also said that old name of this city was Paneli. There were Historic cannons (During the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) situated on Panvel port.

Prabal Fort Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Prabal Fort Raigad

Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat top of the hill named Prabhal hills in the western side of Matheran. The fort, which is of historical importance, was captured by Chathrapathi Shivaji from Mughals and it is believed that the forts enclosed price worthy treasure at the time of capture. On top of Prabal hills, there is a pond. There were two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifications and in 1818 the gateways were destroyed in the uncongenial fights. Presently walls of three or four towers are remaining as a specimen of grand old days of Maratha rulers.

Karnala Fort, Raigad Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Karnala Fort, Raigad Raigad

Karnala fort (also called Funnel Hill[1]) is a hill fort in Raigad district about 10 km from Panvel city. Currently it is a protected place lying within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It was a fort of strategic importance as it overlooked the Bor pass which connected the Konkan coast to the interior of Maharashtra (Vidharba)[1] and was the main trade route between these areas 
History : Shivaji conquered it from the Portuguese in 1670 by building breastworks as he advanced.[2] After his death in 1680 it was taken over by Aurangzeb. After this the Mughals occupied it for some time after which it in 1740 with the rise of the Peshwas of Pune it went to them. It remained under the command of killedar (garrison commander) Anantrao[5] until a colonel Prother won the fort and established the rule of the British East India Company there in 1818.

Hari-Harihareshwar Beach Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Hari-Harihareshwar Beach Raigad

Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers. And if one relishes sea-food, there is no dearth of delicacies to sample here. The adventuerers can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the "Peshwas" or prime ministers of the Maratha Kingdom, Originally resides. The "Peshwas Smarak" is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan. 

The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva temple.

Elephanta Caves Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Elephanta Caves Raigad

The Great Cave at Elephanta is one of the great monuments near Bombay. It is one in a complex of Hindu caves on Gharapuri (Elephanta is the name given to the island by the Portuguese), dating to the sixth century AD.

The cave is designed to accommodate Hindu ritual of circumambulating the cave, and encountering a number of images related to Shiva, in a great mandala. 

One of the major attractions of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves are situated near the metropolitan city of Mumbai. The Elephanta island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India. There are various rock cut temples present in these caves, which are as old as 5th century.

The Elephanta island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island.

Varad Vinayak Ganpati - Mahad Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Varad Vinayak Ganpati - Mahad Raigad

The Varad Vinayak Temple at Mahad is located on the highway linking Mumbai and Pune. Mahadcha Varadvinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha. 

Legend has it that a rishi by name Vachaknavi was visited by a ruler by name Rukmangada, and during the visit the rishipatni Mukundaa expressed her attraction to the king. The king turned her down leaving her seething in anger. In the meanwhile, Indra, the king of the Devas came down to the earth in the disguise of Rukmangada and accepted her amorous moves. An illegitimate son Grutshmadha was born out of their union. 

The son, learning of the story of his birth was grief stricken, and prayed to Ganesha in Bhadrakavana for absolvement of the sinsof everyone concerned. His prayers were granted by Varadavinayak of Bhadrakavana (now Mahad). 

The Temple : Varadavinayak is portrayed, seated on an east facing throne. Stone images of his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi are also seen in the temple. A lamp in this temple is said to have been glowing uninterrupted for over a hundred years.

Murud Janjira Fort Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Murud Janjira Fort Raigad

Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. 

Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline. Neither the Portuguese nor the British could subjugate the fort. And the Marathas, despite their repeated attempts failed to subjugate the Siddi power.

diveagar Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near diveagar

Raigad, a remote locale placed at an altitude of 2851 feet above the sea level, is gifted with a mountainous terrain. Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range this lovely place offers breathtaking views of natural splendor. Raigad is distinguished from the nearby mountains by lovely and profound canyons. This deep gorge with 1.5 kilometers width houses lush and lustrous vegetation. River Gandhar and river Kal flows through this beautiful valley giving it a majestic look. A verdant valley with rivers flowing beneath makes the surroundings scenic and tranquil.

History : The erstwhile capital of Chathrapati Sivaji, Raigad is famed for its rich heritage, ancient monuments and rocky terrain. Literal meaning of the term Raigad is 'the king’s fort'.

matheran Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near matheran

Lusting greeneries, serene environments and unpolluted ambience Matheran is a fantastic tourist destination at a height of about 2516 feet above sea level in Maharashtra state of India. Matheran, the jungle on the top, was developed by British after it was located in 1850 by the British Officer Hugh Mallet, who was the Collector of Thane. 

Matheran is a nature’s gift, with 38 peak points for an enthusiastic tourist to take refuge from the day to day hardships of modern life. These points include Panorama point, Echo point, Charlotte Lake, King George point and Louisa point. The Paymaster Park and Panthers’ Caves are two prime picnic spots for any one can enjoy the natural pleasures; especially children will enjoy these grandeur places. Matheran with the undulated hilly regions with the treasures of natural beauty is one of the best summer retreats to keep away from the scorching mercury levels in the down plain cities.

The stunning views of the landscapes from the cliffs of Matheran offer memorable experiences for life long. The Hart point, one of the scenic spot, offer breathtaking views of multicolored lights of Mumbai city in the serene and cold nights. A two hour journey through the undulated hilly roads by bus can take the tourists to this imposing picturesque location. Soft cool breeze welcome you to this nature’s gift.

Extremely good boarding and lodging facilities with all requirements of luxurious vacation stay and the picnic spots, natural beauty embodied, attract thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to Matheran every year. The bazaar in Matheran offer excellent shopping facilities to shopping freaks

alibag Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near alibag

It is only 19 kms by sea situated at South of Mumbai port covered with Coconut , Areca trees and lush greenery. Nowadays, Alibag has become a very attractive tourist halt due to it's beautiful gardens planted with Coconut, Areca trees. It has a pleasant and pollution free atmosphere in addition to the beautiful Colaba fort. Earlier days gardens of Coconut and Areca trees were spread up from North to person named "Ali". City based on Ali's gardens was named as "Alibag". 

By road it is a three-hour drive from Mumbai as the route winds north from the Mumbai peninsula to Navi Mumbai and then curves and moves south along the mainland coast. Alibag has a lovely beach that is unspoiled. There is a historic fort that is now in ruins just off the beach. The hill range of the Western Ghats line the other side of the city giving it a unique character of greenery and the blue of the ocean. It's a wonderful place to take a relaxed vacation with nothing on your mind. Alibag is a place for a vacation. An unhurried pace of life is a small town with a beautiful beach and the green hills on the other side, free of pollution and noise.

Raigad Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Raigad

<p><span class="tahoma15red"> </span>                                                         <a href="http://touristplaces.org/india/maharashtra/raigad" onclick="window.open(this.href,'','resizable=no,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,fullscreen=no,dependent=no,status'); return false"><strong>Raigad</strong></a> is located in south western side of <a href="http://touristplaces.org/india/maharashtra">Maharashtra</a> State. The Situated on western coast of India and on the shore of Arabian Sea, <strong>Raigad</strong>  is on a west-facing spur of the Western Ghats of Sahyadri range. The  district is bounded by Mumbai Harbor to the northwest, Thane District to  the north, Pune District to the east, Ratnagiri district to the south,  and the Arabian Sea to the west. <br />
<br />
Its believed that <strong>Raigad</strong> was named after the Rairi hill, on which the <strong>Raigad</strong> fort was constructed and fortified by Shivaji and his engineers, notably Abaji Sondev, the then governor of Kalyan. <br />
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Situated in western coastal stretch of Maharashtra- Konkan region is the mountainous terrain of <strong>Raigad</strong>,  famed for its breathtaking natural beauty as evident from its canyons,  deep gorges and lush vegetation. The beauty of the place is further  enhanced by the crisscrossing rivers of Gandhar and Kal that rushes down  through the beautiful valley. <strong>Raigad</strong> is a beautiful  hill fort immensely important in the history of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati  Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire had declared <strong>Raigad</strong> as his Capital Fort in 1674 at the time of his coronation as the king of the Maratha Kingdom.