Shrivardhan

Shrivardhan is a charming coastal town situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Known for its rich history, prominent temples and beautiful beaches, Shrivardhan is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway with family and friends.

Start your day by visiting the peaceful Shrivardhan Beach and take a bare-footed stroll along the shoreline, enjoying the texture of the fine white sand. Revisit your childhood by building sand-castles or enjoy the feel of the warm water while you dip your feet in the sea. When the sun is overhead, you can sit back and relax on the comfortable benches built on a promenade outlining the beach. Take a break in the afternoon and satisfy your taste buds with a wide array of fresh seafood or enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes served by the beachside restaurants and homestays. As the day draws to an end, make sure to capture the golden sunset on your camera.

It is a great idea to dedicate an entire morning for Shrivardhan’s temples, many of which are built in the typical Konkani-style architecture. The town’s Somjai Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Somjai, the village deity, who is believed to have the powers to cure people affected by snakebites. A beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu carved in black rock graces the town’s Laxminarayan Temple. Other temples in the vicinity include the Jeevaneshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kusuma Devi Temple dedicated to Godess Mahakusuma Devi, believed to the embodiment of Godess Mahasaraswati, Godess Mahalaksmi and Godess Mahakali.

Whether you are a history buff or not, you’ll be amazed by Shrivardhan’s rich history. Shrivardhan has been mentioned in the Mahabharata as one of the places Arjuna visited during his pilgrimage. It was also an important trading port in the 16^th and 17^th centuries under the kingdoms of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar. In addition, Shrivardhan is the birthplace of the first Peshwa, Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, the founder of the powerful Peshwa dynasty, which ruled India in the 18^th century. To get a small glimpse into the Maratha Empire’s history, visit the Peshwe Smarak Temple which houses a stunning statue of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath as well as other interesting artifacts.

There are many other attractions you can visit if you plan to stay in Shrivardhan for more than a couple of days. Situated a few km away from Shrivardhan are the gorgeous Shekhadi and Kondivli beaches, which greet you with spectacular views of the blue horizon and an expanse of shiny blackish sand. Further down the road towards Diveagar is the rocky Bharadkhol Beach where you can observe fishermen going about their daily routine.

If you have four to five days in hand, make sure to visit Shrivardhan along with its neighboring towns of Harihareshwar and Diveagar, which are equally scenic and worth-visiting.