Harihareshwar

Distance   170 km

District   Raigad

Category   Beach

Overview

One of the finest sea shores in India, Harihareshwar is a nice tourist destination located in the Konkan coast of Raigad district in Maharashtra. Harihareshwar is renowned for its tranquility and picturesque beach. Harihareshwar is also known as Dakshin Kashi by virtue of its importance in the spiritual arena of India, especially with an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar, as the name suggest is an abode of Lord Shiva.
Historians relate the existence of the city with the great emperor Shivaji and also with the First Bajirao Peshawa who visited the holy place during 1723. The ancient temples in this area are the living specimen of Indian architectural style blended with Maratha style of constructions. The sculptures in the temples depict the stories from the Hindu epics and amply show the artistic extravaganza of ancient golden period.
The city Shrivardhan nearby to Harihareshwar is connected to the city by sea as well. The tourists who like to enjoy the marvelous travel by water can opt for the launches to reach Harihareshwar from Shrivardhan. A hill known as Harihar or Pushpadri closer to the Harihareshwar beach encloses the natural beauty in its full glow. The hill adds the beauty of the beach with its lush green thick vegetation.
Harihareshwar attracts big crowds to its serene beach with calm cool breezes and many tourists select this as a vacation destination to stay some days away from the busy world. Truly in all sense Harihareshwar is a place of beauty with the pleasant ambience, temples, beach and dense woods.

Places of Interest

Harihareshwar Beach - This un-littered long stretch of golden sand, free from noisy crowds, pollution free virgin beach at Harihareshwar attracts visitors throughout the year. There are two stretches of the beach, one extending to the north of the temple and the other to the south. The small hillock behind the temple provides a panoramic view of the pristine beach and the rolling sea beyond it. One end of the hill slopes to an outcrop of rocks towards the beach. It is an ideal spot to relax to the sight and sound of waves breaking against the rocks.
Harihareshwar Temple - The Harihareshwar Temple attracts both pilgrims and tourists. It is built on a slightly elevated spot between two small hills just off the main beach. A refreshing breeze wafts through the gap continuously. According to local folklore, this gap was made by the deities to facilitate movement through the hills towards the ocean. This spot is referred to as ‘Dakshin Kasi’, meaning the Kasi of Southern India. The term is now extended to the whole of Harihareshwar. The period of the Harihareshwar Temple’s original construction has not been definitely established. Some of the sculptures are linked to the era of Shivaji. There is clear evidence of its renovation by Bajirao Peshawa in 1723 AD.

Accommodation

Pretty of options available for accommodation available including beach-side and state owned MTDC resorts.

How to Reach

Pune to Harihareshwar : Pune-Mulsi-Tamini Ghat - Nizampur - Mangaon - Mhasala - Harhihareswar
Harihareshwar to Pune : Harihareshwar - Mhasala - Mangaon - NH17 till Pali - Pali - Khapoli - Expressway exit to Pune.