Things To Do In Shrivardhan, The Town Of Peshwas Blessed With Gorgeous Beaches And Temples

Raigad district of Maharashtra holds in its hearts many hidden and not so hidden gems. And one of them is Shrivardhan (also spelled as Shriwardhan). It is known for its beauty, charm, serenity and of course its historic significance. Located in the Raigad district, this city has many beaches and temples, and this ancient city is steeped in history. Harihareshwar is considered its twin city. There are many mango and coconut trees dotting the city and is a popular weekend getaway destination for people near Mumbai and even Pune.

The city of Shrivardhan was mentioned in Arjuna Pandav’s pilgrimage. It was also a very important port and finds mention in accounts of European travellers like Ziffardan, Dom João de Castro, etc. Not only that, this is the birthplace of Balaji Vishawanath, the first Peshwa of the Martha Empire appointed by Chhatrapati Shahu (grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji).
There are quite a number of things you can do in this beautiful city, so let’s take a look!
1. Make way to beach

Shrivardhan

Image Courtesy: www.konkan.me
Located between Harihareshwar and Divegar beach, Shrivardhan beach has a charm of its own. It is one of the most serene beaches in the area and you will be mesmerised by the waters that lie in front of you. Dotted with coconut trees and mango plantations nearby, picturesque views, and more. There is a small promenade from where you can soak in lovely views. The sunsets and sunrises here are spectacular. Long walks on the beach or simply sunbathing is quite special here. You can also have a picnic at the beach but remember to take your trash back with you.
 
2. Indulge in activities

Shrivardhan

Image Courtesy: divcomkonkan.gov.in

At the Shrivardhan beach, you can be a water baby and try your hand at boating, swimming, sailing, paragliding or surfing. You can even enjoy horse rides, camel rides, buggy rides here. Local fishermen will also take you on a dolphin-spotting trip and you can watch dollies at play. It is one of the most fun activities you can be part of. Don’t worry, they will charge you nominally for that. And you can also take a boat trip to go and see where the Peshwas resided at Bhagamandala.
 
 
3. Gobble up yummy seafood!

Things To Do In Shrivardhan

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All you seafood lovers out there, you absolutely have to try the seafood at the restaurants and the shacks nearby. They make a mean seafood fare and it is obviously made with the fresh catch of the day. If you wanna explore more, then at the nearby fisherman villages also you will find a local seafood haunt to satiate your hunger pangs. And vegetarians don’t worry, they have options for you as well.


4. Head to Khalcha Jivana Port and watch fish auction

Things To Do In Shrivardhan

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Certainly one of the most offbeat things to do. You can make your way to Khalcha Jivana Port, which is at the end of the beach. And there a live fish auction takes place every evening with the fresh catch of the day. There you will spot different types and varieties of Konkan fishes and traders haggle over them. You can even try and speak to the fishermen and see if you can tag along for a fishing trip at night. Oh, that will be an adventure for sure.
 
5. Visit the Shri Laxminarayan Temple

Things To Do In ShrivardhanImage for representation
This is the main temple of the Peshwas and is located in Shrivardhan town. The temple was built by the Peshwas in the Hoysala architectural style. The idol here is considered to be very old, as old as 700 years or more. Many devotees come here to seek blessings.


6. Make way to Harisheshwar and visit the temples

Things To Do In Shrivardhan

Image Courtesy: traveltriangle.com
Harihareshwar beach is just 18 km away from Shrivardhan and you should absolutely head there. Not many know this, but the Harihareshwar beach is actually divided into two parts. The first part is the one in front of the Harihareshwar Temple and the other is near the MTDC Resort. There are a lot of activities you can engage in at this beach too.
The two famous temples, Harihareshwar and the Kalbhairav Temples are in the same compound. It is also called Devbhumi or House of the Gods. When doing parikrama (rounds around the idol), people actually have to take a round through Harihareshwar beach. But that should be avoided during high tide.
 
7. Visit the Ganesh Gully

Things To Do In Shrivardhan

Image Courtesy: Just Dial
This is yet another interesting part. It is near the Harihareshwar Temple. There is a narrow lane between two mountains. And once you travel through, you will see an idol of Lord Ganesha submerged 30 feet into the water. But you can see the idol only during low tide. During high tide, the whole idol gets submerged.Things To Do In Shrivardhan

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia commons/Pankaj Dhande
Other things to do: Visit Somjai Devi Mandir and Kusuma Devi temple or the Kushmeshwar Temple; Head to Divegar beach and also to Kondivali (Kandivali) Beach; visit Bhagamandala which has a Jungle Jetty and Bankot Fort; if you are into trekking then there are some nice cliffs in and around Shrivardhan for you to trek away to; and more.

Also Read: 6 Best Holi 2024 Parties In Mumbai: Where Celebration Meets Colors, Dance, Music, And Fun!


#WHTip: The best to visit Shrivardhan is all year round but you should avoid heading here during the monsoon season
Getting there: Shrivardhan is 185 km away from Mumbai and 165 km away from Pune. It is well-connected via roads from Mumbai and Pune. State transport buses also ply here. The nearest railway station is Mangaon which is 45 km away from Shrivardhan.
P.S. What’s Hot doesn’t advise unnecessary travel. Please venture out only when it is safe to do so. Till then stay safe, stay home and get vaccinated.

Information Source: Konkan.me and Travel Triangle

Vertical Image Courtesy: www.konkan.me
Header Image Courtesy: divcomkonkan.gov.in

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia commons/Ccmarathe and divcomkonkan.gov.in

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