Konkan is the beach lover’s paradise & comprises of the western rugged coastline of Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka. This narrow strip of land has till now been able to retain its culture & peaceful surroundings & is still miles away from the western civilization influences. It is thus the perfect getaway for a weekend to escape the city chaos! According to mythological records, the land was reclaimed from the mighty sea king when Lord Parshurama shot an arrow into the oceans. The heavenly land that emerged out was christened Konkan meaning “corner piece” in Sanskrit.

Diveagar – Shrivardhan & Harihareshwar are small villages in middle part of the coastal strip of Maharashtra & are easily accessible from Mumbai –Pune. Tourists looking for a quick getaway over the weekend should definitely plan for these small jewels of Konkan.

Here is a list of things that the three coastal beauties offer:

1.Diveagar:

Diveagar is a tiny village which shot to fame some years back because of the golden Ganesha statue & some ornaments were found buried in a Farm. Interestingly the statue was hollow from behind & fitted perfectly over the stone idol in the village’s ancient Ganesha temple! Known for its Ganesh temples, virgin beaches & simple Maharashtrian cuisine, Diveagar is paradise for those looking for a laid-back relaxation time on the beach. The beach here is calm & appropriate for a swim. There are coconut & Betel nut plantations owned by locals here known as the “Wadis” which are a perfect place to catch the much required afternoon nap!

2.Shrivardhan:

The route from Diveagar to Shrivardhan (about 20 km stretch) is the most scenic of the lot & should not be missed. The road runs parallel to the coastline & offers excellent views of the sea & plantations off the coastline. Tucked between Diveagar & Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan is yet another peaceful beach, where you can enjoy a dip in the ocean before sampling some delicious seafood. You can visit the Kalcha Jivana fishing docks nearby to buy some fresh seafood to be prepared by the locals for your meals. Another attraction that Shrivardhan offers is Dolphin seeing rides. You need to ask around & the locals will be happy to take you on a tour to catch glimpses of some dolphins!

3.Harihareshwar:

Known for its ancient Shiva temple, Harihareshwar is situated on the banks of river Savitri, & the oceans on the other side. Given its holy stature, Harihareshwar is also known as Dakshin Kashi (Kashi of the south). The temple is worth a visit & especially the Pradakshina around the temple is not to be missed. The path passed through a nearby hillock & provides mesmerizing views of the ocean below. However, the currents in Harihareshwar beach are strong & hence swimming is not advisable here.

How to reach:

Diveagar is about 190 km from Mumbai via the Pandharpur road. Distance from Pune is approx. 160 km via the scenic Tamhini ghat. The roads are scenic but consist of treacherous ghat sections (Varandha ghat) & day time drive is advisable.

Best Places to Stay near Diveagar – Shrivardhan & Harihareshwar :

Both Diveagar & Shrivardhan are essentially small places & the tourist culture has not developed as other beaches like Alibaug or Goa. The options of resort & restaurant are limited. However here you can enjoy the rustic & simple lifestyle of villagers by staying on Farmstays. Most villagers have converted their homes into tourist-friendly guestrooms. You can explore the coconut & betel nut plantations adjacent to the home stays & enjoy the taste of some homemade kokum sharbat or jack fruit chips! Don’t forget to buy the local snacks & farm produces called “Konkan Meva” on your way out!

Best time to visit:

Summers are harsh because of humidity in the coastal strip. Best time to visit is the monsoons & winters.