7 superb things to do in Harihareshwar, Maharashtra

Harihareshwar is a small town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, located on the western coast of India. It is a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune, who want to enjoy the serene beauty of nature and the spiritual vibes of the ancient temples. Harihareshwar is also known as Dakshin Kashi, or the southern Kashi, because of its significance as a pilgrimage center for Lord Shiva devotees.

If you are planning to visit Harihareshwar, here are some of the things that you can do to make your trip memorable and enjoyable.

Visit the Harihareshwar Temple Complex

The main attraction of the place is the temple complex that houses two adjacent temples: the Kalbhairav temple and the Harihareshwar temple. The Kalbhairav temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s fierce form, and it is customary to visit this temple first before entering the main Harihareshwar temple. The Harihareshwar temple has a Shiva Linga that is believed to have been blessed by Lord Shiva himself. The temple also has idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Goddess Parvati

The temple complex is situated on the shore of the Arabian Sea, and offers a splendid view of the waves crashing on the rocks. You can also take a pradakshina, or a circumambulation, around the temple along the sea shore. However, be careful not to go on this route during high tide, as it can be dangerous

The temple complex is open from 6 am to 9 pm every day, and there is no entry fee. However, you may have to pay a nominal amount for parking your vehicle or for using the locker facility. You can also participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place in the temple, such as the morning and evening aarti, or the abhishekam, or the bathing of the Shiva Linga with milk, water, honey, etc.

Enjoy the Beaches of Harihareshwar

The place has two beaches: one to the north and one to the south of the temple complex. Both beaches are clean and well-maintained, and offer a relaxing and refreshing experience. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, boating, or just walking on the soft sand. You can also witness some amazing sunrises and sunsets from these beaches.

The north beach is more crowded and livelier, as it has many shops, stalls, restaurants, and hotels nearby. You can find various options for food and accommodation here, ranging from budget to luxury. You can also indulge in some water sports activities here, such as jet skiing, banana boat ride, parasailing, etc.

The south beach is more secluded and tranquil, as it has fewer facilities and visitors. It is ideal for those who want some peace and privacy. You can also spot some dolphins here if you are lucky. The south beach is also home to the MTDC resort, which is run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The resort offers comfortable rooms and cottages with sea view, as well as a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden, and a children’s play area.

Explore the Nearby Attractions of Harihareshwar

The place is not only about temples and beaches; it also has some other interesting places to visit nearby. Some of these are:

• Diveagar Beach: This is another beautiful beach that is about 20 km from the town. It is famous for its long stretch of white sand and coconut palms. It also has a Ganesh temple that houses a gold-plated idol of Lord Ganesh that was found by a local fisherman in 1998.
• Shrivardhan Beach: This is another scenic beach that is about 18 km from the place. It is known for its historical significance, as it was the birthplace of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, the first prime minister of the Maratha Empire.
• Bagmandala: This is a small village that is about 4 km from the town. It is known for its ferry service that connects it to Bankot Fort across the Savitri River. Bankot Fort is an old fort that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
• Ganesh Gully: This is a narrow lane that leads to a small cave that has a natural idol of Lord Ganesh inside it. It is located near the Harihareshwar temple, and can be accessed only during low tide.

Tips for Visiting Harihareshwar

• The best time to visit Harihareshwar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the roads can be slippery and the sea can be rough.
• The nearest railway station to Harihareshwar is Mangaon, which is about 60 km away. You can take a train from Mumbai or Pune to Mangaon, and then take a bus or a taxi to Harihareshwar. The nearest airport is Pune, which is about 190 km away. You can also drive to Harihareshwar from Mumbai or Pune, as the road is well-connected and scenic.
• Harihareshwar is a safe and friendly place, but it is advisable to follow some basic precautions, such as carrying enough cash, wearing modest clothes, respecting the local culture and customs, and avoiding venturing out alone at night.
• Harihareshwar is a vegetarian-friendly place, as most of the restaurants serve vegetarian food. You can also find some non-vegetarian options, especially seafood, in some places. The local cuisine is mainly Konkani, which is spicy and delicious. Some of the dishes that you can try are solkadhi, kokum sharbat, vada pav, misal pav, modak, puran poli, etc.

Harihareshwar is a perfect destination for those who want to experience a blend of spirituality and nature. It has something for everyone, whether you are a devotee, a beach lover, or an adventurer. So, pack your bags and head to Harihareshwar for a memorable and enjoyable trip.