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Ballaleshwar Ganpati - Pali, Tal. Sudhagad, Dist. Raigad Welcome to . . Pali Ganpati
Named after Ballal, son of Kalyan Shreshthi, from whose `tapasya', Ganesh appeared at pali. The deity is known as Ballaleshwar. Erlier the deity was placed in a wooden temple. The wooden temple was so constructed that the rays of the sun would fall directly on the deity from the two equinoxes of the temple. The temple was reconstructed in 1770 by Morobadada Phadanvis.
The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft. high. Behind the temple, another temple of Ganesh, known as Dhundi Vinayak is situated. The Peshwas had installed the big bell, in the temple which is of Portuguese make. Nearby Pali is Sudhagad which is famous for its hot springs.
Inner sanctum is quite big and is 15 feet high. Outer sanctum is 12 feet high and it has rat idol with Modak in his hands and facing Ganesh. Temple walls are made quite strong by mixing lead with cement while construction.Hall of the temple is 40 feet long and 20 feet broad and it was built by late Shri Krishnaji Ringe in 1910 A.D. Hall is very beautiful with 8 pillars resembling cyprus throne tree. Idol of Vinayaka sitting on stone throne, faces east and its trunk is left turned.The shining diamonds are embedded in the eyes and naval. The background is of silver where one finds Riddhi and Siddhi waving chamaras. Temple complex has a big bell made in Europe.After defeating portuguese in Vasai and Sasthi, Chimaji Appa brought these bells and offered them at different Ashtavinayak places.
Getting there
By Road : Mumbai-Khopoli : 90 kms. Khopoli-Pali : 38 kms. Pali is 13 kms. from Nagothane on Mumbai-Goa highway. By Rail : Panvel, Khopoli By Air : Mumbai, It is in Sudhagad Taluka - near to Nagothane. You can catch bus at Alibag. The place is famous for one of ASHTA-VINAYAKA, Ballaleshwar.It is at a distance of 30 kms. from Karjat.
From Mumbai via Panvel & Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 124 kms. Pali via-Panvel-Pen-Wadkhal-Nagothane & wakhen is at distance of 120 kms.
From Pune via Lonavla & Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 111 kms.
Regular bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune, Khopoli, Karjat & Panvel. The right time to visit : All times are OK except rainy season.

Birla Ganesh Temple Welcome to . . Birla Ganesh Temple

Approx. 20 km from Alibag....My friend forced me to visit this place and I was taken aback..Great place....More or less similar to Hiranandani Garderns, Powai... The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The tranport facilities are OK and affordable to all classes...Don't miss this....
20 Kms. away from Alibag is a small village named ' Salav ' on the Alibag - Roha route. There is a temple on a hill top near Salav village. Vikram Ispat company, a part of Birla udyog group has built this temple called ' Birla Mandir '. This temple is between the Vikram Ispat company and its beautifully located residential colony. It is a temple built in pure milk white marble and its dome can be seen from a long distance also. It can be reached by road or by climbing the steps. While climbing the temple steps one is always mesmerized by the landscape. On both sides of the steps is green velvet carpet of grass and beautiful flowers which will keep you spell bound for a minute.
The temple has marble floors and the hall of the temple is open from all sides. The ceiling of the temple is transparent which allows free flow of air and ample of light to come in. On entering the temple there is a square shaped nave.The nave is also made of marble and is very beautifully carved. The beautifully carved idol of 'Ganapati' is placed the nave. The idols of 'Riddhi and Siddhi' are placed on both sides of idol. Around the nave are small temples of 'Radha-Krishna', 'Shiv-Parvati', 'Bhavanidevi' and 'Suryadeva'. In the the garden next to the temple there is a statue of "Late Aditya Birla".

Around the statue is a beautiful gardened landscape along with colored water fountains. The pleasant climate adds to the beauty of the temple. From the temple hill top the glimpse of the green hill tops surrounding the temple and the lighted Vikram Ispat company on the other side which is a beautiful sight late in the evening. The popularity of this temple has not only in Maharashtra but in and around India also.
Worship and Aarti is done at 9.00 a. m.and 7.00 p. m. everyday. The temple is open for the public from 6.00 a. m.to 11.30 a. m.and 4.30 p. m.to 9.00 p. m.One can always avail the facilities of the auto rickshaws and other private vehicles which regularly ply to this place. It is also possible to travel Alibag - Revdanda by S. T. Bus or eight sitter auto rickshaws and onwards another auto rickshaws.
Getting there
HOW TO GET THEREAir: Nearest airport is Mumbai.Road: 20 kms from Alibag by road

Welcome to . . Sindhudurg Fort

Sindhudurga,

off Malwan, is undoubtedly the most formidable of Shivaji's sea coast constructions. After much research, Shivaji selected the larger of the two outer islands in the bay almost blocked by rocky reefs, actually about half a mile from the Dandi point of the Malwan shore. However, the approach distance of the fortified island, from the harbour, across the narrow channel safe for navigation, between the two smaller islands, measures about a mile. The local name of the selected low mass of rock was Kurte. The construction started on November 25, 1664 and after three years' round the clock endeavour by over six thousand skilled hands of masons, blacksmiths and architects, the massive miraculous fort of Sindhudurga came into being.
According to one record over 200 khandis i.e. 4000 mounds of irons was used for casting the necessary implements and the solid foundation stones were laid down firmly in molten lead. The work was executed under the superintendence of Govind Vishwanath Prabhu of the Kudal Desaee family, with assistance from 100 Portuguese experts. Even Shivaji in person is said to have worked here with his own hands.
Sindhudurga covers an extensive area of 48 acres by almost 2 miles long rampart walls, 29 to 30 feet high and on an average 12 feet thick. The curtain wall is guarded by, apart from the observation towers, 52 enormous imposing semicircular bastions with fine embrasures for cannons. The entrance to the fort is by Dilli Darwaja to the north-east. Water was provided by three wells - Sakharbaun, Dudhbaun and Dahibaun and two tanks for storing rain water. The fort today is permanently inhabited by a small population.
Apart from the customary shrines of Bhawani, Mahadeo, Jarimari and the peculiar South Konkan deity Mahapurush, Sindhudurga enjoys the distinction and also the privilege of having the temple wherein Shivaji's image is worshipped. The Shri Shivchhatrapati temple, the only of it's kind was constructed in 1695 during the reign of Shivaji's son Rajaram. However the round faced image, seated in Yogic Veerasana pose, carved in black rock without beard, but with a strange fisherman like headgear, absolutely in no way bears resemblance with Shivaji's conventional image.

Further on the tower to the north of Dilli gate, are two little domes under which Shivaji's palm and foot prints in dried lime slabs are preserved and of course held in reverence.
The stairs on the left of the photo lead to Shivaji's Handprint and Footprint...
Chain of Forts around Sindhudurga.
The outer defences of Sindhudurga were strengthened by fortifying the neighbouring small island of Padmagad and building the forts of Rajkot and Sarjekot on the mainland, north of the town Malwan. The ruined fort of Padmagad, about a quarter of a mile from the shore, almost gets connected to it at a low ebb by the narrow neck of sand. Padmagad mainly served as the centre for building ships for Shivaji's navy. The fort Rajkot stands on a rising ground within the town limits of Malwan, to its north-west coastal corner. On three sides it is surrounded by sea. Today, it is just an enclosure of dry stones open towards the bay, and flanked at the three corners by traces of ruinous towers.

The second mainland fort Sarjekot, situated 1.5 miles north of Rajkot little beyond the Kolamb Creek in the coastal village of Revandi, is washed on the north by the sea and was once protected on the other three sides by a ditch. It was constructed on a hillock at the mouth of the Kalavali Creek on its south bank, by Shivaji in 1668. The creek which enters seven miles north to Masure and then to north-east reaching Maland, was once navigable. Due to it's zig-zag nature, the creek was convenient for anchoring or even for building ships. But the creek also provided a safe hiding place for pirates.
In the process of fortification around Sindhudurga, apart from the Padmagad-Rajkot-Sarjekot, the forts of Bhagavantagad to the north and Bharatgad to the south of the creek near Masure, as also the forts of Nivti near Kochare and Yashavantgad near Redi on the Terekhol creek, both to the south of Malwan, came into being. This ring of forts rendered the region absolutely safe.

Marleshwar

Welcome to . .Marleshwar, Tal. Sangameshwar Dist. Ratnagiri
On Makar Sankranti every year people of Konkan celebrate 'Marleshwar Yatra' near Devrukh. On this day wedding of God Marleshwar is celebrated. The God of Marol village is known as Marleshwar. The temple is situated in a cave. Near it there is a waterfall of Dhareshwar. It is said that Lord Parshuram did the foundation of the temple.

The wedding of Lord Marleshwar is performed with Goddess 'Girijadevi' of Sakharpa village. There are many snakes in the cave by they have never bitten any of the devotee who came to visit this temple; in the cave, as a result the faith of devotees has increased. The Sahyadri Mountains ranges can be seen from here. This spot is being developed by the govt. as the tourist attraction centre.

The govt. is also planning to make arrangements of accommodation at the footsteps of the cave. It is one of the imp. Tourist visiting place.
How to Reach : From Sangameshwar 38km. From Devrukh 21 km.
Getting there

By Rail : konkan railwayBy Road : National high way 17By Air : Mumbai State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Neral.

Kunkeshwar Welcome to . . .Kunkeshwar

It is famous, both as a picturesque holiday resort and a religious place. The elaborately carved Kunkeshwar Temple was built around 1100 AD, by the Yadava rulers. Visited frequently by Shivaji, the temple is considered as a fine example of contemporary sculpture. Kunkeshwar is also renowned for its coconut, palm and mango plantations and a variety of seafood.

Southwards along the coast, beyond the creek at Mumbri, is a lovely walk all along the rocky slopes. It ends at the temple of Kunkeshwar, a lonely stretch of sand that simply sparkles in the sunlight. You can approach this temple by the road that branches off at Jamsande. The drive has a grand finale when you near the temple and the panorama of undulating fields and swaying palms against the backdrop of a deep blue ocean unfolds beyond your windscreen.

Kokan Railway Time Table

Trivendrum Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
Ernakulam Nizamuddin Mangala Express
Trivendrum Hapa Express
Nagercoil Gandhidham Express
Cochin Rajkot Express
Karwar-Madgaon (DMU)
Mangalore-Madgaon Passenger
Madgaon-Sawantwadi -Diva Passenger
Ratnagiri-Dadar Passenger
Mangalore-Kurla Matsyagandha Express
Trivendrum-Kurla Netravati Express
Madgaon-Mumbai- Kokan Kanya Express
Madgaon-Mumbai Mandavi Express
Vasco Kulem Passenger

Welcome to . . Malgud Ratnagiri

Malgud Ratnagiri
Birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshavsoot. It is a small peaceful village about 1 km. away from Ganpatipule. The poet's house was recently renovated and converted into a student's hostel. The Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavsoot Smarak in memory of this great son-of-the-soil.

Dervan Tal. Chiplun, Dist. Ratnagiri

It is a great historic musium. there are so many sculpture on Shivshai & Peshweshahi. Dont forget to visit this historic musium you will get gistory of maharashtra.
Thousands of tourists come to see the exhibition at Dervan which gives details of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life. Dervan is from Savarada near Chiplun. More than one crore rupees expenditure has incurred on this project & it took 15 years to complete. The coronation, ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj, attack of Shahiste khan, Shivaji's Soldiers, Elephants, Horses and conservation between Samarth Ramdas and Shivaji, all these incidents have been exactly picturised. Sitaram Walawakar built this exhibition. To visit it bus facility is available from Chiplun. Exhibition timings are 8 am to 6 pm. It is a cultural centre from the view point of tourists.

Dervans ShivShilpaShrushti. Konkan region has a lot of attractive spots.. But in a short period of time the place which has become famous is Dervans ShivShilpaShrushti. In Ratnagiri district in Chiplun taluka you can see this structure. This structure had not only been built for Saint SitaramBuva Aatmaram Walvalkar,but it also has paintings of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.By this we come to know about are culture , traditions.SitaramBuva stayed in Dervan and he devoted his life for social activities.Helping the poor people,helping others who need help,etc..He passed away on 18-1-69. To re-live his moments,his efforts for the people,Joshi Maharaj under the guidance of Digambardas Maharaj formed a chariatable trust . This trust had been famous for helping the needy people. He had a great respect for Shivaji Maharaj. With this respect in mind, he formed a Shiv Samartha fort. Shivaji Patkar a famous designer used his all skills to create the ShivShrushti .It took him fifteen years to create it. When you enter the fort the picture which welcomes you is the Mavale who are guarding the fort. At the entrance of the fort two huge elephants welcome you and you can also see the big door. As you open the door there a lot of paintings aand sculptures which atrract us. In the Shiv temple,one can witness the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Sant Tukaram Maharaj,Sant Namdev Maharaj statues are also placed near to the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Besides this Gomata's statue also attract us. In the other sculptures,Chatrapatis crowning ceremony, taking a oath at Rohideshwari, Shivba praying for goddess Jagdamba , Saint Ramdas creating miracles,Shahistekhans defeat ,Afzalkhans defeat, BajiPrabhus PawanKhind, Jijamata pointing finger towards Kondana,etc and all other sculptures are to be seen.all the sculptures are made by cement. On the Mumbai-Goa national highway no.17,on the way to Chiplun a village named Sawarde is located.The route to Dervan goes from this road…From national highway the fort is three to four away , from chiplun it is twelve kms away.The entrance to this is indian dress only. ShivJayanti festival is celebrated in a great style.On that day staying facilitiesare provided .Generally the festival is being celebrated for three days. On other days staying are facilities are not provided ..

Welcome to . . Pawas, Dist. Ratnagiri

Welcome to . . Pawas,
Besides its natural beauty and serenity, Pawas achieved prominence when Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians) had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.

Following the great saint Dnyaneshwari tradition Swami Swarupanand too tried to spread his teachings in the cannon people. Now due to Swami Swarupanandas work Pawas has become a major place of tourists attraction. He made a new big family of devotees all over Maharashtra by chanting the Mantra 'Om Ram Krishna Hari'. He stayed here for a period of 40 years. Pawas is now one of the important holy places of Konkan. Samadhi of Swami Swarupananda is there in the Pawas & also temple has been built for his devotees. The special variety of eatables of Konkan like 'Fanaspoli', Ambapoli, Amras & other different Konkans items are available to the tourists at a very reasonable rate. Near Swarupanandas Samadhi on the Avala tree lord Ganesh Statue has appeared. People definately visit this place & also the house 'Anant Niwas' where Swami Swarupananda stayed. It is 20 km. from Ratnagiri.
Getting there
By Road : Mumbai to Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur to Ganapatipule is 144 kms.By Rail : Nearest Railway Ratnagiri By Air : Mumbai, Ratnagiri
Places to see near by
Malgud
Marleshwar
Jaigad Fort
Dervan
Ratnagiri
Parshuram
Velneshwar

Ganpatipule (गणपती पुळे in Marathi)

Ganapatipulé (गणपती पुळे in Marathi) is a small town located in the district of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The town of Chiplun is to its north. According to local folklore, the Hindu god - Ganapati गणपती, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé पुळे (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé.

A clean and breathtaking clear-water beach is one of the main attractions for tourists, along with the Ganapati Temple. The Hindu temple is reconstructed in special Rajasthani style stones and look, and attracts thousands of devotees from all parts of Maharashtra, other states, and foreigners. The seashore is lined with a number of low budget cottages and frequented by many as a cheap getaway. Ganapatipule has a Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) resort as well along with other privately operated resorts and home stays. MTDC resort also offers bamboo house stay and tents and offers small boats for rides. Maharashtrian pickles, seafood, coconuts and mangoes are some of the gustatory delicacies in the town. A nearby place called Paawas is known for its spiritual importance.

Malgund - Birthplace of Kavi 'Keshavsut' the famous Marathi poet

Malgund is famous as the birthplace of famous marathi poet 'Kavi Keshavsut' he was born here in 1866. He is termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a very beautiful monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The Memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature.

Reaching there
The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport.
By Road: While moving towards Ratnagiri, on Mumbai Goa National Highway No. 17 (NH-17), after Sangameshwar a small village placed on this highway is Nivali. From Nivali one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule (32kms). Alternatively, one can continue on NH-17 till Hathkhamba (Nivali - Hathkhamba: 4kms) and then take a right turn to go to Ganapatipule. Ample number of State Transport buses are available from Ratnagiri bus depot. Frequency is good for fast journeys. Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses.
By Rail: There is no railway station at Ganapatipule. One has to get down either at Ratnagiri station or at Karbude. All the express and local trains stops at Ratnagiri, being a city. Karbude is a small village and only passenger trains will stop.