We were looking for quick 2 days monsoon trip to the beach. Considering time and distance, we decided to visit Diveagar and try to explore the Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar area. I have been to Diveagar and Harihareshwar a few years back so aware of route and places.
Travellers for this trip were me and Renuka
About Diveagar, Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar:
Shrivardhan is Taluka city located in the coastal region. It is also a birthplace of first Peshwa Balaji Visvanath.
Harihareshwar was blessed by Lord Shiva and famous for Lord Shiva Temple.
Diveagar is village which is famous for a weekend beach destination. It was famous for Suvarna (Gold) Ganesh Temple but unfortunately, an idol made up of gold was stolen in the year 2012. All 3 destination is famous for its beautiful beaches.
The best route to reach Diveagar is Pune – Paud Gaon – Mulashi – Tamhini Ghat – Nijampur – Mangaon – Right turn after Mangaon ST stand – Mhasala – Diveagar.
Day 1: 25 June 2017: Pune to Harihareshwar to Diveagar:
We woke by 5-5:30 and left home at 6 AM. We took Tamhini route. There was light rain shower till Mulashi. We had breakfast at Quick Bite restaurant. A Little bit high in price but serves quality food. We took multiple pit stop to enjoy the monsoon nature and waterfalls. Water flow was limited due to the start of monsoon season.
We decided to visit Harihareshwar first and then stay at Diveagar. If time permits then we planned to visit Shrivardhan and nearby places. Shades of Paddy green field and beautiful nature in monsoon makes your journey more pleasant. We reached Harihareshwar by 11 AM.
Harihareshwar temple was crowded by tourist when we reach. Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. Temple is surrounded by Holy hills named as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv and Parvati. Temple and nearby area have huge mythology history associated with it. Pradakshina (Parikrama) route is unique and interesting. It starts behind the temple.you need to climb a small hill and then get down from another side. Take a walk around the rocky coastal hilly area which is exposed to strong sea waves and wind. Parikrama becomes very risky during high tide as entire path is covered by sea waves with the strong water current. For monsoon, the route is closed for safety reasons. Harihareshwar Beach was covered with sea due to monsoon high tide.
We left for a destination after temple visit. It was 1 PM in clock and we were looking for a restaurant. We reached Shrivardhan and took a lunch break at restaurant Prasad. It is famous for seafood and always full of tourists. There is enough parking space available.
After tasty seafood. We reached Aaravi village. We checked Pratima resort for stay but Manager/Caretaker refused our stay even though rooms were available. He told us that, there is no other guest for Sunday night stay and he has to appoint all staff just for 2 guest which is not cost effective. We were ok with his valid reason. We like the property which was located close to Beach.
We began our journey towards Diveagar. You cannot miss Aaravi beach (Also known as Kondivali beach) while driving to Diveagar via coastal highway. The road is not in good condition but drives along the sea is pleasant. Aaravi village is located on the southern point of beach whereas Kondivali village is on the northern side of the beach. Hence it is known by both names. Beach towards Kondivali is Rocky. We took a pit stop here and then left for Diveagar.
We reached Diveagar by 3 PM and searched hotels for stay. We finalised Hotel Cocohut who offered us good discounted deal. The hotel has AC rooms and very small Swimming pool. Hospitality was good and all staff was helpful. We had rest and then went for walk on the beach which was within walking distance from Hotel. We had dinner in hotel's restaurant and the food was Average. They need to add Konkani food which was missing in Menu.
Expenses:
Day 2: 26 June 2017: Diveagar to Shrivardhan - Pune:
Heavy rain from early morning forced us to stay in the room. By 8 AM, heavy rain stopped and I went on the beach for walk/jog. Breakfast was complimentary with stay and food was good.
After heavy breakfast, we went to the beach. Due to high tide, entire beach was covered by waves. Diveagar beach is famous for its wide width and safety factor for swimming. Due to the monsoon, sea waves was ruling on the beach. There were limited Watersports available on each. Water is muddy and water current was strong. We prefer to enjoy the monsoon mood from distance rather than entertaining into the water.
We returned to the hotel and did check out in the noon. We visited Rupnarayan temple which is located close to the beach. Vishu Idol is very old and it is in form of Dashavatar. Idol is beautifully carved in black Sagamravari stone. As per history, the temple was built between year 800 to 1300. Madhavrao Peshwa used to visit this temple along with his wife Ramabai Peshwa.
After Rupnarayan temple, we visited Suvarn (Made up of Gold), Ganesh Temple. This was the main attraction of Diveagar. On the special day of November 17th, 1997 (Sankashti Chaturthi as per the Hindu calendar), a villager found a copper box in few feet below farming land. When the box was opened, they Ganesh idol made up of pure gold and ornaments belonging to Lord. This discovery has turned the village into Holy place.
Unfortunately, gold idol and Ornaments were stolen in March 2012. Thieves killed two security guards as well. Later thieves were captured but gold idol and ornaments were melted. Currently, the temple is under renovation and original rock base idol is placed in the temple.
We had a tasty meal at Bapat Khanaval. It is famous for typically pure veg Konkani meal and Modak as sweet. After Lunch, we left Diveagar.
Our last destination was Shrivardhan. This is known as one of the oldest towns from Maharastra. It is also a birthplace of first Peshwa Balaji Visvanath. Now Peshwa temple is built at the birth place. The town is also popular beach destination. Recently beach is developed with a beautiful walkway along the beach. There are few view points built and benches for relaxation. We spend the remaining afternoon on the beach.
We left Shrivardhan by 5 PM. We choose Tamhini Route for our return journey. Tamhini Ghat welcomed us with Heavy rainfall. We reached home safely by 9:30-10 PM
Expenses:
Travellers for this trip were me and Renuka
 |
| Diveagar Beach |
About Diveagar, Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar:
Shrivardhan is Taluka city located in the coastal region. It is also a birthplace of first Peshwa Balaji Visvanath.
Harihareshwar was blessed by Lord Shiva and famous for Lord Shiva Temple.
Diveagar is village which is famous for a weekend beach destination. It was famous for Suvarna (Gold) Ganesh Temple but unfortunately, an idol made up of gold was stolen in the year 2012. All 3 destination is famous for its beautiful beaches.
The best route to reach Diveagar is Pune – Paud Gaon – Mulashi – Tamhini Ghat – Nijampur – Mangaon – Right turn after Mangaon ST stand – Mhasala – Diveagar.
Day 1: 25 June 2017: Pune to Harihareshwar to Diveagar:
We woke by 5-5:30 and left home at 6 AM. We took Tamhini route. There was light rain shower till Mulashi. We had breakfast at Quick Bite restaurant. A Little bit high in price but serves quality food. We took multiple pit stop to enjoy the monsoon nature and waterfalls. Water flow was limited due to the start of monsoon season.
We decided to visit Harihareshwar first and then stay at Diveagar. If time permits then we planned to visit Shrivardhan and nearby places. Shades of Paddy green field and beautiful nature in monsoon makes your journey more pleasant. We reached Harihareshwar by 11 AM.
Harihareshwar temple was crowded by tourist when we reach. Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. Temple is surrounded by Holy hills named as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv and Parvati. Temple and nearby area have huge mythology history associated with it. Pradakshina (Parikrama) route is unique and interesting. It starts behind the temple.you need to climb a small hill and then get down from another side. Take a walk around the rocky coastal hilly area which is exposed to strong sea waves and wind. Parikrama becomes very risky during high tide as entire path is covered by sea waves with the strong water current. For monsoon, the route is closed for safety reasons. Harihareshwar Beach was covered with sea due to monsoon high tide.
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| Parikrama Route, Harihareshwar |
 |
| Harihareshwar Beach |
We left for a destination after temple visit. It was 1 PM in clock and we were looking for a restaurant. We reached Shrivardhan and took a lunch break at restaurant Prasad. It is famous for seafood and always full of tourists. There is enough parking space available.
After tasty seafood. We reached Aaravi village. We checked Pratima resort for stay but Manager/Caretaker refused our stay even though rooms were available. He told us that, there is no other guest for Sunday night stay and he has to appoint all staff just for 2 guest which is not cost effective. We were ok with his valid reason. We like the property which was located close to Beach.
 |
| Aaravi Beach OR Kondivali Beach |
We began our journey towards Diveagar. You cannot miss Aaravi beach (Also known as Kondivali beach) while driving to Diveagar via coastal highway. The road is not in good condition but drives along the sea is pleasant. Aaravi village is located on the southern point of beach whereas Kondivali village is on the northern side of the beach. Hence it is known by both names. Beach towards Kondivali is Rocky. We took a pit stop here and then left for Diveagar.
 |
| Aaravi Beach OR Kondivali Beach |
 |
| Aaravi Beach OR Kondivali Beach |
We reached Diveagar by 3 PM and searched hotels for stay. We finalised Hotel Cocohut who offered us good discounted deal. The hotel has AC rooms and very small Swimming pool. Hospitality was good and all staff was helpful. We had rest and then went for walk on the beach which was within walking distance from Hotel. We had dinner in hotel's restaurant and the food was Average. They need to add Konkani food which was missing in Menu.
Expenses:
- Car petrol: INR 1000/-
- No toll on this route
- Breakfast at Quick Bite: INR 370/- (Poha at 70, Cheese Dosa at 120, watermelon juice at 90)
- Parking at Harihareshwar: INR 40/-
- Coconut water: INR 60/- for 2
- Car parking near restaurant Prasad: INR 30/-
- Lunch at Restaurant Prasad: INR 400/- (Prawns Meal at 180 and buttermilk at 10 each)
- Hotel stay: INR 2500/- for 1 night (standard rates are INR 4000/- to 4500/-)
- Dinner: INR 670/- (non-veg soups, Masala Papad, pomfret fry, Veg dish and Rotis)
Day 2: 26 June 2017: Diveagar to Shrivardhan - Pune:
Heavy rain from early morning forced us to stay in the room. By 8 AM, heavy rain stopped and I went on the beach for walk/jog. Breakfast was complimentary with stay and food was good.
After heavy breakfast, we went to the beach. Due to high tide, entire beach was covered by waves. Diveagar beach is famous for its wide width and safety factor for swimming. Due to the monsoon, sea waves was ruling on the beach. There were limited Watersports available on each. Water is muddy and water current was strong. We prefer to enjoy the monsoon mood from distance rather than entertaining into the water.
 |
| Diveagar Beach |
We returned to the hotel and did check out in the noon. We visited Rupnarayan temple which is located close to the beach. Vishu Idol is very old and it is in form of Dashavatar. Idol is beautifully carved in black Sagamravari stone. As per history, the temple was built between year 800 to 1300. Madhavrao Peshwa used to visit this temple along with his wife Ramabai Peshwa.
 |
| Rupa Narayan Temple, Diveagar |
After Rupnarayan temple, we visited Suvarn (Made up of Gold), Ganesh Temple. This was the main attraction of Diveagar. On the special day of November 17th, 1997 (Sankashti Chaturthi as per the Hindu calendar), a villager found a copper box in few feet below farming land. When the box was opened, they Ganesh idol made up of pure gold and ornaments belonging to Lord. This discovery has turned the village into Holy place.
Unfortunately, gold idol and Ornaments were stolen in March 2012. Thieves killed two security guards as well. Later thieves were captured but gold idol and ornaments were melted. Currently, the temple is under renovation and original rock base idol is placed in the temple.
We had a tasty meal at Bapat Khanaval. It is famous for typically pure veg Konkani meal and Modak as sweet. After Lunch, we left Diveagar.
 |
| Veg Meal |
Our last destination was Shrivardhan. This is known as one of the oldest towns from Maharastra. It is also a birthplace of first Peshwa Balaji Visvanath. Now Peshwa temple is built at the birth place. The town is also popular beach destination. Recently beach is developed with a beautiful walkway along the beach. There are few view points built and benches for relaxation. We spend the remaining afternoon on the beach.
 |
| Shrivandhan Beach |
 |
| Shrivardhan Beach |
 |
| Shrivardhan Beach |
We left Shrivardhan by 5 PM. We choose Tamhini Route for our return journey. Tamhini Ghat welcomed us with Heavy rainfall. We reached home safely by 9:30-10 PM
Expenses:
- Breakfast: Complimentary
- Coconut water: INR 50/- for 2
- Maggi at beach: INR 30/-
- Lunch at Bapat Khanaval: INR 305/- for 2 people (Veg meal at 120, Modak each at 15, Solkadi at 10, Shrikhand at 25)
- Dinner: At home
The contact number for your reference:
I will try to upload more and more travel blogs. Thanks for reading this Travel Blog.
- Cocohut Hotel: http://www.cocohut.in
- Pratima Beach Resort: Mangesh 9028388642.
- Bapat khanaval: +919423837967.
- Hotel Prasad, Shrivardhan: 02147-222445, +919623155551.
I will try to upload more and more travel blogs. Thanks for reading this Travel Blog.
Pritesh Kulkarni
Pune
