This document provides an overview and itinerary for a monsoon trip to the coastal towns of Shrivardhan, Harihareshwar, and Diveagar in Maharashtra. Harihareshwar is known for its 16th century beachside temple and pristine beaches. Nearby attractions include the beaches of Shrivardhan and the golden Ganesh mask housed in the Suvarnaganesh Temple in Diveagar. The document describes transportation options and highlights things to see like Tamhini Ghat, Kalbhairav Shiva Temple, and the scenic coastal Pradakshina trail.

1. Monsoon Trip 2012
Shrivardhan-Harihareshwar-Diveagar
Overview
A small town located 200 km from Mumbai, Harihareshwar had long been popular as
an important pilgrimage town. It was only a few years ago that it gained the
reputation of a quiet weekend getaway from Mumbai. The 16th century temple at
Harihareshwar is located right on the beach. And it is these beaches which has made
it popular with citywallahs looking for an escape. Long, shallow and wide, these
pristine beaches are ideal for swimming. The backdrop of the Konkan coastline adds
its own charm to this scene.
Such is the importance of the temple located here, that Harihareshwar is also known
as the Kashi of the South. The hill on the seashore at Harihareshwar is also known as
'Harihar' or 'Pushpadri'. The temple consists of idols of Brahma ‐ Vishnu ‐ Mahesh
and Devi Parvati. The other temples in the premises are of Shri Kalbhairav and Shri
Yogeshwari. The sacred Harihareshwar is surrounded by four holy hills, namely,
Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. One important thing to
keep in mind is that cell phones do not work at Harihareshwar. There are some STD
booths near the temple, and you may have to ask if they work. So rest assured, your
holidays are going to be mobile‐free.
Harihareshwar is usually coupled with a trip to Shrivardhan (19 km) or Dive Agar (25
km) – small towns known for
their beaches...
How to reach Harihareshwar
Bus: Harihareshwar state owned road transport buses from nearby towns connect
Harihareshwar. Private buses services run from Mumbai (205 km).
Train: Harihareshwar is connected to Mumbai and Pune by rail. The nearest railhead
to Harihareshwar is Mangaon (65 km) on the Konkan Railway line.
Flight: Mumbai (at a distance of 220 km) is the nearest airport to Harihareshwar.

2. Things to do and see in Harihareshwar
Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini ghat is one of
the most beautiful ghats in Konkan area. Tamhini ghat connects Konkan to Dekkan
Plateau. The famous holy godess Vinzai Devi temple is situated near the Eastern
enroute to Tamhini Ghat. Rocky Mountains, Tricky Ghat sections, Waterfalls, Bhira &
Pawna Dam are a few places of interest to the tourists.
Shrivardhan Beach
White sands which spread for miles on either side – that is the beauty of the
Shrivardhan beach. The expanse of the sea is a turquoise blue and there usually you
will find some college kids playing football in the water. The shores are clean and the
water shallow which makes it ideal for swimming.

3. Dive Agar
Dive Agar is a coastal village and boasts of a great beach. Dive Agar is about 6 km
from Shrivardhan and about 25 km from Harihareshwar. The place is famous for its
Ganapati Temple and the gold mask of Lord Ganesha. It is said that the gardens of
Draupadi Dharma Patil in the small village of Dive Agar yielded more than vegetables
when workers uncovered a meter‐long copper box two years ago. Inside was a 3.3‐
pound, 1.25‐foot high solid gold Ganesha mask, dating from the 17th century. The
discovery has turned the village into a holy place, with pilgrims visiting from far to
see the exquisite artifact. The magnificence of the gold mask is awe‐inspiring.
Photography is totally prohibited but pictures are available inside the temple itself.
Suvarnaganesha (Golden Ganesh)
Temple: History of Suvarnaganesha
is quite fascinating. It was on the
special day of November 17th, 1998
(Sankashti Chaturthi as per the
Hindu calendar) that there was
found a copper box beneath the
earth. It was weighing 30 kilos in a
coconut cultivation near the
temple.
The box was muddy as it was buried
and looked ancient. It had some
words written from the 10 century
in Sanskrit. This incident attracted
all the mob from the Diveagar
village. This was the second incident
that an ancient piece of history was
found, as earlier there was found a
"Tamraptra" at the same place.
when the box was opened in
presence of Govt Officials, there was
a sculpture of Lord Ganesh made out of pure gold. Also the box contained
ornaments belonging to Lord Ganesha. It was then that the god was named
"Suvarnaganesh".
Suvarnaganesh is a complete idol of Lord Ganesha,but a sculpture of pure 24 caret
gold.Its weighted 1 kilo and 300grams,with height of 24 inches. It is said that this
sculpture was created to mask some Lord Ganesh stone idol, which was earlier in the
temple. However its still a puzzle as to who has buried it and for what reason. But
people of Diveagar have tremendous faith in Suvarnagensh and that the god is
blessing the place with prosperity.
Kalbhairav Shiva Temple
This 16th century Shiva temple has long been revered as a holy site. Its many
temples have given Harihareshwar the nickname of the Kashi of the South. The
complex consists of the Gayatri Tirth, Sita Sansar, Vishnu Pad, Pandav Tirth and 101
Kaurav Astitva temples. The other temples in the premises are of Shri Kalbhairav and
Shri Yogeshwari. A visit to Harihareshwar is complete only after the pradakshina of

4. the temples. The pradakshina is a path around the temple which climbs a hill, into
the sea and around the shoreline and then back to the temple. The Pradakshina trail
is a steady climb with rock cut steps, winding up to about 200 feet. Then there is a
descent of another flight of rock cut steps which lead out to the sea. There is a flat
table top ledge with overhanging rocks eroded by the ever battering waves of the
sea during high tides. It is not advisable to enter into this area when the tides are
high. Pradakshina can be done when the tide is low. The Gayatri Tirth lies to the right
of the rocky face of the hillock, just as you enter the pradakshina area. From here,
the ledge flares appreciably, giving a majestic view of the jagged rocky wall on the
right and the chopping sea on the left. The sunset is very spectacular from this point.
The rest of the pradakshina can be completed in about 15 minutes.

5. Where to Eat? (Just for reference)
Suhas Bapat’s Khanaval: This is a truly amazing place with awesome food. You will
be served authentic maharastrian food with Modak. The contact number is:
09423837967, 09271127337. you need to call in the morning before 9:00 AM or
better on previous day and confirm your order. Ad‐hoc visits will leave you
disappointed. Once you visit Ganesh Mandir, stay straight on the same road till you
see signboard for a Speedbreaker. Bapat's house is on your right near to Marathi
School.
Suvarnaganesh Khanaval: Contact Anant Parker : 952147 – 225045. Very near to
Pinakin Hotel and Ambience cottages (by walk 10 min): Good Sea Food (Pomfret /
Surmai). Fish Thali for Rs 150.
There are many such places in Diveagar where you can taste homely authentic
Konkani Food. But you need to inform them in advance. There are not many
restaurants / mess where you can just walk‐in and have food.
Travel Plan
Here is the tentative list of items would be done in the trip
July 14, 2012
7:00 am Starting point ‐ Vashi Highway
9:00 am Breakfast
11:00 am Tamhini Ghat (Waterfalls & Sightseeing)
‐‐ Lunch
‐‐ Journey to Shrivardhan beach
‐‐ Journey to Harihareshwar for stay
‐‐ Dinner
July 15, 2012
9:00 am Breakfast
‐‐ Temples in Harihareshwar (Kalbhairav Shiva Temple)
‐‐ Sightseeing on Harihareshwar beach
‐‐ Journey to Dive Agar Suvarnaganesha (Golden Ganesh) Temple:
‐‐ Pali Ganesh temple (if time is available)
10:30 pm Reach Mumbai safely
* Please note the above table represents just the details of the trip travel locations. The time
may vary.