Dear Friends,
As we all know kokan is a hidden paradise. nature gave its extreme beauty to this region. we tried to capture some of it through our lenses. we visited dapoli and click some very good photos of Kehavraj Temple, Wyaghrshwar Temple, Anjarle Hill Sunset Point and Harney Port.
this region is having a very good potential for photo tourism, we are trying to promote this concept in kokan.........
Go through the locations we visited in this tour
Anjarle Hill Sunset Point
Anjarle Hill Sunset PointWhile visitng Dapoli. Anjarle is the most visited location by toutist. the Temple of Ganesha ia known as Kayawarcha Ganpati as the temple is located at the edge of the Hill. while visting this temple you are going through one of the most beautifull location in kokan ( Anjarle Sunset Point) it is on Dapoli - Kelshi Road (Harney Bypass), exactly at the top of the Harney Hill. one can see the beautiful & heartbreaking view of sunset..........
Keshavraj Temple, AsudShree Keshavraj temple is located amidst lush green land, a perennial stream and rolling hills. You can park your car on the Asud Bag road and take a 15 minute trek through coconut, betel nut, mango and cashew trees to reach here. The natural spring originates at the hill top and flows down to the front of the temple supplying water to the stone carved cow mouth (Gomukh) throughout the year. The surroundings are calm and tranquil interrupted only by the harmonious chirping of birds. Sculpture at Wyaghreshwar Temple
Way to Keshavraj Temple, Asud
Wyaghreshwar TempleShree Vyaghreshwar temple lies on the riverbank and is about 1000 years old. You cannot but marvel at the wonderful Hemadpanthi style architecture. A congregation hall leads to the sanctum (Gabhara) which houses a Swayambhu (self-emerged) Shivling. The canopy outside the sanctum is supported on wooden carved pillars. A large sculpture of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva stands in front. The platform of this temple has sculptures of dancers. There is also a small temple of Kalbhairav. Shree Vyaghreshwar is the family God (Kuladaiwat) of many Chitpavan Kokanastha Brahmins, mainly the Ranades. The entire temple premises are surrounded by a massive stone wall and hills that provide protection from natural disasters. Just outside this wall is a temple of Shree Zolai Devi, the guardian goddess of the village. The beautiful Shree Vyaghreshwar temple is also well known for its reference in the Marathi Novel and movie “Garambicha Bapu”.
Harnei Port
Harnai port is the main fishing village. Every evening hundreds of fishing boats come back after fishing and gather to auction their catch. The fish auction is the essential trade step between fish landings and the trade. Business worth lakhs of rupees is carried out daily between 4 pm to 7 pm. Loads and loads of Pomfret, kingfish, mackerel, white jumbo prawns, lobsters, squids, sting rays and many more varieties of fish are auctioned and sent to Mumbai, Cochin as well as exported to the international market. You can also participate into the fish auction and bid for fish of your choice. It is an unforgettable experience for all seafood lovers. Watching fish auctions has become one of the major tourist attractions at Harnai.
From temples to beaches and ancient forts, Harnai has it all. It houses four fortsviz. Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg, Goa Fort and Fategad. Suvarnadurg is a shore fort and surrounded by sea on all sides. It was conquered and refurbished by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. It was also a base for the Maratha navy ship-building facility. Suvarnadurg fort was the base for Kanhojee Angrey who was the chief of Maratha Navy. Kanhojee Angrey spent his childhood in Suvarnadurg fort, of which he was later the Governor. He set up powerful fleet of warships to protect the western coast of Konkan from British, French, Dutch and Portuguese attacks. Suvarnadurg fort is a landmark in Konkan.
Panhalekaji
Panhalekaji, the famous rock-cut caves are situated on the bank of the river Kotjai which further meets the Dabhol creek.
These historical manmade caves are believed to be more than 1000 years old and are the great examples of ancient cultural and architecture. There are a total 29 rock cut-caves, both big and small spread along the river bank. You can find Buddhist as well as Hindu religious rock hewn sculptures similar to Anjantha caves. There are sculptures of Ganesh, Saraswati and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana on the walls.
The carvings in these rock-cut caves create a unique blend of history of that period and natural beauty. It may take couple of hours to see all these caves in detail. One can also relax in the shadow of Mango trees, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river or simply stop and admire the outstanding scenery that this area has to offer. You can also take a walk along the river bank to enjoy the flora and fauna on both sides. Jungle covered mountains lie on both sides of the river. There is also a fort called "Pranaldurg" at top of the mountain. Every visitor feels in harmony with the nature, which breathtakingly unfolds around the river. In this remote area you can see variety of birds flying around and you may also get chance to spot Asian river otters.
