Janjira Sea Fort

One of the most historically sea forts of India in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.

It was built during 17th century.

There were 500 canons in the fort but only a few of them still exist.

In the year 1736, Siddis of Murud-Janjira set out in a battle with the forces of Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao. On April 1736, Maratha warrior Chimaji Appa attacked the gathering forces in the encampments of the Siddis near Rewas. When the confrontation ended, 1500 Siddis, including their leader Siddi Sat, were killed.

However Janjira remained unconquered until it became part of Indian territory after independence from the British in 1947.

Harihareshwar Temple, Beache

Harihareshwar is a town in Raigad district, in Maharashtra, India. It is surrounded by three hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal and Pushpadri.

Harihareshwar Temple complex has two adjacent temples. The smaller Kalbhairav temple is expected to be visited first, before entering the main Harihareshwar temple housing an ancient Shiva Linga. A pradakshina route goes around the temple, along the sea shore. It is not advisable to go on this route during high tide.

Harihareshwar, along with Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach forms a popular weekend beach destination from Pune (190 km) and Mumbai (210 km).

Rupnarayan Mandir Diveagar

Rupnarayan or Roopnarayan Temple is located near Diveagar beach in Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is a very old mandir or temple which dates back 13th century built and reigned under Shilahar Dynasty. The old temple is in ruins and in its place close a new temple is built which is made of red laterite stone or Chira stone which is widely used in Raigad Ratnagiri region of Konkan. The temple is very beautiful and looks like Rajasthani style of creation with a stone step well on its side. The temple complex is small but in a very beautiful place amidst dense trees and sea closeby.

The temple complex consist of two big temples, a ruin old temple, a step well and a pillar for lighting diyas. The temple holds the deity of Lord Vishnu. The idol is carved in black marble or black sangamravari rock. The beautifully carved rock has Vishnu holding lotus, chakra, weapon and a shell having a dashavatar (10 avatars). Rupnarayan Mandir and Swarna Ganesh Mandir (Golden Ganesh Temple) are nearby to each other.

Kuda Caves

Kuda Caves are located in the small village of Kuda, on the eastern side of the north shore of Murud-Janjira in south Konkan, India. These fifteen Buddhist caves are small, simple, and were excavated in first century BCE.

The verandah of Chaitya has several reliefs of the Buddha, carved with symbols of lotus, wheel and Nagas. Later in 5th/6th century CE, the Buddhist branch of the Mahayana took over the caves and added their sculptures. The first cave has ancient writing on its wall. The sixth cave entrance is adorned with elephants.

The thirty inscriptions describe donations by lay Buddhists and Buddhist monks. Other donors include an iron monger, a banker, a gardener, a writer, physician, a flower vendor and a minister.

Shrivardhan Beach

Shrivardhan is located in Raigad District of State of Maharashtra. Shrivardhan Beach is a municipal council developed into a seaside beach resort.

The taluka of Shriwardhan is an ancient place of historical importance and is mentioned as being visited by Arjuna Pandav in his pilgrimage.

Most of the people are engaged in fishing and agriculture, with fish being a popular offering for tourism. Shriwardhan is mostly covered with mango and coconut trees. The city is home to many hotels and resorts, and is popular as a destination for weekend getaways and group picnics.

Raigad Ropeway

Established in 1996, The Raigad Ropeway project is a non-profit endeavour, being the only one of its kind in India which provides passenger transportation to Raigad fort.

Raigad fort has considerable national importance as it is the final resting place of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The approach to the fort had been an hour of trek on foot before the ropeway started its operation.

The ropeway makes this site relatively more accessible and also less time consuming. The Raigad Ropeway traverses a diagonal length of 760 meters and a steep ascent of 420 meters, in less than 4 minutes. It passes through lush green flora criss-crossed with waterfalls and steep peaks which makes the ride more beautiful along with the thrill of ascending over a height of 700 meters.